Persistent cough after Radiotherapy

Claire 1 month ago

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I had radiotherapy for right sided breast cancer in November 2022. Soon after I seemed to develop a cough whereby I would bring up clear phlegm. I didn't think too much of it and if I'm honest I really felt it was more apparent and more noticeable when it was winter i.e. cold/damp weather. However it's still kicking around and I'm 2 years on and I have a kind of dull ache like where my right lung is. I didn't want to ask my GP as I wasn't sure if they would know the answer to a specific radiotherapy side effect but I also didn't know where else to reach out to. I had stage 1 breast cancer, no requirement for chemo but 10 days of radiotherapy. I haven't met my new oncologist and my Macmillan nurse retired so feel a bit lost.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as the cough is very irritating and unsure if I am being paranoid as since my diagnosis I'm a walking hypochondriac.

Thanks

Sarah M - Macmillan 1 month ago

Hi Claire,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.

I’m sorry to read about your ongoing symptoms, it’s completely understandable that you are concerned and want to know who to ask to try and find out what the cause is.

Unfortunately, some people do experience effects of breast cancer treatment on the heart and lungs, which can be years after the treatment finishes.

Going forward it would be a good idea to make a GP appointment and explain to them about your symptoms and how long you have had them for. Your GP will carry out an assessment and arrange for further testing at the hospital if appropriate. They may even refer you back to your previous breast team for a review.

This doesn’t mean to say that there is anything sinister going on, but it’s always best to have any new or ongoing symptoms checked out.

You haven’t mentioned if you are still being followed up by your breast care team in the outpatient’s department. If you are but don’t have a follow up appointment coming up it would be a good idea to get in touch with them to let them know about your concerns. Your consultant will want to know of any concerns you have and can let you know if there is a different breast care nurse you can contact as your previous one has now retired.

I really hope this information was helpful. Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.

Take care and best wishes,

Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

Ref: SMc/SA

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Persistent cough after Radiotherapy