Early stage COPD following lung cancer

Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage 1a lung cancer, treated by removal of my right middle lobe, no radiation or chemo. On a followup x-ray last week, the radiologist mentioned that there were changes (larger chest) indicating COPD is worsening. I am very active and don't smoke, age 51 female. The pulmonologist that saw me once for lung cancer two years ago said I was too healthy to be her patient. Should I be taking something to stop the progression of COPD ? Should I be tested for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (grandmother , a non-smoker, had COPD too)?  I get short of breath if I run longer than a block, but I can walk for an hour or more without trouble and hit the gym daily. There is some mucus production daily, but it does not respond to an antibiotic.

[National Jewish Health]

You should definitely be tested for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, especially with the family history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a non-smoker, such as your grandmother.  The fact that you are, "very active and don't smoke" and yet "get short of breath if I run longer than a block" strongly suggests that you may have some type of lung disease.  For further clarification of this you should see a pulmonologist.  The COPD may not have been readily apparent, when the focus was on lung cancer, when you saw the pulmonologist 2 years ago.  You should have pulmonary function tests (PFTs), a CT scan of your lungs to diagnose COPD if present and the severity and to screen for any other non-COPD diffuse pulmonary disease along with the alpha-1 blood test.

Finally it should not be assumed that your shortness of breath with a short run is caused by lung disease.  It could just as easily be caused by a heart problem, so whomever examines you should keep both possibilities in mind.

Good luck.

[zodiacqueen]

You are EXTREMELY fortunate to get diagnosed at such an early stage of lung cancer.  Many others are not nearly as lucky!!  You are truly blessed!!

Best wishes to you in the future!!!

Staci

[ceabbott]

Thanks for replying. I have been lucky (in a strange sort of way) twice. I have both early stage breast cancer (5.5 year survivor) and lung cancer (2 year survivor). I want to stop or slow down the progression of the COPD. What can I do now to keep my health intact, such as it is?

[zodiacqueen]

Hi!!  WOW-absolutely amazing.  Now, about keeping up your health.  Do not ever touch a cig again, first of all.  I'd also be very careful with your diet-veggies, fruits, and multi-vitamins.  I am a firm believer in giving the body what it needs for proper function.  You must preserve the lung function that you have left.  You can't regain the lung function that has been lost, unless an infection or something else caused your fev1 to drop temporarily.  Also, keep those muscles strong, VERY important because it eases shortness of breath-strong muscles are more efficient and don't require as much precious O2.  You also need to keep your hands washed often, and keep them away from your face-to avoid catching any viruses or infections.  Humidifiers and air purifiers are also great to clean and moisterize the air.  Humidifiers, drinking lots of water(a lot), and n-acetylcysteine(OTC drug that's cheap) will loosen up the mucus.

Hope that this helps

Hugs
Staci

[ceabbott]

Thanks so much for responding! I have a call in right now to get an appointment which hopefully will lead to some answers.

C. Abbott