Shortness of breath after radiation
Has anyone experienced occasional shortness of breath, no coughing though after completing radiation? I have had a CT scan done of the chest which came back all clear. Most of the time I can take a deep breath without a problem and other times I have to yawn to take a deep breath. Has anyone had this symptom after radiation?
Thank You,
Comments
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Yes. I actually had some minor shortness of breath after finishing chemo last fall. It got more pronounced during rads. I finished rads at the end of Oct and the problem lasted until end of Jan. It was like my throat was constricted sometimes. I also suspect my allergies were part of it. I am experiencing the same thing now too. Allergy season and 3 hours of anesthetic are my reasoning for my last surgery 2 weeks ago seem likely culprits. I am trying not to panic and jump to the conclusion that it is the cancer.
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The rads nurse said this could be one of the se of rads and told me if I get it to definatly let them know. I hope your feeling better. I get that sometimes when they tell me not to move during some tests like alittle mini attack of being told not to move and you just want to wiggle. I have yet to start rads but the intial markings when you have to lay in a weird position for 45mint. tends to make you or at least me feel like I can't get enough breath and I never thought I was claustaphopic and still don't but when I want to move I want to move. It will be intresting during rads at least they say it does not take long. I would defnaitley tell your onc about this though!
Good-Luck, Bridget
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By all means, let the rad clinic know, if they give you the tut, tut, then go for a cardio-pulmonary consult, if this does not clear up.
Gentle hugs, Shirlann
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Thank you ladies for responding so quickly to my post. About a month ago I was diagnosed with costochondritis which is an inflamation of the cartilage between the ribs and can happen after radiation. I found some information on the web stating that shortness of breath can be related to the chostochondritis rght along with the stress of everything. I never even heard of chostochondritis until about a month ago and there are many opinions on how long it can last. Had a CT scan done just to be sure, which was all clear, thank GOD. Chostochondritis can't be diagnosed by scans but by symptoms. It's just that any ache, pain, shortness of breath makes me worry about the worst. I Know most of you understand where I'm coming from. I just wish this cancer never happened....as I'm sure all of you feel the same way.
(((Hugs)))
Liz
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my mother has just completed her radiation and had shortness of breath and has a continued sore throat and dry cough, doctors of course say it is not related to any of her treatments . she never has suffered from allergies. it really bothers her she just carries throat drops and water with her always.
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I am surprised that your mom's dr said the rads did not cause this. My mom and I had similar experience and dr said it was normal. I am 10 mths out of rads and still have some throat issues although very minor. My mom had a dry cough for several mths.
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It makes alot of sense that it could be radiation related. I'm very small breasted (barely a b cup) so that when I lay down I'm pretty flat so it's inevitable(sp?) that the radiation beams would hit other areas around the breast. I just wish more members would post if they had these symptoms. I have also heard that some radiation onocologist just won't admit that radiation could cause such side effects afterwards. It seems to be the nature of the beast in a manner of speaking, no pun intended ofcourse.
Pretty In Pink I love your bear picture. I used to collect stuffed bears in various outfits and will always be a bear lover.
Thank you ladies for responding.
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Hello....
My rads oncologist explained all of this too me...the possibilities after radiation treatment:
-rib pain
-shortness of breath
-nausea
-sunburn
-mild cough
I have not had anything yet...touch wood...but it has only been 3 months since rads ended...and she said some of this can act up a year to 2 years after......
Hugs to all
Kosh
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I had shortness of breath too....it seemed I always was yawning or taking in a deep breath just to get some oxygen in my lungs. I spoke to my Dr. and he said it has a lot to do w/ anxioty. This can show up weeks later after dx. It FINALLY went away over time...but I too was worried about the rads. My Rad. Onc. said a persistent cough is for concern.
