The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

SBRT Side Effects?

Orchard
Orchard CSN Member Posts: 3
in Lung Cancer #1

Hello,

My name is James and I am a stage IV metastatic rectal cancer survivor currently in treatment for a metastisis to my upper left lobe of my lung.

I am undergoing SBRT for it. I've posted in forums I belong to for colorectal cancer but have not received any responses to my query, which I believe is due to the infrequency of people getting SBRT in the lung for that cancer. So, I thought I'd try here. I hope you all don't mind.

At any rate, I'm wondering what other peoples' experiences are? What is the window of time where the side effects--so far mostly fatige--get worse? How long have they lasted for you? Any other side effects I should keep in mind?

Thank you.

Best,

James

Like Care

Comments

  • jorola
    jorola CSN Member Posts: 243 Member
    #2
    Hi James

     

    Hi James.

     

    I actually know someone who had this done on a malformation of arteries his brain. But it was only one dose, so no help there to you. Have you research this? I found this:

     

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sbrt/pyc-20446794

     

    I am sending you this as it is such a new thing to be used on the lung for cancer (I get yours is a met too) and how quiet this forum can be, you may not get a response otherwise.

     

    Sorry I have not been much help either. Please keep posting though. Your story will help others down the line.

     

    Like Care
  • eihtak
    eihtak CSN Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited March 2020 #3
    James...

    Hi, 

    Sorry I did not see this sooner. I am from the anal cancer forum and am only visiting here on a whim. 

    I was initially treated for anal cancer (different than rectal) 9 years ago. About 5 years ago I had an anal cancer met to my left lower lobe of my lung and had a lobectomy followed by chemo, then not quite 2 years ago I had another anal met to my hilum (the airway connected to the lung) on the same side. For that, I too had SBRT !! My initial side effect was fatigue and then a slightly sore throat. Sometimes it seemed that I was unable to get a really full breath but the more exercise I got, like going for walks etc., that got better. However, I do have a dry cough daily that is easily triggered by eating dry foods such as crackers or strong scents. Its now approaching 2 years since the SBRT and while the cough remains, my most recent scan was clear. I always have a water bottle or cup of tea near by as it seems to settle the cough issue. 

    Its scary right now with this new virus as one of the symptoms is a dry cough and thats my normal so am a little anxious that I won't know! Its a challenging time for all!

    I wish you well and hope your treatment has been successful with little lasting negative effects.

    katheryn

    Like Care
  • Naynay129
    Naynay129 CSN Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2020 #4
    SBRT Side Effects

    I had SBRT in Jan. before chemo for small cell lung cancer.  The side effects I had were fatigue and rash on my chest where the radiation was aimed.  My doctor said it was like "ring worm" which made me laugh because I never thought of that as a side effect of radiation!  OTC Tinactin took care of it although it came back once during chemo.  I had a dry cough during chemo and the chills so I was worried about the virus, too.  Luckily, I can stay inside and my husband takes me for rides when I need to get out of the house.  Waiting on PET Scan results and praying for good news. Hope you are well during this crazy time.

    Like Care

Discussion Boards