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I have Stage 4 CKD and, my Oncologist wants to do radiation therapy on a lung nodule. What can I expect? I'm a nervous wreck.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Flint, MI
April 1
 · 
Reactions
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

@A MyLungCancerTeam Member,
What radiotherapy system will be used?
How many radiation sessions will you have?
What will the schedule be? Daily or weekly
Where in the lung is the nodule situated?
Be sure to ask the radiation oncologist this question!

At first you won't feel a thing. Symptoms show up the more treatments you have. If you have a lot of treatments, you may have long lasting or permanent side effects. Some of them may not show up for months, even years after.

Stay positive!
Tony

April 4
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I guess it would depend on how many rounds they wana do- I had 2 do 30 and it only got yuck right at the halfway mark and only 4 about a week🙂 But there could b long term effects sumtimes...😒

April 7
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I had radiation therapy 2 years ago for a nodule in my upper left lobe. It was very easy for me. Following the treatments there was some numbness near one of the tattoo sites and one small area of lingering nerve sensitivity but nothing major or concerning. I have known of some people who experience a little tiredness. Through the whole thing I was able to drive myself to and from my treatments. It was worth it because the treatments produced the expected outcome. You’re going to do fine.

April 6
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Radiotherapy fried my lung and now I cough up green mucus and have to use a nebuliser. It's called Radiotherapy fibrosis ( scaring)
Also have breathing difficulties

April 2
MyLungCancerTeam

What can you expect from radiation therapy on a lung nodule with stage 4 lung cancer?

It's completely understandable to feel nervous. Radiation therapy for lung nodules is a common treatment, and knowing what to expect can help ease some anxiety.

Radiation therapy can serve several purposes for stage 4 lung cancer:

* Show Full Answer

What can you expect from radiation therapy on a lung nodule with stage 4 lung cancer?

It's completely understandable to feel nervous. Radiation therapy for lung nodules is a common treatment, and knowing what to expect can help ease some anxiety.

Radiation therapy can serve several purposes for stage 4 lung cancer:

* Treat metastases that have spread to distant locations
* Relieve symptoms like bleeding, pain, cough, or trouble swallowing
* Shrink tumors to improve quality of life

The most common type is external beam radiation, where beams are directed at the tumor from outside your body. The radiation targets cancer cells while trying to minimize damage to healthy tissue. During treatment, you'll likely visit the cancer center for multiple sessions. Recent advances are making it possible to have shorter courses of radiation, which means fewer visits and potentially fewer side effects.

Common side effects may include:

* Skin rash or irritation
* Fatigue
* Nausea
* Loss of appetite
* Cough

Most side effects are manageable and your care team will help you through them. Radiation is often combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapy for stage 4 lung cancer.

Talk openly with your oncologist about your concerns and ask questions about your specific treatment plan. Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety.

April 1

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