Radiotherapy treatment

[Paulo1976]

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

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Fatigue is the most common side effect of radiation. Esophagitis comes a close second. To help lessen the esophagitis she could eat a tablespoon of honey before treatment and again right after.

Remember, all outcomes are different. I've an acquaintance that has advanced SCLC and she is in her sixth year of survivorship.

[CT20232024]

I second what Denzie said about fatigue being a big side effect for many. My sister had several sessions for SVC syndrome related to SCLC. She was soooo tired she could barely get herself out of bed to go for the treatments. She may have had 10 treatment on each side separated by a decent amount of time due to recurrence of SVC syndrome on the other side. She recovered from the fatigue fairly quickly after treatments ended - don't' think it took her long at all. Best to you and your mum!!