Chemotherapy and radiotherapy together

Hi Zebra

I saw your post hadn't been answered and whilst my 2 cancers were not Lung the effects of the treatment is pretty much the same, he will be tired at times, I has for my OS cancer 6 rounds of chemo and also 35 RT, to be honest with me I got htrough it fine and carried on working through it until the last 2 RT rounds and I forced myself to attend them-good job because it cured me- but the next 2 weeks I was flat on my back on the settee.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/lung-cancer

The following is the booklet on Lung Cancer but most likely you will have been given one, the only thing i will say, and I igm=nred it he needs to take on board lots of liquid to keep hydrated, the main after effect Ihave had is dry skin and scalp even 12 months after it goes on, alright for Ladies but us men aren't used to all the creams and posions

Take care and I'm sure someone else will come along to your request

Tony

Thank you so much Tony.  That's exactly the info I need and thanks for the booklet link.  We were on complete overload after our visit to the MDT yesterday and haven't looked at the paperwork they gave us.  That's tomorrow's job.   My husband is extremely pragmatic and positive which I'm sure will help him.  We don't have children but we do have an amazing support group - he is very well likedloved and respected and I think this is being endorsed by all the amazing offers of help we've been given. I do hope all is well with you now - you're obviously a very positive man too.  Thank you.

Seems I'm doing my usual dinosaur act - not at all techy minded.  Thank you Kasvin - thought the message was from Tony.  Thank you

Hi, i too have sclc like your husband and had the exact same treatment, 4 rounds of chemo and cycle 2 had radiotherapy twice a day, morning and afternoon for 3 weeks

My treatment came to an end last august, i can honestly say i found it easier than what i invisaged, the hardest part for me was forever going to the hospital and waiting ages as  radiotherapy very busy, my 2nd cycle my bloods too low and had to wait a week but was given injections to administer to myself to make sure blood ok for treatment.

I hope your husband gets on ok, as for me it shrunk the tumour but its still there, scan every 6 months, next being May so anxious.

I am quite happy to answer any questions i may be able to answer or give suppoet. Best widhes

Thank you so very much for sharing your experience Maxxie.  It's really good to learn that the tumour has shrunk, but I can understand your trepidation waiting for the next scan in May.  It all seems to be hurry up and wait doesn't it?  I am sending you a huge hug, and hope that May brings you good news.  I'll be thinking of you.  Best Wishes, Zebra

First chemo today in the morning and then appointment at another hospital [30 miles away] this afternoon.  My husband is to have 6 weeks of radiotherapy after the 2nd chemo cycle.  This seems rather full on.  Has anyone else had 6 weeks of radiotherapy for lung cancer all in one go?  I would so appreciate any answers/advice.  Thank you all.

1. Hi Zebra, sorry that your husband is going thru this, I have nsclc inoperable I went thru 3 cycles of chemo ,30 radiotherapy sessions and 12 months if immunotherapy.  My radiotherapy started on my 2nd chemo cycle . It was tough going as I was really feeling bloody awful , once my chemo had finished I started to feel a bit better but you just have terrible fatigue, I had a 30 minute journey to and from the hospital every day for 6 weeks it really got me down especially when I just wanted to lie down and rest/sleep. Once treatment had finished the side effect started within a couple of weeks, for me it was really painful on swallowing, and really bad heartburn got oramorph and another one that I can't remember the name of. I would say it took about 6 weeks for things to settle down. I'm no longer on any treatments last one May 2022 scans evey 6 months now next one in May last one was December 2022 showed everything stable , so far so good.Hope your husband gets thru it all without to many side effects .

Hi Evelyns, what a really helpful and positive post.  My husband doesn't 'do' this sort of social media but he's just read what you posted and I could tell that he was really appreciative of your comments.  Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.  I wish you continued good health and bless you so much. 

Hello again, hope this finds everyone doing well.  I have hesitated putting this post on the forum.  Firstly, I do not wish to upset people, or be accused of being smug, or writing anything offensive at all.  I have read so much about chemo and I was expecting the worse.  However, my husband - now on day 5 of cycle 1 - is showing no signs of any side effects at all.  Is this because it is early days?  Can I expect problems as the treatment continues or when the 6 week radiotherapy starts?  I am totally ignorant and inexperienced in all this but I do so want to know what is going to happen as the treatment progresses.  So sorry if I have upset anyone with this post - I just feel so helpless.

Hi, i did reply to your 1st post, as i had the same treatment, and explained i got through it fine, no real side effects, so hopefully your husband the same.

Be careful reading other posts for nsclc, as its very different. Myself and your husband have sclc. My journey was exactly the same as you are embarking on, radiotherapy was painless a couple of minor niggles, i had it twice a day, but same result if you have it once a day its just mine lasted 3 weeks not 6 weeks. I have a cancer centre not too far away so was manageable.

Please source info from roy castle for lung cancer, do helpful booklets.

Sclc is uncurable but treatment gives us longer, i am exactly 2yrs since diagnosis, quite accidental ct scan for something else and shadow on lung seen.

Feel free is you have specific questions, and i wish your husband the very best, its a horrible disease.

Thinking if you,