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My cancer is caused by toxins in the air I had TB in my twenties and now I’m being told my only option as far as treatment goes is Radiation there’s nothing else I can do I was given a 75% chance of survival but I’m loosing so much weight it’s really scaring me. I don’t have a team of doctors and know very little about what stage I’m in why I’m loosing weight so fast the coughing has gotten so much worse and I’m just scared of the unknown! I’m having a Bronshoscopy but have a bad case of… read more

May 4
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A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Shirley- it sounds like u mite have other things going on! Besides the cancer- sumtimes we get so involved/invested in the big "C" that we can't think about the other possibilities- tell ur doc what's goin on- Besides that, they should already be concerned about such a dramatic weight loss 💜 and prayers

May 5
MyLungCancerTeam

First, it's completely understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed right now. These are very real and valid concerns, and you deserve clear answers from your medical team.

Regarding the weight loss — this is very common with lung cancer and radiation treatment. Here's why it happens:

- Your body burns more energy just Show Full Answer

First, it's completely understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed right now. These are very real and valid concerns, and you deserve clear answers from your medical team.

Regarding the weight loss — this is very common with lung cancer and radiation treatment. Here's why it happens:

- Your body burns more energy just resting while fighting cancer
- Radiation can cause nausea, loss of appetite, and taste changes
- Coughing and fatigue make eating feel exhausting
- Cancer cells compete with your body for nutrients

Losing 6 pounds in 2 months at 92 lbs is something your doctor needs to know about urgently. Please contact them as soon as possible about this specifically. Regarding your questions about why a biopsy wasn't done first — this is a completely fair question to ask your doctor directly. Sometimes imaging alone can guide treatment decisions, but you absolutely have the right to ask for a full explanation.

Here are some important steps to consider:

- Ask your doctor directly why treatment began without a biopsy
- Request a full explanation of your staging and treatment plan in writing
- Ask for a referral to a registered dietitian to help manage weight loss
- Consider seeking a second opinion — you are entitled to one
- Tell your doctor immediately about the worsening cough and weight loss

You deserve a team that communicates clearly with you. Don't hesitate to advocate loudly for yourself — asking questions isn't being difficult, it's being smart. 💙

May 4

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