Much LUV
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Wow! I was surprised and relieved (misery loves company?) to read Liz's post about Chostochondritis. I was diagnosed with same thing by my pcp back in June. I finished rads in Dec '07. My rad onc was in denial about the connection between my symptoms and radiation. The pain in my ribs has subsided somewhat, but it's still there. And I still have breathing problems, especially in the evenings. Separately, I am on Tamoxifen, and have had endometrial lining thickening, resulting in biopsy - negative - phew! Then ovarian cyst - being monitored (2 ultrasounds so far). Now, today, had breast biopsy for calcifications - will hear results on Tues/Wed. Good grief!
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I have had breathing problems since my 19th rad. the radiologist said it was unrelated for a long time but I couldn't go back for treatment it got so bad. They determined it was edema and put me on some meds for it, I am still having some problems but it has eased up some. I think I only have 4 more treatments now, and I cant wait until its over.
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I am having severe breathing problems since radiation, so your not alone. I eneded radiation way back in Oct 2011 and here it is June and I am still having breathing issures. I've always had asthma, but now my medications doen't seem to be working, I just can't breath very good anymore. I'll look up the chostoehondritis and see what it says. Any other help from anyone is appreciated. It is so hard to go to work when a person can hardly breath. I'm already on Glutathione, Advair, and other breathing medications, they just aren't working all the time, still short winded.
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Vick, there seems to be lots of us that have breathing issues, but the drs don't seem to want to admit to rads as the cause. I never had asthma before, but since I caught a cold right after surgery, I have had a horrible cough. It got so much worse during rads. I just saw a pulmonary spec on Friday . He thinks the linings of my bronchi tubes have gotten stripped away. I am on Advair, Abuteral, Singular, a cough suppressant , Prednisone and starting a nebulizer soon. It is a real pain in the neck. So you are not alone!
There is a more active thread called radiation recovery, if you would likevto join us over there.
Nancy -
i was diagonsed with lymphoma in Nov.2012 after a routine mamagram that went into a sonogram and instantly into a biopsy with the first surg in dec, then 2 weeks later the 2nd surg. from their 2 weeks later i started my 34 radiation treatments. these are pretty intense treatments and really kick your butt! I got really burnt and had to take a week off, had to get the cream that the burn patients get, i was really in bad shape and raw sunburn, I had 9 treatments left and i started getting nausiated and had a headache. i tuffed it out and i am now 7 weeks with no treatments but I have a heavyness of the chest and shortness of breath. I have told this to the dr and he just said we have to watch this. I had bloodwork done and my white cells are low. i am tired and some days feel like I've run a marathon and im at the end but the end never comes. usually by noon to 1pm i am ok but after that I am done for the day! my husband can't figure out why i am so tired. this really drains you. My nausia is pretty much gone but the headaches come back when i get warm but not as seviere as before. How long will these symptons last and the Drs. don't seem concerned. My concern is the fatique and the heavy ness /short winded. am I going to have a heart attack it sure feels like it sometimes. that's the real scare. any input would be appreciated thanks.
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I had breathing difficulties that set in about 2 months after finishing radiation. As a runner, I was really terrified that I had lung damage. Ended up I had lymphedema in my chest area, and some really bad chest "adhesions" (actually just tight/damaged muscles). It is really a shame that women don't have an automatic follow-up with a PT/massage therapist after breast surgery and radiation (like people do after shoulder surgery, for example). I would suggest looking to see if there are any massage therapists or physical therapists in your area who work primarily with breast cancer patients -- it took two visits and I could breath again. It was such a relief!! I will be hoping that this simple solution can give you some relief.
It did take me much longer to "recover" from everything than I had thought it would. I was in really good physical shape before my diagnosis and treatment, did not have chemo, and still it took at least 6 months before I felt "normal" again. Take care of yourself, and be patient while you recover.
