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PennyK

(2,317 posts)
12. Something new in my mix
Wed Sep 7, 2016, 12:42 PM
Sep 2016

I've been experiencing shortness of breath for oh, maybe a month or so. It's complicated, but the basics are that I was a long-term smoker and that my PET scan back in March did show some emphysema (I had never shown any symptoms).
I had an infection about two months ago and serious sore throat...I was prescribed a Z-pack and there was no follow-up.
A month ago, the shortness of breath slowly started happening. I went to an Urgent Care facility, the medic said it sounded like bronchitis, and he gave me another Z-pack and an inhaler. Over the next weeks, the shortness became worse and much more frequent. I was using the inhaler more often than I was supposed to, and I wasn't getting as much relief.
I finally saw a pulmonologist yesterday. She ordered a X-ray, and a pulmonary function test (in a few weeks, when I'm more healed up), and gave me Symbicort and an emergency inhaler. The Symbicort is really good, really makes a huge difference.
Until we see what's going on in there, it's a mystery as to whether it's emphysema, bronchitis, or who-the-hell-knows. It feels like a giant congestion in there to me.
My doctor said that even though chemo for breast cancer isn't specifically known to damage the lungs, it does take a toll on everything.
Meanwhile, I see my surgeon tomorrow, and I think I'm finally getting my frikkin' drain out!!!!! I'm planning a party night, what with BBC America celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek LOL. Did you know the Post Office just issued stamps in its honor? LLAP!

Recommendations

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Yeah! Great to hear everything has gone well. Soon - moonscape Aug 2016 #1
So good to hear. Keep your spirits up, and your Hubster busy. :) alfredo Aug 2016 #2
You've a great attitude and that is wonderful! Solly Mack Aug 2016 #3
What are ya using for pain management? dixiegrrrrl Aug 2016 #4
I'm actually not in pain PennyK Aug 2016 #5
Glad it went well! Ms. Toad Aug 2016 #6
I feel great, but... PennyK Aug 2016 #7
I, too, was surprised at how quickly I bounced back shrike Aug 2016 #8
Not yet PennyK Aug 2016 #9
Hey hey hey PennyK Sep 2016 #10
Yay! Ms. Toad Sep 2016 #11
I found the answer. PennyK Sep 2016 #14
Ah. All sorts of variables in the mix. Ms. Toad Sep 2016 #18
Thank you PennyK Sep 2016 #20
Something new in my mix PennyK Sep 2016 #12
Now I've got a big old Ace bandage around my chest PennyK Sep 2016 #13
Back to my surgeon tomorrow PennyK Sep 2016 #15
One more day PennyK Sep 2016 #16
I'm FREE PennyK Sep 2016 #17
BEST garment so far PennyK Sep 2016 #19
Things are proceeding apace PennyK Sep 2016 #21
Some good news PennyK Sep 2016 #22
Brief break in the action PennyK Sep 2016 #23
I started my Xarelto today PennyK Oct 2016 #24
So, no radiation just yet! PennyK Oct 2016 #25
So apparently herceptin alone has its own side effects PennyK Oct 2016 #26
Thank you for sharing your ongoing experiences ... slipslidingaway Oct 2016 #27
I just started radiation PennyK Oct 2016 #28
Good Luck! Ms. Toad Oct 2016 #29
I go for my 2nd herceptin tomorrow PennyK Oct 2016 #30
So, I had to make a stink, but... PennyK Oct 2016 #31
Well, I got the leg cramps again PennyK Oct 2016 #32
Leg cramps at night -- ugh PennyK Oct 2016 #33
Continuing treatment PennyK Oct 2016 #34
This message was self-deleted by its author PennyK Nov 2016 #35
Doing well with my radiation PennyK Nov 2016 #36
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