Breathless

[acedog]

Hi guys had my lung removed 13 weeks ago followed by 10 sessions of radiotherapy. Since radiotherapy I am very breathless worse than when I had my lung removed has anyone experienced this and if so didn’t get better. Doctor thinks it might but I’m not sure as it is 5 weeks since I finished radiotherapy thanks Graham

[Eglingham]

Hi,

Are you clearing mucus off your chest ok?

[acedog in reply to Eglingham]

I don’t have much but I I do have clears very easily

[Eglingham in reply to acedog]

Are you taking any medication? I found myself breathless after having my lung removed I still do sometimes now depending on what I am doing and my surgery was 16mths ago. Can't comment on if radiotherapy could be causing it as not had any, you could ring your lung cancer nurse if you are worried.

[acedog in reply to Eglingham]

Hi I have already spoke to my cancer nurse and she says give it time and be patient but I am more breathless now than I was after the surgery

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

HI acedog

Sorry to hear you are feeling so breathless since your radiotherapy. This is not unusual and especially since you had this whilst you were still in the recovery phase of your surgery. Radiotherapy can cause some irritation and inflammation of the lungs.

If the breathlessness becomes worse at rest or activity go back to the GP or let your lung cancer nurse specialist/ oncologist know.

This is the link to our booklet on radiotherapy: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

Hopefully this will be short term for you and you will hear form others in the forum on their experience.

You may find out booklet on 'Managing your lung cancer symptoms' helpful: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[chinvi in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

I do feel as such when I read what so many go through. I takes so much courage, but I suppose I would do the same. We get through some how dont we? There are a few trusted sources that I have used and can be useful for you- try mayoclinic.org , cancer.net, and ankr.us.

[JanetteR57]

We can often be impatient for a return to 'normal' after what are quite harsh treatments for our body that often adapts by using shallow breathing which doesn't give us the energy we need (less oxygen circulating from shallow breathing). the Roy Castle lung cancer foundation surgery booklet explains some simple breathing techniques and recovery milestones that may help reassure you - having radiotherapy in addition to surgery may take longer to recover - but don't give up - if these don't work, there are others available on British Lung foundation website to help and keeping active although it may seem like the last thing you want to do will help develop the lungs' functionality... good luck. roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[acedog in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you

[Barbara65]

Hi i decided not to have lung removed but had stereostatic radiotherapy. that was six years ago. i have now been discharged. There is definate damage to tissue after treatment, and i have developed nuropathy which is hard to deal with, but im still here. Take heart, walk if you can and just enjoy being alive, i wish you all the best.

[acedog in reply to Barbara65]

Thanks Barbara I have now found out that I have a small hole in my wind pipe which they seem reluctant to repair because the operation is complex so looks that I am stuck with the current position thanks graham

[Barbara65]

Yes one of the down sides, things happen , do your best,stay positive, stay alive. its second time for me. fisrt when i was 33 then at 65. now im 71 and just about to go on a river cruise. You must make life go on, it will be different but can still be good with a positive mind.