Seven years cancer free but new concerns

[Mosborne]

I was diagnosed with a stage III lung cancer in April 2008. After a summer of radiation and chemo, followed by a lobectomy of my upper right lung, more chemotherapy, and ending with prophylactic whole brain radiation 10 months later.
Over the past year, or probably longer, I have been experiencing situations of being overwhelmed to the point that I must rest; slow processing information; slow to react; too much distance between thought and speech; loosing my train of thought in conversations; memory inconsistencies; easily disoriented, and more.
I see a neurologist, had neuropsych testing, and was prescribed aricept. I do not have Alzheimer's.
In addition to all the chemo, my new concern is progressive side effects from whole brain radiation.
Has anyone else experienced this?

 

NOW in 2016, I am taking Namzaric which combines memantine and donepezel in one pill as prescribed by neurologist. I take nuvigil on a daily basis to combat fatigue. 

My radiologist said I would not be here without brain radiation. She said we are in uncharted waters in my post treatment because we have so few survivors who had brain radiation.

I am coping with the side effects of brain radiation by stopping or reducing activities that I are difficult and taxing, but also trying to find new things that I can do.

Would I have this treatment again? Yes, absolutely. I knew the side effects going into treatment and was not surprised when they appeared. 

[Donna G]

Hello, I had stage 3B lung cancer also, diagnosed in 1997.  I had 2 chemos and daily radiation to my chest, then R upper Lobectomy then 2 chemos post op .   I have some lasting affects from that as neuropathy particularly in my feet.  I never had brain radiation.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

 

Donna G

[KatieB]

I've heard of some long term side effects in regards to memory in those who have had WBR.  I would definitely keep asking these questions and connect with our experts and ask them as well.  I believe that there are few studies about long term side effects of treatment for those with lung cancer because historically the prognosis was so poor.  The good news is people are living with lung cancer as a chronic disease and more people are surviving...the down side is we don't actually know the long term ramifications of the treatments that are helping keep people alive.

Please keep posting.  It helps and I look forward to getting to know you.