Good luck. -
I just finished a one week clinical trial, dose dense rads protocol in April. I had high milligrays (almost 9 a day) in 2 x a day trmts (normal rads are about 2 mg a day) and the other night, I began having serious shortness of breath. It scared me so much that I had my DH drive me to the ER. They did all kinds of tests, searching for blood clots etc, including a CT scan and chest x-ray and they said they did not find anything except that they could tell I was a smoker before but did not see any "damage"
I am STILL having severe breathing issues. My pulse ox was good but I feel as thought I can't catch my breath at all. This is not even on exertion, just at rest! It is horrible and I feel as though I am dying. I am calling my rad onc tomorrow first thing and also my MO since I just started (and stopped) Aromasin and was thinking it might be that (but I doubt it highly)
From all I have read, it could very well be the rads...and I have not a clue if it is reversible damage or not. I am scared to death that it may not be. Ugh...all this for DCIS and I probably would have been fine without rads. I am angry now that I did this.
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I am not sure if this would help wtih radiation-induced lung damage, but for Vicki and anyone else with asthma who is suffereing with shortness of breath due to inflammation- I take turmeric- two capsules a day, and it has completely cleared up my asthma.
For years I was really severe, getting admitted to hospital, going to the ER because I could not breathe-on advair (worst), on singulair, nothing worked well for me. i could not walk down the hall or one flight of stairs, it was so bad.
With my cancer diagnosis I started taking turmeric- for the anti-cancer efects of the circumins in it.
Withing a week my asthma was completely clear. I recently had an asthma doc checkup and he said I have "no trace" of asthma- he will see me in two years just to document this "miracle".
I take natures harvest from oregon, white and purple bottle sold at whole foods, two capsules a day. Other brands probably work but look for those with piperine to boost absorption.
This has helped three of my friends who had asthma or other inflammatory problems- hope it can help one of you as well. not breathing well is the worst.
hugs -
Sciencegal and April I have been using turmeric also. I put it in my smoothie in the morning. I have read so much good research on it. Besides cutting off the blood supply to any potential tumors, it really helps with inflammation. I have had some pretty severe fibromyalgia and it has helped immensely. I think it would definitely help.
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oh my GOD. This is soooo incredible! To be reading that other people are experiencing or have experienced what I am going through right now!!! I finished radiation in early December 2012 and NOW, 6 months after, I can hardly breathe and am experiencing chest pain/tightness. I also had ALL the symptoms that most of you describe, building up slowly, starting back in January, about one month after the end of radiation: tight throat, constant swallowing, mucus buildup in my nose and throat, now have a stiff throat/neck and can't breathe at the same time as I talk, eat, or drink. Absolutely terrifying!!! The rad doc REFUSES to admit it could be caused by "his" treatment, but I just saw a specialist in Europe who says this is a COMMON rad side effect!!!! Especially if you happen to be a thin woman, like I am.
Will this EVER get better??? I used to run, cycle, swim... now i can barely WALK! It is truly terrifying. The turmeric post gives me some hope. And also knowing that I am not alone. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all posting like this! May try to join a forum, as it could be helpful to share with others about this.
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Hi Virginia, I am so sorry this happened to you.
I agree, these boards are great and the wonderful women who post here are my support group. I have learned so much and definitely do not feel alone or that I am having unusually frightening experiences, once I read that others have survived them.
I hope the turmeric does help. Lungs can heal, like skin after radiation, but much more slowly.
Best wishes to you. -
hello to all.
i have experinced the shortness of breath to the point that a have to take a real deep breath it is very scarey it feels like that may be my last breath! WOW the dr has put me on resperdone every 8 hours it works to some extent but i can tell when it's time for another one. I feel like a balloon ready to pop, like I need to put on more weight! LOL my dr told me their was side effects of radiation but they never tell you the severty of them. I have a friend that her friend has gone thru this and her symptoms are the same as the rest of us. and now it has affected her heart. I do believe the beems do more damage to the surronding areas they treated. the beems just don't stop in a certain area they do go beyond the area being treated. Has anyone else had heart problems since radiation treatments? these surprises just keep coming. Is their any disability available for us that have on going symptoms from the cancer/radiation? Many other people qualify for disability shouldn't we be able to get it? I have never had breathing problems. If their is anyone out there that can get me info I would greatly appreciate it. I am not alone. good luck to all of you this is a really tough disease! My radiation was really tough I got burned bad, they put me on the cream that burn patients get in the burn units. also, in the Peru, Illinois area their is a group of cops that do cops for cancer. they are cops that have loved ones with cancer they put together a group with a medical board you apply and you can get some help with, expenses, gas. utilities etc. they are wonderful!!!! so please go to their web site cops for cncer peru Ill and see if you qualify!!
