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What Causes Coughing Up Blood While Suffering From Pancreatic Cancer?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016

Question: I was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in October which has snce spread to peritonal cavity, lungs, cancer, stomach. Cancer fluid has infiltrated lungs and i am short of breath even at rest tonight. I cough up black blood on and off. However it is very heavy tonight. BP 90/ 54. I also had PE in January being trated with Xeralto. I have DNR. What is causing so much black blood? Should I contact doctor, tonight?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. You should immediately contact emergency

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. You have got low blood pressure and you are coughing blood. it is a medical emergency,
The cause of blood in cough is either due to a side effect of Xeralto or due to tumor itself.
it requires investigation and supportive care like cough suppressants and fresh plasma transfusion.
Please visit your doc immediately. Hold xeralto till then.
Feel free to ask again.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 days later)

I am in hospice and cannot got to hospital without approval. Took me off Xeralto and decadron., and bleeding stopped but cough continues. Chest Xray showed no change since last one. Both lungs infiltrated, pulmonary fibrosis (probababl old scarring but never mentioned before.) at top of both lungs but no sign of previous PE. They do not feel bleeding is coming from lungs. Would prefer I had a GI work up done but since I have only a few weeks left and have a DNR seems somewhat futile. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. You are a great fighter and pls do not get disheartened.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I respect your courage.
As bleeding has stopped by stopping xeralto, it is likely due to xeralto.
Cough will also get suppressed in due time. I will advise you to just stick to your physicians advice. If they feel your physical condition is ok, they might try some oral form of anticancer drugs. Aim will be to provide you a quality of life(even if it is short) rather than prolonging your discomfort.
At this point of time a GI workup can be done and it will be at your discretion.
JUST ENJOY YOUR LIFE AND LEAVE REST ON GOD. Doctors will do whatever they find best for you.
With best regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak