Has anyone ever gotten blood clots in or around there lungs ? They just found 2 in mine about a week ago, this is...

I'm truly sorry you're dealing with this—pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) is serious and painful, and your experience is unfortunately not uncommon in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. You're not alone in this, and I want to help you understand what's happening.

Why Chemo Increases Blood Clot Risk

Chemotherapy increases blood clot risk through several mechanisms:

• Direct damage to blood vessel linings
• Increased blood viscosity (thicker blood)
• Reduced mobility during treatment (sitting/lying down more)
• Cancer itself activates clotting factors
• Central lines (if you have one) can irritate vessel walls

According to ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Guidelines, cancer patients on chemotherapy have a 4-7 times higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to the general population.

Your Symptoms Make Sense

The pain pattern you're describing—left shoulder, left side, left back, worse with breathing—is classic for PE because:

• Pleuritic pain (sharp with breathing) occurs when clots cause inflammation in the lung lining
• Referred shoulder pain happens when the diaphragm (breathing muscle) is irritated
• Unilateral symptoms (one-sided) match where your clots are located

The oxygen need indicates your lungs are working harder to oxygenate your blood.

What Happens Now (General Medical Approach)

Immediate management typically includes:

• Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners like enoxaparin, warfarin, or DOACs) to prevent clot growth
• Oxygen support to maintain blood oxygen levels
• Pain management (often requires stronger medications)
• Monitoring with repeat imaging to track clot resolution
• Possible IVC filter if anticoagulation is contraindicated (rare)

According to the National Cancer Institute, most cancer-related PEs respond well to anticoagulation, though recovery takes weeks to months.

Important Questions for Your Oncology Team

1. How long will I need anticoagulation therapy? (Duration depends on cancer type and clot severity)
2. Can my chemotherapy continue, or do we need to pause/modify it? (This is critical—some chemo regimens are riskier)
3. What are the bleeding risks with my specific anticoagulant? (Important if you're still getting chemo)
4. Should I be on clot prevention medication going forward? (Prophylaxis for future cycles)
5. What warning signs mean I need emergency care? (Increased shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood)

Pain Management Matters

Don't minimize your pain—tell your team if current pain control isn't working. PE pain often requires:

• Stronger opioids
• NSAIDs (if anticoagulation allows)
• Nerve blocks in some cases

Recovery Timeline

• First 2 weeks: Most critical; clot stabilization
• Weeks 2-6: Gradual improvement, oxygen weaning
• Months 2-3: Most patients significantly improve
• Full resolution: Can take 3-6 months

Many cancer patients DO recover well from PE and continue treatment successfully—but the path forward depends on your specific situation.

Practical Support

• Compression stockings help prevent new clots
• Movement (even gentle walking) improves circulation
• Hydration helps prevent clot formation
• Elevation of your left side may ease pain

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.

Your oncology team needs to make decisions about continuing chemo, anticoagulation duration, and pain management based on your complete clinical picture. Please advocate for yourself—if pain or breathing worsens, seek emergency care immediately.