Lung Scarring post SABR Radiotherapy

Hi Ruby24, it is great to hear that the tumour is shrinking. My lung tumour continued to shrink up to 6 month after my radiotherapy treatment.  

I am sorry to hear that there is scarring after the radiotherapy. Sorry I cannot help with this, but wonder if you would like to pop your question in the ask the nurse page. It can take up to 48 hours for someone to answer there, but think it may be better for someone who is medically trained to answer this for you. I'll pop a link underneath that will take you straight to the page. 

Ask a nurse

Hi Ruby,

I had 20 sessions of sabr to my chest 12 months ago and that left scarring on my lung also, if this helps i have had no pain or any other symptoms yes I'm short of breath at times but its not changed since diagnosed. 

We are all different i have stage 4 lung cancer adenocarcinoma affecting the aortic lymph nodes and adrenal gland my biggest killer is fatigue. 

All the best Darren 

Darren I'm same no energy at all  I have stage 4 lung cancer had all cancer treatments now immunotherapy chemo and just had 12 sessions of radiotherapy  I think yhe side effects of radiotherapy are yhe worse couldn't drink eat due to burning in chest goy a terriable rash very tired just hope this passers down Bern a week after treatment got antacid for chest anyone else experiencing this 

Hi Ruby24

It is normal for radiotherapy treatment to the lung to leave some scarring; in fact it would be unusual if it didn't.

11 years ago I had 33 daily sessions of high dose radiotherapy as part of my treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). This left considerable scarring which  is monitored as part of the occasional CT scans I still have.  The scarring will change over time, which is entirely normal and expected; so nothing to worry about,

Hope this helps a bit.

Kegsy x

Hi Toniblade

The radiotherapy for lung cancer often impacts on the oesophagus, making eating and drinking painful.  My cancer team described it as 'internal sunburn'.  It does ease as the oesophagus heals itself.  Best to eat things that slide down very easily.  My go to was home made baked egg custard (with no pastry; full of calories and very easy to swallow..   Avoid large meals; little and often is the answer. Try jelly, yoghurts etc.

Hope this helps a bit.

Kegsy x

11 years ago that's so good to hear  are you stage 4 aswell positive vibe xxx

Thank you my burning in throat as eased now got diametius very itchy skin but hopefully will pass soon thanks for reply xxx

Hi Toniblade

They do not stage SCLC via the 1-4 system.  SCLC is either 'limited' i.e in one lung only, or 'extensive' i.e it has spread to other areas.  I was 'limited', albeit the entrance to that lung was completely blocked by the SCLC.

Without treatment I wouldn't have survived more than a few months.  I have been extremely fortunate.

Kegsy x

Hi Ruby

I had 10 sessions of radiotherapy in January. Since my cough has gone really worse. Latest scan, although positive, shows scarring on the lungs and oncologist thinks that is reason of cough being worse. We are trying steroids at moment but no sign of it working. Consultant not hopeful it will get better so might have to live with that constant dry cough. So hope it won't affect you same way. That is unfortunately late side effects of treatments. Gets better one way and worse the other! Chantie 

Have stage 3b lung cancer, treated with Radical treatment both chemo and rt Christmas 18/19.. Yes the lung scarring  causes breathlessness, heavy coughing particularly in the mornings. It's not going to go away but what i do is use a small portable nebuliser 15 minutes a day, this keeps the lungs moist and helps loosening the flehm caused by the body constantly trying to heal the damage.

I've also started using carbo cictene again, this helps loosen the mucus etc etc, i also swim again this helps exercise the lungs, you have to be proactive which is why you are using this network.

On a more serious note all of us with lung cancer  are at risk  of it spreading to the Brain, just be aware and alert to neurological problems ,ie balance, vision and catch it early. I have a brain tumour now it is well known amongst the oncology fraternity that this occurs, talk to them, good luck. Dinger