Radiation repercussions almost 10 years later

sarah · 01-19-2016, 06:54 AM

Hello Rina
and yes, yes, yes. Like you, many, many years after chemo and radiation I had and still have both heart and lung complications. I have recurring pericarditis (take anti-inflammatories to help that and stop all exercise and carrying heavy things or doing anything strenuous) and fibrosis in the right lung, also had chest pains and a heart attack and they found a collapsed artery and had angioplasty and a stent put in. all this linked to radiation. When I was having the stent put in, I asked the cardiologist that while he was in there, did he see any plaque. He replied "it's not plaque, it's the radiation!" took a moment to point out my tattoos. I had the heart attack and angioplasty about 10 years out! I really suggest that all cancer patients should be followed by a cardiologist. My cancer was on my right side but it was invasive and they irradiated me enough to touch the heart on the left side. The lung is annoying because I find I get out of breath easily. I go to the gym but I have great difficulty doing anything too aerobic or walking up hills. Still better to be here still than under ground.
I carry Natispray with me at all times for chest pain and 2 aspirins which you chew up immediately if you suspect a heart attack.
I was also given an inhaler for the lungs but only use it when I expect to be doing something strenuous or it's very cold.
you're not alone
hugs and love
sarah

rinaina · 01-19-2016, 04:18 PM

Thanks Sarah for your reply. Sorry to hear that you have dealt also with the serious ramifications of radiation. It's so frustrating that we do what we are suppose to and yet years later we have complications by doing so. Thanks for your info. I too get short of breath when physically exerting myself and yrs ago had it checked out by a pulmonologist bit at that time tests were negative and that was that. This time around I will see a different pulmonologist and want answers as well as my cardiologist. I'd like to do whatever I can to prevent a serious problem if that's even possible.