I’ve been dealing with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Posted by sujathachanda14 @sujathachanda14, Sep 28 10:58pm

I’ve been dealing with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. I'm currently undergoing radiation treatment for the bladder cancer.

Lately, I’ve been experiencing shortness of breath and pain under the chest, and I’m wondering if these symptoms could be related to the radiation treatment — especially given my pre-existing lung condition.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any insights on whether radiation can cause these kinds of side effects?

I truly appreciate any help or advice. Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Oct 4 6:36pm

Hi @sujathachanda14. I see you recently joined Mayo Clinic Connect. Welcome! I am sorry you have the need to create this discussion but glad you found a safe place to share.

I am tagging a few members that have mentioned radiation and shortness of breath. @madlydancing, @srm, @rheaskinner and @asugent hoping they have information that may help you.

You may want to try searching from the home page. Enter words you want to search for in the box at the top. After hitting ‘enter’ you will see a list of discussions and comments that match.

How long have you been receiving radiation for bladder cancer, and how much more do you have in front of you?

vic83 | @vic83 | Oct 4 8:16pm

I had SBRT to my lung for cancer and six weeks later begin to have much more shortness of breath. It was radiation-induced pneumonitis. I have read that women with breast cancer can also develop pneumonitis from radiation.
I too have interstital lung disease with my lung cancer (pulmonary fibrosis).
Tell your doctor about you shortness of breath. SOB is always to be taken seriously and has multiple potential causes including cardiac.