Question about Radiation - Cancer: Lung Message Board

jeaniek · 11-07-2006, 12:05 PM

Hello Everyone.
My dad is now heading into his 5th Chemo session with good results. There is tumor shrinkage in his lung...but they are now starting new radiation treatments to his lungs to continue the shrinkage to the tumor...he'll go thru this for 25 days along with the new session of Chemo.
My question was has anyone been thru this? I know treatment response is different among patients..but does doing both give better sucess? Is there any additional drawbacks, side-effects, to doing both together? Would just like to get some feedback on what to expect..
Thanks.
Jeanie

angelmama39 · 11-07-2006, 05:24 PM

This sounds exactly what I am going thru with my mom. She is going through her 4th chemo thursday, but the dr's are probably starting her on tomo radiation after the scans are complete. We will have results the 29th or 30th of November. Her oncologist will let her know at that time what she will do. The PA said maybe both, or maybe just the radiation..........

keep us posted

angel

Kimslos · 11-07-2006, 10:43 PM

Jeanie,
I don't have experience with radiation to the lungs, but my FIL had to the brain and my friend had to the breast and they were both very fatigued and the skin was red like a sunburn.
I pray your dad tolerates the treatment and the shrinkage continues! That is great they are seeing some shrinkage!
Kim

jeaniek · 11-08-2006, 11:24 AM

Thanks guys!!! I appreciate the feedback ~
My dad initally had radiation to his head because of several brain mets...it seemed to work very well...he has regained movement in his legs and can focus on things much better then when he was initially diagnosed. So the radiation seems promising...I guess after going thru months of treatments, when something new comes up - it's a little scary...
What worries me is after speaking with him yesterday he seemed fatigued again and forgetful. I am trying to do some research on other side effects, as I am wondering if they are different for the different areas of the body.