I've managed to survive Stage IV Lung Cancer for nine years; having been diagnosed with Stage I, 11 years ago, when I had the top part of my right lung removed. The cancer had spread two years later with my being re-staged to Stage IV.
Six months ago I started coughing blood. Numerous tests have come back clear of cancer. However, after THREE bronchoscopies it was found that one of the arteries in my lung is now exposed from one of the surgical clips placed there nine years ago in the operation to remove part of my lung.
Apparently nothing can be done. The only thing they could do, which they won't because of the dangers involved, is remove completely the right lung. Nothing else can be done, other than take SIX Tranexamic tablets (Cykokapron 500mg) per day, at eight hour intervals to stop the blood. These tablets are not for long-term use, as they can cause strokes etc.
It seems such a shame, that having successfully traversed the past 11 years of my life since initial diagnosis, I'm left with a condition that has materialised only because of the treatment I had to stymie the lung cancer.
Any opinions, recommendations, advice, would be appreciated. I've tried cutting down on the tablets, but I started coughing blood again. So I have to stick with the six tablets a day. My breathing's not good and I'm coughing a lot and not able to exercise as much as I did. But apart from that, I don't look as though there's anything wrong with me, physically. Psychologically it's taking its toll!!!y
Thankyou.
Reply # - April 22, 2018, 06:58 AM
I am sorry you are having to
I am sorry you are having to go through this on top of having survived the scare and debilitation of a lung cancer diagnosis but glad to hear also you have made it so long.
I took tranexamic acid some years ago because I had fibroids and it helped a lot, and meant that I didn't need surgery to fix the problem. No one warned me of a risk of stroke, but I would have taken it any way.
One doctor recommended to take 3 pills at one time instead of 2 and that meant I had to take them less frequently. You might want to try to alter the dosage and frequency so you end up with no coughing and the lowest cumulative dose possible.
Another point to consider is what is the actual risk of a dangerous complication from regularly taking tranexamic acid. I don't know what this number is but it could be the about the same as the risk of any type of thoracic surgery to fix the problem which is in the range of 1 to 2%.
It's unfortunate to have to take the medication but on the other hand that such a medication exists to relieve your symptoms. I found it so helpful in improving my quality of life when I was taking it every month.
Reply # - April 22, 2018, 11:51 AM
Thankyou for your advice. As
Thankyou for your advice. As I'm clutching at straws at the moment and desperate for someone to come up with something that gives me a little more hope for the future, any type of input is appreciated. I do have a second opinion scheduled with another thoracic specialist next month. Hopefully, being a little more educated on the subject might assist with my understanding and help me follow the conversation better.
Reply # - April 23, 2018, 09:45 AM
Hi Melrose and welcome to
Hi Melrose and welcome to Grace,
I'm sorry you're having these post cancer issues. My husband is also a survivor of nsclc recurrence (9 years post diagnosis and 6 years post treatment). He has a lot of physical issues now from the tumor itself, radiation, chemo, surgery. It's no small feat coming back from such an ordeal and of course we're both glad for the opportunity to figure it out.
We are careful here to emphasize the need for a lung specialist (not a cardio/thoracic specialist who mainly does cardio surgery when) talking about surgery on the lung cancer forum. But I wonder if a cardio/thoracic surgeon who specializes in pulmonary arteries isn't a surgeon you should also see. I imagine your case is pretty unique but surgery of the pulmonary artery is pretty typical surgery. So there should be a teaching hospital that has both, surgeons who specialize in pulmonary surgery and surgeons who specialize in cardio who could work together to come up with a plan. Certainly this is a case where 2,3 heads are better than one.
Please keep us posted and you'll be in my thoughts,
Janine