Anyone had radiation of the lung? What were the side effects? Results?

Is it true that u go every day for about 10 weeks?

Hi,

I had two tumors in the left upper lobe (LUL) and due to other lung conditions, I was not deemed a candidate for surgery. I had SABR/SBRT (there are other names for this type of radiation therapy as well). I had two treatments, one for each tumor. Because of the type of radiation therapy, the treatment can be configured for the exact shape of the tumor within 1 mm and therefore deliver a much higher dose of radiation without damage to healthy tissue. My side effects were fatigue. More deeply fatigued than I ever thought possible. A few months after, I've had muscle soreness and tenderness at one of the areas that received radiation. That's been treated with alternating Tylenol and Advil along with a topical such as Voltaren, T-relief Arnica+ or CBD. I am pretty sure it was due to inflammation. Now I am having PT to help further heal that.

I had terrible skin reactions to the Tegederm covering the markings for being lined up for the machine. Ask them to use Cavilon, a type of skin protectant if they intend to use Tegederm to cover the markings for treatment. That was the worst part, really.

And I asked everyone to refer to the treatment as healing rays, cleansing rays or purifying rays. I felt that the language used would have a positive effect on my body's acceptance of the treatment. The word radiation has a lot of negative connotations and associations so I wanted something that felt healing & positive. I've heard others refer to the radiation treatment as "sanitizing." That felt a little too in-my-head for me, LOL! But hey, if it works for you, why not?

It can take about 6 months or so to know how the treatment worked. I recently had word that my status is NED after the second post-treatment scan. I am under no illusions about what a wily renegade cancer can be *and* for now, I'll take it! Hope this helps.

BPB

Hi. I was also 80 yrs old when treated for stage3 right lung cancer and one lumps node. I had both radiation and chemo at same time. So the side effects were intermingled. It was basically a painless experience but a daily chore. I had to brace myself as separate from my chest, etc when they positioned me etc because during the prep I felt like 2people, one getting the radiation as a slab of meat. Don’t know how to describe it.
I was always extremely tired and fatigued. My back also became burned and was irritated from the radiation. But I do credit it and the chemo for keeping me alive as I will celebrate my 87 year in July. Good luck to you.

I have never even heard of so many radiation treatments. And since I've been very open about my cancer, I have talked with a lot of cancer survivors. After my lobectomy, it turned out the cyst was so close to the cut line, that it stained positive for cancer. That took 33 sessions. I don't remember my father-in-law's cyst's exact size, but it was small enough to solely be treated by radiation which I've heard means less than 1 cm. in diameter. He went for five days in a row. They always want to do it on consecutive days, but I had weekends off which I understand is also standard practice. I see no reason that a small cyst would take a lot of treatments.

I had a 3.2 cm diameter cyst removed from my brain and that was followed by five radiation treatments.

You are unbelievable. God Bless you and your father in law. Thank you for the info.
I don't know where I heard that, but you make me feel better about radiation.

Thanks for all that you've shared, Matthew! My mom was just diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer and as an otherwise healthy 59 years young woman it is totally rocking our world. Reading about your story is bringing a lot of hope. Her doctor at Mayo has prescribed her Tagrisso and she's starting that this weekend. We're optimistic and grateful for this evolution in cancer treatment.

Any advice to someone just starting that drug or more generally what questions would you suggest we be sure to ask here in the first couple weeks post-diagnosis?

I had 30 radiation treatments, twice daily, for lung cancer. This was for the most effective outcome. I am cancer free in the lung after one years. I recommend daily walking. Dr. Owen said it would boost my energy when I felt fatigued. That was like night & day! I would fall asleep mid sentence and knew it was time for a walk, so out the door for a walk which was totally invigorating. I did this several time a day.

Thank you. So glad you are cancer free. God bless you.

I can't offer a lot of comments or questions without knowing more details about your mom's diagnosis. In terms of starting Tagrisso, I can offer that I did have early side effects that disappeared over time. For example, my blood sugar had consistently been between 97 and 102 for years. But a few weeks after starting Tagrisso, I had a glucose level of around 50. But only that once. I had a blood test the following week and that was back to normal.

That is helpful, Matthew, thank you. I'm glad to hear your side effects have disappeared over time.