Forum Discussion
Annski
7 years agoMember
@millie (and everyone): lung damage following both chemo and radio are quite common and one would think all medical staff involved in prescribing treatments would know about it: here is a quick summary, you can find more at:
http://cancer.unm.edu/cancer/cancer-info/cancer-treatment/side-effects-of-cancer-treatment/less-common-side-effects/organ-problems/lung-damage-acute-pulmonary-toxicity/.
So unfortunately this is just another example of the way in which the bad effects of cancer treatments are not fully explained or maybe not explained at all. Also I can't understand why they don't take proper case histories from patients before the therapies start: for instance, how many among us was even asked whether we have lung problems, or bladder issues, or whatever? At least we might be forewarned about what we might expect and not be blindsided by it.
Poor @Blossom1961, so very sorry to hear about the awfulness you are going through. Everyone of course is wishing you well, but apart from cyber-hugs there's so little we can do ... awful to feel so helpless. Hope you are feeling better today, let us know how you are doing.
A.
http://cancer.unm.edu/cancer/cancer-info/cancer-treatment/side-effects-of-cancer-treatment/less-common-side-effects/organ-problems/lung-damage-acute-pulmonary-toxicity/.
Lung Damage (Acute Pulmonary Toxicity)
Overview
Lung damage is a side effect of some cancer treatments. This damage may include inflammation, which reduces the amount of oxygen you can absorb, and/or scarring, which reduces the amount of air you can breathe. Both of these result in uncomfortable symptoms, including shortness of breath and fatigue. Treatment for lung damage is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms.
- What are lung toxicities?
- What causes lung toxicity?
- What are the symptoms of lung toxicity?
- How are lung toxicities managed?
- What else can I do?
So unfortunately this is just another example of the way in which the bad effects of cancer treatments are not fully explained or maybe not explained at all. Also I can't understand why they don't take proper case histories from patients before the therapies start: for instance, how many among us was even asked whether we have lung problems, or bladder issues, or whatever? At least we might be forewarned about what we might expect and not be blindsided by it.
Poor @Blossom1961, so very sorry to hear about the awfulness you are going through. Everyone of course is wishing you well, but apart from cyber-hugs there's so little we can do ... awful to feel so helpless. Hope you are feeling better today, let us know how you are doing.
A.