Lung Function After RT

3cbrca
3cbrca Member Posts: 206
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi All
Did anyone have reduced lung function after RT? I had 35 treatments (6 fields at each visit) and I don't seem to be able to get my lung capacity back. I called my Dr's office and the Physician's Assistant told me it's probably "just" from the RT (finished in July). They are going to add some more tests to my labs next month. I also had dose dense AC for 8 weeks, but my MUGA score is still good (it's not CHF). I'm swimming 4 or 5 days a week and trying to get my lung capacity up, but it's not get any better and I get so winded so easily now.
Did anyone else have this problem? Does it come back?

Thanks so much
She

Comments

  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #2
    I am about 2 years after diagnosis... Had lumpectomy, AC - then Taxol/Herceptin 35 radiation treatments. It took me a long time to get my energy and lung capacity back. I ended up taking up dancing(shag) (wonderful exercise) and over time I have reworked getting my lung capacity back. But early on I would be panting after any significant exertion. It does get much better.

    Take Care... God Bless....

    Susan
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    Yup, me too. I am 1.5 years out from rads...I am just now regaining my capacity. Hard work can still have me gasping...the rad/onc warned me about this...because the rads had one angle that 'took out' a part of my left lung...

    Hugs Kathi
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #4
    Hi She,

    Sorry you're having this issue and hoping it improves soon.

    I'd advise a consult with a pulmonologist (lung speicalist). If you do happen to have any scarring of lung tissue, etc., this is the doctor to dx it, advise and treat it. According to my doctor, "radiation pneumonitis" is not uncommon, following rads to the chest area. There's peace of mind in knowing what you're dealing with...it takes the guesswork and worrying out of the equation. Your PA saying that it's "probably just from the RT" is quite an "open ended" statement. Things being "JUST" from RT, can pack a wallop or be mild and transient. I'd personally want some clarification. There are tests to rule out most of those maybe's.

    I had a bout of pneumonitis near the end of 37 rad treatments, which required treatment. For me, the symptoms came on slowly...I had less energy, developed a bit of a cough and became winded with physical exertion. After about 10 days of treatment, I felt 100% better and had no further issues with lung capacity.

    Hope you can find some specifics soon. Please keep us posted and FEEL BETTER.

    Love, light & laughter,
    Ink
  • 3cbrca
    3cbrca Member Posts: 206
    #5
    inkblot said:

    Hi She,

    Sorry you're having this issue and hoping it improves soon.

    I'd advise a consult with a pulmonologist (lung speicalist). If you do happen to have any scarring of lung tissue, etc., this is the doctor to dx it, advise and treat it. According to my doctor, "radiation pneumonitis" is not uncommon, following rads to the chest area. There's peace of mind in knowing what you're dealing with...it takes the guesswork and worrying out of the equation. Your PA saying that it's "probably just from the RT" is quite an "open ended" statement. Things being "JUST" from RT, can pack a wallop or be mild and transient. I'd personally want some clarification. There are tests to rule out most of those maybe's.

    I had a bout of pneumonitis near the end of 37 rad treatments, which required treatment. For me, the symptoms came on slowly...I had less energy, developed a bit of a cough and became winded with physical exertion. After about 10 days of treatment, I felt 100% better and had no further issues with lung capacity.

    Hope you can find some specifics soon. Please keep us posted and FEEL BETTER.

    Love, light & laughter,
    Ink

    Thanks so much for your advice I have appointments with my internist and oncologist in the next couple of weeks, so I will definitely ask about seeing a pulmonologist....
    She

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