How to treat BC safely in a 47-year-old with asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am reaching out about my wife, who is 47 and is being treated for stage three breast cancer. She also has asthma, and we are finding it increasingly difficult to manage both conditions. Her breathing has worsened during radiation, and her inhaler does not seem to help as effectively as it did before.

We have also noticed her oxygen levels drop during chemotherapy sessions. On top of that, panic attacks are triggering her asthma, which in turn leads to more panic, creating a frustrating cycle. She is afraid to sleep lying down because it feels like she is suffocating, and even the nebulizer treatment is now making her feel nauseous.

How can we better balance her cancer treatment with her ongoing breathing issues?
Any advice or adjustments we should consider?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Balancing cancer treatment and breathing issues:

Multidisciplinary care team: It is important that your wife’s care team includes not just her oncologist, but also a radiation oncologist, pulmonologist, and her primary care physician. This ensures that both her cancer treatment and breathing issues are being addressed from all angles.
Asthma management: Work closely with her pulmonologist to adjust her asthma treatment plan, especially considering how radiation and chemotherapy can affect her breathing.
Inhaler adjustments: There may be alternative inhaler options or adjustments to her current inhaler regimen that could provide better symptom relief. It is worth discussing with her pulmonologist.
Oxygen therapy: If her oxygen levels are dropping during chemotherapy, supplemental oxygen could be a helpful option to stabilize them during treatments.
Managing anxiety and panic attacks: Anxiety can significantly impact asthma, so practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even yoga might help reduce panic attacks and improve breathing.
Sleep position: To alleviate the feeling of suffocation when lying down, she could try sleeping with her upper body elevated using wedges or pillows. This may make breathing easier and more comfortable.
Nebulizer alternatives: If the nebulizer is causing nausea, you might explore other delivery methods for asthma medication, such as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) or dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which could be more tolerable.
Regular monitoring: Schedule regular check-ins with her care team to monitor her breathing, asthma symptoms, and cancer treatment progress. This ensures timely adjustments to her treatment plan if needed.

Additional considerations

Radiation therapy modifications: Speak with her radiation oncologist about potential modifications to her radiation therapy plan. They may be able to adjust the schedule, intensity, or technique to minimize respiratory impacts.
Breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation: Encouraging her to participate in breathing exercises or pulmonary rehabilitation programs can improve lung function and support her recovery process.
Emotional support: Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Encourage her to connect with family, friends, or support groups for additional emotional support during this challenging time.

By working closely with her entire care team and making these adjustments, your wife can better manage her asthma and breathing issues while continuing with her cancer treatment.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.