Post radiotherapy for lung cancer

[Hokiun]

Can someone please share with me their experience after going thru radiotherapy for lung cancer? My dad had a radiotherapy for his lung cancer in Oct 2023. The radiotherapy went well with him not going thru any adverse side effects. However, now, 7 months later, he is experiencing shortness of breath. Is anyone out there has similar experience?

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello,

So sorry to hear about your Dad's cancer and his breathlessness. We would always advise that any new symptoms be discussed with your medical team. Following radiotherapy, some people report a long term side effect of increased breathlessness, this can be due to scarring of the lung. It could also be that this is a feature of his illness rather than a side effect of the radiotherapy. It would be best to get him checked out, as there are potential treatments that may help, we are a UK based charity, but you are welcome to use our resources .You might find this leaflet on radiotherapy helpful: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

You could also contact lccs.com.sg/ based in Singapore

This leaflet has advice on dealing with breathlessness and other symptoms roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

Some people have found breathing exercises useful: youtube.com/results?search_...

You might like to look at this approved NHS site Supporting Someone with Breathlessness - supporting-breathlessness.o...

I’m sure others will share their experiences of post radiotherapy side effects, and this will also be beneficial. You might also find the shared patient stories a useful comparison; these can be found here: roycastle.org/category/pati...

We have a range of support services, from one to one support to online support groups through zoom , including a fortnightly Carers support group. if you are interested in any of these you can register through this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp... Or by emailing [e-mail]

I hope some of this is helpful, but if there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

Wishing you all the best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Hokiun in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate ypur response.

[Cosmic54]

I had 13 sessions of radiotherapy and it made me throw up and have the runs on a daily basis, I lost my appetite so it was pretty nasty BUT it did the job and it’s shrunk my tumour in my lung..then went onto to immunotherapy for 2 years and so far so good 😊