Alice, Since I have been going through quite the ordeal to get my radiation done...which is NOT going to happen it seems. I have talked to so many rad doc's, and read so much on this topic and I do know that many times problems with radiation won't show up till much later AFTER you finished radiation. Like this breathing problem your having. Thats why they don't want me to do rads. I have major lung issue to start with...if they did me...it would probably kill me. Radiation DOES permanent damage to *some* of the lung no matter what on everyone...there is no way around it from all the information I have gathered. But MOST people will never notice it and it won't cause any problems. It will show up on x-rays...but usually thats it. But they MAY have hit more of your lung then they planned too. It happens. (but I am NOT a doctor & have no way of knowing what the problem is?)
And it is pretty rare to run across the problem your having...but it DOES happen unfortunetly.
But then I can't say for sure its even from your radiation tx's? It could be any number of things and it sounds like your doctor is doing his best by running all these tests to find out what is behind it all? It could be as simple as lung damage from Rads...or any number of things? I know its NOT easy to do tests and sit and wait for the results...but your going to have to TRY to relax...and see what he finds out. My heart goes out to you. I know your stressed out and worried. But your doctor will get to the bottom of it soon. Wish I could be of more help...but you hang in there ok. Keep posting and letting us know how you are and what they find out.
Sending your warm, healing thoughts & prayers.
Chelee