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Pancreatic cancer with liver mets: Anyone have an unrelenting cough?
Diagnosed 16 months ago with adenocarcinoma of pancreas with liver metas, symptoms driving me to Dr were weight loss and severe cough. (CT of chest found liver mass). 9 months of chemo stopped the cough, and shrunk the tumors, stopped because of severe neuropathy, tumors grew, had nanoknife procedure, liver tumors grew, started new chemo without effect and Cough is back! Severe, debilitating, dry cough. Can't find the source. Put on steroid and started KRAS inhibitors. Tumors have stopped growing, labs and weight are good. But the cough is relentless. Anyone else have a cough like this? My Dr says he has not known of cough with pancreatic cancer and the tumor doesn't push on diaphragm. GI says reflux wouldn't cause a cough like this. Lung evaluations are good. Please share if you have any advice. Thanks.
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Since the lung evaluation has apparently been normal, I would consider asking for evaluation by a pulmonologist who specializes in chronic cough, and possibly an ENT evaluation of the larynx. Depending on what has already been done, the doctors might consider pulmonary-function testing, review of the chest CT specifically for subtle lymphangitic/pleural disease, evaluation for reflux or aspiration, and whether CT pulmonary angiography is appropriate if there is any suspicion of a clot. Chronic unexplained cough sometimes requires looking beyond a standard lung examination.
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3 Reactions@carlajones101, I agree with @mcharlesfrancis that it might help to consult with a pulmonologist and/or ENT.
Has the cough changed since you last posted? How are you doing?
Hello, I don’t have advice but my mom has similar conditions. Metastasized to liver, on KRAS clinical trial since January. Tumors shrunk and been holding steady. No tumors in lungs, but has had a cough for a few months. It is not bad all the time. Been through rounds of antibiotics and steroids but nothing really clears it. Thought it might be allergies, but it has not cleared for a while and since it’s not too bad no one is very concerned about it. But it is certainly not comfortable and one more thing for her to deal with. Sorry you are dealing with it!
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2 ReactionsHe had to.stop the trial for kras and is waiting for the approved meds. He ruled out reflux and goes Tuesday to ENT/cough specialist. One person mentioned a para-neoplastic panel to see if cancer is producing a hormone because of correlation with the cancer (gone after response to chemo and back with tumor growth) but others say neurogenic viral response but whatever it is it is brutal and constant, like something is tickling or stimulating cough center in brain. Meanwhile need to get the KRAS inhibitor, awaiting insurance/pharmacy ????
Will keep u posted! Thanks to all!