Ex-smokers and radiation

Kitchenwitch

Hi, all - I'm very likely to have to have radiation, left side, for lesion very close to chest wall. Any ex-smokers here can give me an idea of how this might affect my respiratory status? Right now it's pretty good. I quit recently, I am active and able to walk up 9 flights of stairs (that's my answer to the health club).

I don't have a lot of choice, but maybe if I tell the rad. onc. how very concerned I am they'll try to protect my lung?

Any advice/help/experience to share? Thanks in advance! 

candie1971

I am glad you quit smoking. I smoked while on radiation and didn't have any problems. I have quit tho, 8 months ago. Nearly 3 years after my dx.

Good luck to you,

hugs and prayers,

Candie

Kitchenwitch

Great news that you quit! I feel relieved that I did, just worried that there will be some after-effects. Glad to hear there were no problems.

kk69Z

kitchenwitch: I also was a smoker, however, I quit right before radiation started. I started the tamoxifen and quit the same day, which was 8/5/08. I had no problem with radiation. Mine was left side.

Kitchenwitch

Thanks, KK. One of the surgeons I spoke to was very reassuring, say they are much better at avoiding heart & lung these days but it's still very good to hear from people who have gone through radiation (and who smoked). Congratulations on quitting! (Have to admit, I've been having 1-2 a week, because it's a stressful time  but I really do think/know I can quit for good before I begin the treatment.)