Connect
← Return to Small Cell Lung Cancer: Let's connect
Discussion
Small Cell Lung Cancer: Let's connect
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jul 18 1:50pm | Replies (233)Comment receiving replies
Four 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.
Replies to "Four months ago I felt great, able to go for long walks using my rolling walker...."
Welcome, 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.
Connect
I 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