What to expect with radiation and chemo for inoperable lung cancer?

Treatment for stage III non-small cell lung cancer can feel overwhelming, and it's completely understandable to want to hear from others who have walked this path. Many community members have shared valuable insights about managing daily treatment schedules, side effects, and practical tips for getting through concurrent or sequential treatment approaches. Hopefully, others in this community will share their experiences to help provide the real-world perspective that can be so meaningful during this time.

I had 4 regimens of chemo and radiation on my Tumor on my brain. There were giving steroids with chemo and keytruda and gave me a pill steroids for inflammation why they were doing radiation. They really pump you up. Could not sleep one night. They have to wing you off them. Put it cured my brain tumors. Also before the brain they did radiation on tumor on my rib it did not shrink but chemotherapy and keytruda shrunk one in my rib.

Chemo and keytruda Shrunk one tumor in lung

I was stage 3B but did have surgery. If I were you I’d get a 2nd opinion to confirm. Next up is biomarker testing. That has to be done in order to choose the right drug(s). I did chemo/radiation at the same time. Radiation 5days/ week for 6 weeks and chemo 1 day a week. Thursdays were long days! I would do them together again if given the choice. But they may have reason to do them separately for better outcome. Some who are EGFR positive get to skip all other treatment and just go on a targeted therapy pill (Tagrisso). I did that for 4 years when I progressed. It wasn’t bad.

Jane G I am just about to start the exact treatment you described. Do you have any strategies that helped you through those long days of chemo and radiation?

Just stay strong and ask questions. I'm in the same boat. I feel like a sheep being told where to go and what to do that's why you have to ask questions. Best of luck to you and to me

Thanks Linda. I do ask questions but do not always get answers. I have asked to change to a different oncologist. Hoping to get more answers and not ignorred.

Sup O That's fantastic be strong land true to you. I feel to the doctors were just a number and insurance payment anymore.

Listen to your body. Rest when you’re tired. Eat whatever you want. I put a ginger candy in my mouth right before they would start the IV because that taste you get at first was really nauseating. (It doesn’t bother me when I’m not on chemo). Remember “this too shall pass”.

Had 5 days of radiation 1x a week chemotherapy (cold capped) and 10 monthly immunotherapy after diagnosed cancer free. Im 6 months out of treatments. Have good days and tired days. Immunotherapy had my thyroid issues so on medication for that. Im hoping allergy season won't effect my breathing too much. Retired lost alot of interests just bible study and church and 2x a week workout at gym. Have a great family support took me to all my appointments and very grateful 🙏 I didnt have too bad side affects cant tell you what I took but was very tired for tge 6 weeks of treatment..Amazing job by Cancer Center...rang the bell! Im sure you will do just as well. Bring Jesus with you..Angels too will bless you too. Best wishes..