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I know this is a super old thread but I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. I have had scans, blood work and a pulmonary function test. Everything is fine. I feel as though I can't take a deep enough breath. It comes on anytime even at rest. I am miserable and am very frustrated.
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bump
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I've been experiencing the same. When I try to take a deep breath I have to cough. Feel like my breaths are more shallow. Also have a tightness feeling around my chest area. As if my bra is tight but it's super loose. Finished radiation in February but these side effects started a month after.
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HI all,
I'm now 59 years old.
I too have started with breathing issues about 1 1/2 year after rads. 3/15 dx with rt sd lobular invasive. ACT chemo 12 wks followed by 28 rad tx. Some burn close to the end with ointment. Like some here, I'm slender (always been so), very active, walking at least 5 miles daily and working. Started noticing breathing probs and exhaustion just cutting tge grass. Never, ever had this or asthma or any bronchial problems. Totally disheartened to have this creep up. I will definitely try the turmeric. And will set up physical with my gp. Sad but glad I'm not alone
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Found this thread using the search words 'radiation' and 'cough', because that is what's going on, and getting worse, in the last 3 weeks.
About 6 weeks after last radiation I got this throat tickle and the need to cough one, dry, pointless cough. Hack. Nothing wet or fuzzy. Just a tickle deep in the hollow of my throat and then bark, a dry cough.
I pointed this out to the radiation oncologist at my follow up visit and she said this is typical anywhere from 6 weeks to 8 months after radiation. Well, that's just peachy. Typical does not cure it, make it more tolerable and has not made it go away. In fact, after almost 3 weeks of coughing, it's getting worse. At first it was just a cough but now I feel all over, generally lousy. My energy was coming back, I thought I was doing fairly well with recovery and now I just want to lay down and not move. Blah, slow, uninterested. Everything seems just ... too ... hard.
I do not have trouble breathing, although my lungs do now feel congested where in the beginning they did not. I just don't have any energy. But I am able to totally fill my lungs with air (followed by coughing!).
Is anyone else experiencing this post radiation cough, how long did it last, did it kick the legs out from under you?
MeToo14, I sometimes feel like I can't catch my breath but that has more to do with my heart. I have a condition called PVC and my heart beats fast, hard, then skips a beat or two. Very annoying! When it's in that flutter / fast mode, it feels like I cannot get enough air in my lungs. It only ever lasts a few seconds but the overall effect is that I begin to feel like I am passing out. Never have. Just feel like I'm going to. If you are having continued feelings of not enough air, maybe have your heart checked. It might not be a lung problem at all.
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Runor, yes, I finished rads 01/31/17 and started coughing around July but just here and there at first I thought it was allergies. I never have allergies issues, I mentioned to my PCP, no one seems to know, dismiss it as cold and such. I read up on rads long term SE and they said coughing is one and I feel like it comes from rads, feeling scratchy like you want to clear your lungs. Anyway, the cough was scarce at first then now October it became more prevalent. I have not using cough drops, I feel some chest pressure once in awhile like you have a book on your chest. Does anyone feels similar? Thanks.
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My last post here, Sept 30, I was having that miserable post radiation cough. I am happy to report that now, Oct 17, it is finally clearing up. Not gone completely, but backing off for sure. I easily had a cough for a month or longer. I am hoping that in the next while it resolves itself entirely and I hope that everyone with this radiation caused cough pulls through. Oh the joys....
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