Breathing difficulty after radiation for lung cancer

Yes, I did. It turned out to be an issue with my heart. I'd talk to your doctors and make sure everything is okay. I had some cardiac rehab and it helped me to get perspective and improve my breathing.

Hi @fontspec, Your body has been through a lot. You have less lung capacity due to the lobectomies, and it can take some time for the lung tissue to heal after radiation, and even then, there can be scaring left behind that impacts lung capacity.
Radiation to the lung can have some serious side effects, so you don't want to assume that nothing is wrong either. When is your next doctor appointment? If it's not soon, then you may want to just call for peace of mind. How long ago was your last radiation treatment?

I have been to Dr. I have a "touch" of COPD, prescribed an inhaler, still have issues breathing.

Radiation treatment was two years ago.

I had lower left lobectomy -
No radiation or Chemo. And I get winded changing a fitted sheet, much less walking inclines. I was told the rest of my lungs would take up the slack. I’ve yet to notice that.
I hope you find a treatment that’s helpful. I’m trying to be accepting of the fact that it won’t act like original equipment again.

Thank you for the input, I'm to the point it will always be this way. Good luck to you.

We are a pair aren’t we 😁

My story started two years ago when I noticed shortness of breath getting up in the morning. That lead to abnormal chest xray, CT and Pet scans and 2 surgeries, radiation. I even had a cardiac stent and still have shortness of breath, falling oxygen with exertion. Last Oct it got significantly worse and I developed a cough. Pulmonary function test showed decrease in lung function. I was put on Prednisone and things have improved, but I still have falling oxygen with exertion. As mentioned by others there are multiple causes including scaring (fibrosis), less lung capacity, and potential heart issues. Your doctor should track your pulmonary capacity to be sure it doesn't get worse. And of course, walk and walk and walk. That will help you.

Hi @fontspec
I have severe COPD so I wasn’t a surgical candidate for my two lung tumors. I received 54GY SBRT radiation therapy and 90 days later develop pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue). This made breathing much more difficult and concerning for resulting fibrosis if left untreated. They put me on 60MG of prednisone daily and my breathing improved within two weeks. Two years later I developed heart failure/aortic valve replacement. My cardio claimed this and additional breathing difficulty on the radiation I received.

I have had two rounds of successful rounds of SBRT in my left lung however, after 3 months, I now have excruciating pain in my ribs in the same ares as the SBRT. (Not a fracture.)
I cannot take ibuprofen and acetaminophen is not very helpful. The oncologist did prescribe Tizanadine but this causes double vision and I cannot stay awake after taking it.
I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience and, if so, how best to live with pain that is crippling and how long does it take to heal.