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side effects not improving

natmat
natmat CSN Member Posts: 18
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I would like some input on what pain your body keeps after chemo and radiation are done. I have completed radiation a month ago and chemo 3 weeks ago. Most of my side effects are gone. My most bothersome one is a severe pain in my chest on the right side where the radiation was targeted. I have read that it is inflammation, but I am not quite convinced. I have a pain like the bone has been bruised, this is slight on the back as well. However, whenever I eat or drink, the pain increases, especially if its cold or too big (as in a piece of meat). It is tender to the touch. I have both loritab and ibuprofen, but neither seem to make that particular pain go away.
I first felt the pain during the beginning of my radiation but the doc didn't seem concerned about it, just dismissed it as a side effect. I accepted that as many strange things happen that are side effects and they do go away. I know radiation really tears your insides up, but I guess I am looking for some confirmation that this is indeed a side effect taking a while to heal. I have allowed myself to fear it is the cancer and I am in worse shape than willing to admit.
Has anyone else experienced this problem? What meds have helped to make it feel better? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
natmat
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Comments

  • augigi
    augigi CSN Member Posts: 89
    #2
    Any chance it could be
    Any chance it could be GERD/reflux, if it increases after eating? Esp if you're taking high dose anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen?
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  • natmat
    natmat CSN Member Posts: 18
    #3
    augigi said:

    Any chance it could be
    Any chance it could be GERD/reflux, if it increases after eating? Esp if you're taking high dose anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen?

    not sure
    I honestly don't know. I have never experienced either. I also believe it is in the bone or muscle. It doesn't last, only immediately after (almost during) swallowing. Once the food/drink goes down and is near the pained area, it hurts. Once its down, I just wait about 30 seconds and the pain is gone. The exception was yesterday, but I also did some house cleaning (vacuuming and sweeping), another reason I think its bone or muscles
    I have stopped taking ibuprofen because it didn't seem to be helping. I tried extra strength tylenol ysterday and it didn't help either. I know I should call the doctor but I am having a hard time explaining how this pain hurts.
    I will google GERD/reflux and see if it has similar symptoms.
    I appreciate the input, as I said, it is driving me crazy and I just want to know what it is.
    natmat
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