Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kingman, AZ

I've been told radiation is harmless except for a skin rash. I've read that radiation has the same side effects as chemo.
Could someone with first hand knowledge of radiation tell me what is the truth.

July 2
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared their first-hand experiences with radiation side effects, offering a wide range of outcomes in response to the question about... Read more

Members shared their first-hand experiences with radiation side effects, offering a wide range of outcomes in response to the question about whether radiation is truly harmless. Several members described challenges including nausea, fatigue, painful esophagus inflammation, lung scarring, muscle cramps, and autonomic system dysfunction, while others reported very few side effects and even great success with tumor reduction. A recurring theme was that every person reacts differently to radiation, and staying informed, asking questions, and reporting concerns to your medical team are key steps in navigating treatment.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I had radiation to my brain after they removed my tumor. Right after the radiation ended I started chemo for my lungs and brain. I did loose most of my hair and I still have constant fatigue. At my first 3 month check point my tumors had reduced by 50% and there was no cancer anywhere else in my body. It has now been 17 months since I was diagnosed and I am now strictly on immunotherapy every 3 weeks. Each person reacts differently to any plan of treatment. Stay positive and keep informed, be sure to ask questions and report any problems to your doctor. Enjoy each and every day to its fullest.

July 5
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Bob- radiation was ok 4 me until rite in the middle. I got nauseous 4 about a week then went away-BUT, the truth is u will probably have long-term effects! Scarring of the lung tissue- b.cuz of my scarring, I have 2 take nexium everyday of my life now!! The scarring can also have other problems with breathing! Sorry 2 b the barrer of bad news💜 and prayers
CANCER SUX

July 6
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Radiation was far worse for me and did not work on my lung tumor. Lung ablation did work. Even though my lung collapsed, it wasn’t as bad as radiation

July 2
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

That is not true, they have not had it, I have and it did not work . Maybe it is easier to get to a spot in your brain and not your lung. I was in the room getting the radiation for quite a while for a certain amount of days. Also, they had to stay away from my pacemaker, maybe that had something to do with it. This was the main Radiologist at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. I know he knew what he was doing. The time and circumstances were not right for me.

July 3 (edited)
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I had radiation for a month. I don’t remember any side effects but I was also doing chemo twice a month with radiation.

July 16

Related Questions

View All
A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Aliquippa, PA

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Manteca, CA

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Portland, OR

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In