Hey everyone, it's me again. Thanks to all so for for reading and for those who have offered advice. It is very helpful. I am writing on behalf of my mum, who as SCLC on right lung. She has undergone 3 chemo sessions, which have considerably shrunk the tumour. They have now offered radiotherapy, which I hope she consents too but respect 100% it's her decision.
They have offered three options.
1) 20 sessions, ( 4 weeks). Side effects etc. 1-5 the tumour disappears. Side effects last longer and doubles prognosis.
2) 10 sessions ( 2 weeks). Side effects not as harsh and life expectancy not as long
3) 5 sessions (1 week ) as above.
I understand the side effects are not as harsh as chemo but they are different for everyone. I live a distance away from my mum and looking at moving her near to me in the coming months.
My question is, what is recovery time like after radiotherapy? Am I being to optimistic to move her? What shall I expect? I am hoping to move her in the autumn. I just want her to be near me....
I hear most people don't really have any side effects. Be good to hear from people who have had any of the options and how they felt afterwards.
Thank you again for your support
Written by
Paulo1976
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Hi Paulo, your mum may well do better being near to you if that’s what she’d like to do. I had radiotherapy last year for five weeks after a full hysterectomy because of endometrial cancer. I found it to be absolutely fine with maybe just a few side effects but nothing terrible. As you say though, it’s different for everyone.
The side effects can go on for a long time but radiotherapy could give your mum a longer life and better outcome. I hope she makes the best decision for her and l send my good wishes to her and you too. Xxx
hi paulo l had 20 sessions of radio in 2011 for breast cancer ..side affects for me quite exhausted through travelling daily and like a burning sensation on my chest ..because of the radio rays other than that l am still here to tell you this story ..l wish your mother well and you too x
My mother had twenty doses over four weeks . However this was for cancer within her inner ear. Apart from feeling tired my mother stated there were very few side effects. The main problem was actually getting her everyday to the radiotherapy. We enquired about hospital transport but found she would spend nearly all day at the hospital. Luckily we have a large family and two of us would take her down. One to take her in to therapy whilst the other tried to find parking which was a nightmare. My mother who was 90 at the time found it very tiring but she said most of that was due to travel. My mother is still with us at 97. I do hope your mother as a similar outcome.
I, too, found the travelling very tiring because I had to go to a hospital 30 miles away for five weeks Monday-Friday. I got a blister right at the end which became infected. I don't know if it was the radio therapy, the travelling or the antibiotics but my haemoglobin became too low which affected my breathing. I also lost a stone in weight over the 5 weeks but did find it hard to eat due to the travelling. Too early before we went out and too tired afterwards. However, the radio therapy and subsequent operation does seem to have dealt with my cancer as it's now over 4 years. It was not lung related.
I can't personally see any point in your mother only doing half the job and I wouldn't worry about the autumn at this stage.
I just wonder, with no knowledge on the subject. Is each session the same? Can you say yes to the longer course but stop early if side effects too much? Or might that be unethical and deprive others of longer choices? Just wondering from a position of total ignorance.Best wishes to you both in your Mum's difficult decision.
I asked the very same question. It is one option or nothing....you cant take 5 sessions and then think Oh, I will have the 20 now.....they were very clear on that. Each session is the same. The hospital said each session is 20 mins long.
Can I add my best wishes for your mother, and you too. I cant add any advice but would be considering completing the treatment before a move because of transferring from her established medics to new ones in another area for continuity. Very best wishes. P
I hope your mum does well with what ever decision she makes. One thing I note - you are hoping to move her nearer to you. Is that what SHE wants? It can be difficult as a child of an unwell parent and we can act impulsively. Will she lose her support network (ie friends neighbours and so on) by moving to you? If you are at work all day she may have less company than now….
I just think it’s something to be careful of. Also if she moves whilst having treatment how will that practically work? Can she still attend her hospital or will treatment have to move? That can be difficult if she needs to move treatment, especially if she has built a good relationship with current medical staff.
It’s all difficult and a situation faced by many people. We want to do the best for our loved ones but ultimately whose to say OUR best, is the best for the parent!
I wish you both well and let us know how she gets on.
It is what she wants. The support network is much greater near me and we can be relied upon.
The move will happen after the treatment has ended. That has always been my plan. Radiotherapy will double her prognosis. Ultimately, its up to my mum.
I had chemo & radiotheraphy started both at the same time couldn't finish chemo bit did full course 20 sessions for lung cancer 2 yrs ago saw oncology consultant 4 days ago & told I am still in remission only side effects I had were tiredness from radiotherapy I am 78 next week !
HelloPaulo1976, the choice for your mums treatment is hers after considering all. But in general its what the Dr thinks might control your mums cancer. I have similar to your mum but have been offered radiotheraphy only one of the newer type s which allows fewer treatment sessions possibly because I have a cancer history or other health history that might impede success. We are all different best wishes to you both x
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