Connect
Small Cell Lung Cancer: Let's connect
Most of the discussions about lung cancer has been about Non-small cell lung cancers. There are many sub-types of this that are included. But there is another type of lung cancer that needs to be discussed and that is Small Cell Lung Cancer. This aggressive form of lung cancer most commonly occurs in smokers. It usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi) and grows very quickly, creating large tumors and spreading (metastasizing) throughout the body.
Symptoms include bloody phlegm, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Treatment includes surgery (for small tumors) as well as chemotherapy, sometimes in combination with radiation therapy.
Lung cancers cells are sometimes classified by where they tend to grow.
There have been huge breakthroughs in lung cancer research of late.
Please join @margot69 and I in this new disussion.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.
Connect
VLR: I am a non-smoker. The theory is that my SCLC was caused by radiation I had for breast cancer 31 years ago.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am 76. Doctors keep saying that the PCI is a good next step
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI too have SCLC stage 3b. I am being treated at Mayo, Jacksonville. I've had 30 rounds of radiation (done twice a day and finished in 3 weeks). I'm glad that stage of treatment is over. My radiation doctor says I will continue to get adverse effects from radiation for a month. Then I should start getting better.My throat has narrowed, normal eating is difficult. Doc gave me a prescription for a throat numbing medicine. It really helps. I am drinking High calorie Boost to supplement my calories. I've had 2 rounds of Chemo and will have my 3rd round next week. I've been a bit anxious about the next 2 rounds - decided to stop that as it is ruining the good days I am having. One person on this site said to set an appointment to worry, be anxious, be mad etc. If those thoughts arise outside of the appointment time tell yourself that you have to wait until your appointment time. That thought has helped me. Let me know how you are doing. I was told this cancer was probably caused by the radiation for breast cancer I had 31 years ago. I am a white female; never smoked. I don't fit the pattern for SCLC. It is in my lymph nodes, but they have not found any tumors elsewhere.
Blessings and best of luck.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsPCI?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsPreventative radiation of brain
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHow do you feel about that? I still have that decision to face after my 2 remaining Chemo sessions. So far I've tolerated the 2 previous sessions ok. I'm a little concerned about the next 2 sessions (3 days each). Nothing to do but get on with them. Enjoy the days before.
VLPR
Welcome, @mustangdee64. The emotional health related to cancer really sucks. There's no evidence of disease and everyone wants you to slip back into life as it once was. But things have changed - a lot.
Dee, there are others here who get that. I encourage you to follow the Cancer: Managing Symptoms group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cancer-managing-symptoms/
Here are few discussions you might want to check out:
- Life After Cancer: Do you feel prepared for it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/life-after-cancer/
- Facing Cancer Recurrence, PTSD & Acknowledging Mental Health https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/facing-cancer-recurrence-ptsd-acknowledging-mental-health/
You're not alone and this is a good place to share these feelings that are taboo elsewhere.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsFour months ago I felt great, able to go for long walks using my rolling walker. Then I had a routine lung CT scan because of my smoking history. Lo and behold- there was a mass lesion in my left lower lobe.A PET scan showed increase metabolic activity in the LLL lesion and an increased metabolism in a solitary hilar node. Two respected pulmonologists felt this represented “fungal flip-flop sign” and probably was not a cancerous lesion. Biopsy, however, was done and reported as SCLC. I have completed the four series of chemotherapy (carboplatin+ etoposide) and 33 sessions of radiation treatments. I now am home bound- too tired to do anything. What do I do for severe dyspnea with minimal exertion, numbness in both legs up to the knees.
Also have pain and tightness in both quadriceps and bilateral lumbosacral area. I now am two weeks post completion of treatment. When do I begin to feel better?? Is there anything I can do to treat the symptoms of “the treatment “? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Timothy T.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am a year out still having sob and fatigue. Talk to oncologist have them refer you to PT for pulmonary rehab. I am going to do this too. I try walk do a little then rest but I am nowhere near able to do what I could before
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWelcome, Timothy. I agree with @mustangdee64 that pulmonary rehab could be helpful for you. It sounds like your body has gone through a lot and that you are generally dealing with decreasing muscle tone. A physical therapist can help with that too.
It's only been 2 weeks since you completed treatment. Be kind to yourself. Again, I agree with Dee. Do a little more than what you do today and be sure to rest. For example, if you're able to walk around a short space (the living room, the driveway, the hallway, whatever), add a few steps each day. And accept the days, where you can't add a step and try again the next day.
There are several places where members have shared breathing exercises too. @merpreb has a few good videos she can point you to. Here's one from another member to get you started:
- Lung and Breathing Exercises by Donna Wilson, RRT https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lung-and-breathing-exercises-by-donna-wilson-rrt/
Timothy, Have you heard about chair yoga? I wonder if that would be an option for you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions