Mid Stereotactic Radiotherapy treatment

[SandraLlew]

Hi all, I hope you are all all well as possible and staying positive.

I am mid way through my 5 treatments and am really tired, my shoulder feels as though it's going to explode with pain from the stress position to have the treatment.

Anyone else had/having this treatment? Wondering how long the tiredness will last. For context I had heart surgery 4 and a half weeks ago so still recovering from that, and expect to start cardio rehab in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for reading.

Sandra

[Elt79]

Hi - I had this in 2019 - I experienced extreme tiredness for several weeks, at least a month, after treatment - exhaustion was how I described it. You obviously have also had major surgery to deal with well which can’t be easy. It does pass but takes a good while. Wishing you all the best x

[SandraLlew in reply to Elt79]

Thank you for telling me this, it's easier to deal with if you know what to expect.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Sandra,

I'm sorry to hear about your cancer, and the pain and fatigue you are suffering. this must be very difficult to live with. Hopefully more people like Elt79 can share their experiences with you. Given that you've had heart surgery in addition to your treatment sessions, the stress of being ill and the fact that you are experiencing shoulder pain, it's not surprising you feel exhausted. This is a lot for anyone to be going through. I would encourage you to share your symptoms with your medical team who may be able to offer practical advice particularly on the pain you are experiencing. Be kind to yourself and rest when you can. You might find this leaflet on managing lung cancer symptoms helpful roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

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

Our campaign section provides encouraging accounts from those living with lung cancer: roycastle.org/campaigns/

The Maggie’s centres are a great place to have a cuppa and a chat, they provide practical, financial and emotional support; maggies.org/

I hope some of this is helpful Sandra, 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

Roy Castle Support Nurse

[SandraLlew in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you for all of this, the GP has been helpful with pain meds and they are helping a great deal, I will be attending a local cancer support group when I'm able but hopefully as a person providing art therapy.

[Fighting4life]

I went through 20 of these and it took me a few months of feeling fatigued. Make sure you take it easy and look after yourself.

[SandraLlew in reply to Fighting4life]

20? wow! I'm exhausted after 5. I hope it was worth it for you and also for me.

[Fighting4life in reply to SandraLlew]

Yes, it stopped any progression. I wish you all the best.