SBRT (radiation) for lung cancer: What's your experience?

I too am at Mayo (2 years since diagnosis), and do PET scan and see RadOnc second week Jan. Ablation was mentioned last time...it is mentioned in article. May be a better choice for me. I too will have an interesting discussion! I will be interested in what they tell you.
Are you multifocal lung cancer? You mentioned radiation in both lungs...therefore multiple nodules. But were they considered metastasis or independent tumors?
Here is some more prep for you! I always like to define things:
What are interstitial diseases of the lungs?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. Lung damage from ILDs is often irreversible and gets worse over time
hat is the difference between ILD and PF?
There are more than 200 types of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), which are characterized by varied amounts of inflammation, scarring, or both, that damage the ability of the lung to absorb oxygen from the air. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) means scarring of the lung and can be seen in many types of ILD.
What is another name for interstitial lung disease?
Interstitial lung disease (diffused parenchymal diseases) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs. These are classified on the basis of histopathological, radiologic and clinical parameters.Jul 31, 2023
What is the most common cause of interstitial lung disease?
Interstitial lung disease can be caused by long-term exposure to hazardous materials, such as asbestos. Some types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also can cause interstitial lung disease. In some cases, however, the causes remain unknown. Once lung scarring occurs, it's generally irreversible.Apr 25, 2023
hat are the 4 types of ILD?
The ILD is differentiated into four categories: lung-only (or native parenchymal) disorders, systemic disease-related disorders, exposure-related disorders, and vascular disorders (Table 2).Mar 21, 2022
Medicines
1. Bronchodilators can relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. ...
2. Corticosteroids can help treat inflammation in your lungs. You may take these with an inhaler or as a pill. ...
3. Antifibrotics (nintedanib and pirfenidone) can help slow down lung damage.
Mar 24, 2022
What are the 3 C's of interstitial lung disease?
Interstitial lung diseases classically produce the "3Cs": cough, clubbing of the nails, and coarse crackles on auscultation 6.Oct 25, 2023

I have been diagnosed with multifocal NSCLC, this is my eighth year dealing with it. Get scans at 120 day interval and had a nodule form 18 months ago - very slow growth. I’m at Mayo first week of January to see if it remains stable.

I strongly believe in educating myself so I can become a better patient and help my med team. The info you provided me helps a great deal, I’ve never had reference to ILD but it describes me to a tee. With the similarity of our conditions, let’s continue to trade notes.

I’ve recently completed SBRT on (3) NSCLC 1B tumors all < 24mm. I was excluded from other treatment options due to having stageIV Cardiomyopathy & severe emphysema. Radiation treatments were relatively easy although I did experience some breathing issues. Since 12/23, I have experienced increased shortness of breath, congestion & fatigue. I’m experiencing a bit of insomnia which I attribute to the “waiting period” I’m in until the follow-up Ct/PetScans. The nerve related pain in neck, back, shoulder & upper arm is unchanged.

I’ve recently completed SBRT on (3) NSCLC 1B tumors all < 24mm. I was excluded from other treatment options due to having stageIV Cardiomyopathy & severe emphysema. Radiation treatments were relatively easy although I did experience some breathing issues. Since 12/23, I have experienced increased shortness of breath, congestion & fatigue. I’m experiencing a bit of insomnia which I attribute to the “waiting period” I’m in until the follow-up Ct/PetScans. The nerve related pain in neck, back, shoulder & upper arm is unchanged.

I’m sleep with a wedge pillow cuz I’m not unable to sleep on either side. The oncologist did prescribe oxy to get me thru the radiation treatments as having arms above my head was quite painful. I’m back taking Tylenol for now and hoping that the tumors/nerves respond to the treatment. Kinda hitting my limit with the discomfort threshold

@dave56pa I had similar situation. Stage 1b NSCLC, three tumors treated with SBRT in two sessions over two years. I have severe COPD so surgery wasn’t an option. Both times I developed pneumonitis 4-5 weeks after treatment. The symptoms were very similar, short of breath, fatigue, and congestion. Only when I had my follow up CT at 90 days, were the docs able to determine that I had the pneumonitis resulting from the SBRT. They put me on a full dose (60MG) of prednisone and I had relief within two weeks. I was told @5% of SBRT patients get pneumonitis. You may want to follow up with your doc to see if it’s a reaction to the SBRT.

Dave- Perhaps you need oxy for a longer period? Or a pain management?