Unexpected Radiation Pneumonitis After Breast Cancer Treatment
Community Member
a year agoWell last fall I at age 59 DX with IDC stage 1b, neg nodes, clear margins, partial mastectomy oncotype 24 no chemo needed. ER 95% +, PR+, HR low. So they then recommended Accelerated Rad 5 doses.. no issues... Been on Arimadex since end of January... SO here is my question - in May had some low grade temps, dry cough and increased fatigue, with some shortness of breath with activity only. 3 scripts for different antibiotics no change, chest X-ray showed ground glass opacities in right base X 2 without improvement. CT scan after I insisted.. I have Radiation pneumonitis.. Docs all shocked the don't see this with such targeted Radiation. So now cancer gone but have this side effects to deal with I will be on Prednisone high doses for months and crazy antibiotics daily during that time. Radiation Oncologist suggest I play the lottery! Anyone else similar?
Accepted Answer
That sounds incredibly frustrating to experience such an uncommon side effect after receiving targeted radiation treatment. While radiation pneumonitis is rare with accelerated breast radiation protocols, it can unfortunately occur even with the most precise techniques. Other community members may have faced similar unexpected complications, so hopefully sharing your experience here will help connect you with others who understand what you're going through during this challenging time.
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Community Member
6 months agoSorry to hear this Lisa. Our cases are very similar - 58, IDC, 1b, grade 0, no nodes, lumpectomy and 5 days radiation. Oncotype 15. I did not have radiation pneumonitis. I’m on the fence about taking the Anestrozole - may I ask how you came to your decision? The side effects scare the crap out of me.
Community Member
6 months agoHeidi... It was to me a no brainer... Mine was 95% estrogen, and 45 % progesterone... I have arthritis so not much more... No hot flashes until I am now on the Prednisone.... Make the best decision for you!!!! Lest me what u decide!!!!
Community Member
6 months agoI was so worried about taking anestrazole and side effects. I have been taking it for 8 days and feel fine so far. I wish I wouldn't have worried so much. I just needed to try it!
Community Member
6 months agoHi All, I have been on Anesteozole since March. Some hot flashes, some hair thinning, and some leg cramps. I can deal with all. It is working for me as I went on it before lumpectomy, and it shrank my tumor, so I had a better outcome. Thankful for the new treatments available. Janet the Unicorn
Community Member
2 months agoThat sounds incredibly frustrating to experience such an uncommon side effect after receiving targeted radiation treatment. While radiation pneumonitis is rare with accelerated breast radiation protocols, it can unfortunately occur even with the most precise techniques. Other community members may have faced similar unexpected complications, so hopefully sharing your experience here will help connect you with others who understand what you're going through during this challenging time.
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