SBRT, what to expect?

[KWT]

Going in for sbrt set up Thursday and treatments in about two weeks from then. what should I expect for side effects during and after treatments? Getting two lung mets zapped. Anxious to get this done. Thanks,
Kenny

[tdsamal]

Side effects for me were very minimal. About the only thing that I noticed was that I was pretty tired for the 2 weeks I was having it done. About 2 months after the radiation the Dr. noticed that my lung was looking like I might be getting pneumonia so we treated it and nothing every came from it. Now 3 years later I am having problems, but I have been told that this is not normal. Hope things go smoothly for you.
Tammy

[Mastan]

Hi Kenny,

I had 4 mets hit in one lung. I don't recall any issues during treatment. At the time I was cycling a fair amount and I noticed a gradual reduction in my aerobic capacity over about two months. That loss of capacity is permanent. I was still able to do big rides but I was no longer competitive. Of course you know about what complication the sbrt caused when I had the thoracotomy. I just got approval today to return to the states after 2 mo. abroad. Hopefully you will not run into the situation where radiation damage complicates a surgery down the road.

Mark

[KWT]

Tammy, that's what the onc. Told me maybe a bit of fatigue that shouldn't last to long.

Mark, that's good you finally get to come home and the leak is healed up. Will you start riding soon?

[ams5796]

I had one lung met done by SBRT in February. The procedure itself over five sessions was very straight forward and simple. I have had almost no side effects. A couple of weeks ago I had a CT of my lungs. There was no new growth and that met looks to be dead (?). I don't think my lung capacity is great and I have a nagging cough (but not too bad). The diminished lung capacity is probably a combination of the SBRT and two previous VATS.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.



Ann

[juliej]

Kenny, I thought you'd have a longer recovery time after your lobectomy and wedge resection in May. Guess your doc thinks you are tough! I've never had SBRT, but I wanted to send you positive vibes for a simple procedure and a fast recovery. Summer is coming on strong now...picture yourself holding a cold one on a hot summer night while planning your next rock climbing adventure!

[Rob in PA]

Well, I have had sbrt done in 2012 on 5 mets in one lung, then again in 2014 on one met. i have noticeable diminished lung capacity and now they suspect I may have a paralyzed diaphragm from radiation damage. I go in tomorrow for PET/ct to clarify what is going on. May have two more lung mets as my last scan showed something fishy going on.

With all that said, I honestly don't think i'd be alive today without sbrt. I can't tolerate chemo anymore, I didn't qualify for surgery or vats or rfa. SBRT was my only choice and even with the diminished capacity.....if they tell me tomorrow that I've got lung mets and can have them zapped with SBRT, I'll do it again in a heartbeat!

To me, it's collateral damage that I'm okay with as long as I'm still on this side of the dirt!


Best to you.

P.S. I didn't notice anything during treatment in terms of side effects. Piece of cake for me....in the short term that is.

[KWT]

Thanks you guys,the next problem is my ins co. Just denied this. I don't know what to do now. Call the insurance commissioner i guess