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What Causes Shortness Of Breath After Chemotherapy?
Question: Hi
I am in the 12th week of an 18 week course of chemotherapy for stage 3 ovarian cancer after radical debulking etc. in september including the removal of the spleen and ovaries. I have been experiencing increasingly extreme shortness of breath over the last 2 weeks upon walking or talking for even a minute or two which is alleviated when sitting for a similar period. All my bloods were in the normal range 5 days ago when I went for chemo (carbo/taxol) including haemaglobin and the oncologist was happy to proceed. I have also been sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day. Today I can only walk about 20 meters before having to sit down. The doctors here are all closed because it is sunday and I was wondering if there was anything I could be doing until they open tomorrow. Many thanks, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
I am in the 12th week of an 18 week course of chemotherapy for stage 3 ovarian cancer after radical debulking etc. in september including the removal of the spleen and ovaries. I have been experiencing increasingly extreme shortness of breath over the last 2 weeks upon walking or talking for even a minute or two which is alleviated when sitting for a similar period. All my bloods were in the normal range 5 days ago when I went for chemo (carbo/taxol) including haemaglobin and the oncologist was happy to proceed. I have also been sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day. Today I can only walk about 20 meters before having to sit down. The doctors here are all closed because it is sunday and I was wondering if there was anything I could be doing until they open tomorrow. Many thanks, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You should go to the ER if you don't feel better soon
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXXXXX
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do at home to evaluate or treat your breathing, and this could be a potentially dangerous situation that may need more urgent evaluation.
There are many complications that can occur days to weeks after chemotherapy that may be a factor causing you to feel short of breath. Fluid in the lungs, which can occur from the cancer itself, can accumulate in your chest and make it difficult to breathe. Your cell count may have dropped dangerously low, which can also make you feel weak and have trouble carrying oxygen.
I strongly recommend that you go to the hospital emergency room to be evaluated. Even if you waited until Monday to see your doctor, they would likely recommend the same evaluation so that your blood counts can be rechecked and you can get an X-ray of your chest. At the least, you will likely receive treatment to improve your symptoms.
I hope I adequately answered your question today and that you follow my advice to get an urgent medical evaluation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be any further help to you.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
You should go to the ER if you don't feel better soon
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXXXXX
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do at home to evaluate or treat your breathing, and this could be a potentially dangerous situation that may need more urgent evaluation.
There are many complications that can occur days to weeks after chemotherapy that may be a factor causing you to feel short of breath. Fluid in the lungs, which can occur from the cancer itself, can accumulate in your chest and make it difficult to breathe. Your cell count may have dropped dangerously low, which can also make you feel weak and have trouble carrying oxygen.
I strongly recommend that you go to the hospital emergency room to be evaluated. Even if you waited until Monday to see your doctor, they would likely recommend the same evaluation so that your blood counts can be rechecked and you can get an X-ray of your chest. At the least, you will likely receive treatment to improve your symptoms.
I hope I adequately answered your question today and that you follow my advice to get an urgent medical evaluation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be any further help to you.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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