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What Causes Persistent Cough When Diagnosed With Breast Cancer?

Posted on Tue, 31 Oct 2017

Question: my sister had breast cancer , masectomy done, passed 5 yrs. now she has lumps everywhere and on bones per: pet scan. Dr. doing biopsy on shoulder lump today. has horrific dry hacking cough. hospitalized 3 times, on oxy for pain, dr. said COPD!!!! also on 2 liters of oxygen. Help, she is in New XXXXXXX I am in Fl. I will be flying up to help her.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Talk with her and explain the situation carefully

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in HCM

I am sorry for your sister situation and i can understand your concern.

As you explain the situation she is in not in good conditions.

The cough probably might be from COPD but the pain I am afraid not. It may be that the cancer would be metastasized in the lungs. Her treating doctor will know about it.

As such chemotherapy is mandatory in her case and as soon as possible.

Try to talk with her that the medication is necessary for her situation.

In cancer patients we usually recommend the psychologist consultation to help them accept the diseases and pass as easily as possible the side effects of chemotherapy.

This is a situation that needs her hospitalisation

I wish a fast recovery for your sister

Regards and feel free to ask me again

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (20 hours later)

Results of pet scan seem very troubling.0.65, 0.08 cm she cut.nod. metabolic XXXXXXX SUV OF2.51 ..HYPER METABOLIC USED OFTEN. LYMPH NODES INFILLTRATION. HER SCAN LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. RIGHT SUV WAS 3.49 lungs. Dr. Is doing biopsies on 2 areas where she doesn't have to be lying down, she cannot breath. What is her prognosis if the cancer is in bones etc. We are scared and don't know what to expect next. Thank you XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
poor prognosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

As you explain the pet scan results it seems that she has lymphnodes infiltration from the cancer and this is a bad sign.

If the cancer is spread in the bones this is called four stage cancer and the prognosis is poor.

In these conditions she needs only palliative treatment for the symptoms.

I am afraid chimio can not help now

Regards and feel free to ask me again

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (4 hours later)

Being the prognosis is so poor, an estimated time line of life would be appreciated as there are 2 teenagers I will be caring for. Thank you doctor

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
6 month to one year approximately

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

In general it depends on her comorbidities such as cardiac conditions COPD stage of lung, if there is anemia or not.
According to her conditions probably 6 months to 1 year.

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T