Constant cough

[BrigidK]

I am stage IV nsclc. Diagnosed March 2016. I had radiation and chemo this past spring and now have a non productive dramatic cough. I'm getting Keytruda now so cannot take steroids. Has anyone else experienced this cough after radiation? If so is there any hope of it going away?

[Serrecko Volunteer]

BrigidK,

Welcome to the site, and I am not a great help with what is going on with you, since I have not been given radiation to treat my lung cancer, nor have I had a non-productive dramatic cough. However I feel like I am missing out on something though.

Hopefully others will see this post as well as seeing yours, and they might have experienced what you have. I assume you have contacted your own doctors to see if this is common, uncommon and should it be a concern? Hopefully you have contacted them, but if not, please do, and then post your findings if you would.

It might actually help others.

Again, welcome to this wonderfully enriching web site.

Mike "Serrecko" March

MikesWebSpot.com

Leader of The Skyline Gaggle of Noobs

A Fundraising Paintball Team

TheSkylineGaggle.com

[BrigidK in reply to Serrecko]

Oh yes I have told my whole team at the University of Michigan. We have tried just about anything you can think of. I was hoping there would be some secret remedy out there.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to BrigidK]

You've got a great team there at U Mich so I'm sure they ruled out pneumonitis and tried tessalon perls. Do you have a humidifier on your furnace? If not try using cold air humidifiers in the areas you spend the most time. I also like a cup of regular tea. With the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon or two of honey.

[Ruthie1950]

I had the cough along with shortness of breath. Following a CT scan with contrast during one of my three month checkups, my raologist told me I had radiation pneumonitis. I was given 7 weeks of steroids which did not help with the cough but caused a 27lb weight gain, then given 3 very strong antibiotics over a period of 2 months.

With all of this said, I had another CT scan after the pneumonitis slowed down and it was found that my cancer had become active.

I am scheduled to have my lung removed 2/23.

Maybe you should ask your doctor to give you a chest X-ray to see if you do have pneumonia. I was told that if they do not remove the lung, I will have recurring pneumonitis.

I pray you get the answers and help you need. God bless you.

[BrigidK in reply to Ruthie1950]

Been there done that. Steroids actually helped a little but now I'm getting Keytruda and cannot do steroids.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Ruthie1950]

Well, darn it, Ruthie! I'm sorry to read this. Do you have a recliner? After the surgery you will want to sleep in it for a week or so. My cousin just found one that is electric and helps the patient stand up as well. It was under $500. I'll write her and get the link.

[Ruthie1950 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you. I might need one!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Ruthie1950]

Still trying to find that info.

[Ruthie1950]

BrigidK - I'm so sorry you're fighting this constant nagging cough. Did the doctor prescribe antibiotics and do you not feel they might help?

I pray you get some relief. God bless you.

[BrigidK in reply to Ruthie1950]

Yes I actually was put on an antibiotic drip plus pills. Sadly I am still coughing!

[JeanE41]

I, too was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of my left lung, but I had 2/3 of the lung removed in 2015 and have been coughing ever since. I think the lungs become more sensitive to pollutants after treatment. According to my oncologist it lessens with time. Right after surgery I had to stay in air conditioning and in winter out of cold air. It is better now, but still there.

Hope this is helpful.

Jean

[BrigidK]

Thanks all fir your suggestions, hope this does subdide with time. I will try the humidifier and let you know.

[906-9269]

Could it be asthma? In addition to my oncologists, I see a pulmonologist who diagnosed my persistent cough as asthma. I'm using inhalers which help. The cancer is in remission, but I've had a lobectomy, thirty-five rounds of radiation and eight of chemotherapy. Go for my six month scan next month so anxiety is beginning to build.

What a journey we're all on!!

[JeanE41 in reply to 906-9269]

This certainly is a journey, but not a fun one. Never know what's around the next bend. Got to stay positive. That pre scan anxiety is no fun. Hope it goes well.

[Hidden]

Hi BrigidK. I had radiation, too, and have a chronic cough caused by scarring. It is my understanding it will not go away. However, it is well controlled with nebulizer treatments and cough meds. Hope this helps.