John Darilek
Message 1 of 1
John Darilek : 04/09/00 I went through 7 weeks of chemo and radiation and I also have weakness in the legs and tingling. First question is what kind of lung cancer do you have? What Stage are you in? What type of chemo did you receive? How many RADS of radiation did you receive each time? When did you complete your radiation? I have Stage III Squamous Cell Cancer of the right lung which is inoperable. I received 6000 RADs of radiation each time and was treated weekly with Cisplatin. Two months after my radiation I came down with Pneumonitis, which radiation scarring of the lungs or fibrosis (if you had over 3000 Rads your likely to get it). I also had pneumonia at the same time. My Oncologist and Radiologist did not mention that I could get this Pneumonitis and later I found out that most cancer patients die from pneumonitis than from the cancer so if you haven't already made a preliminary appointment with a pulmonary doctor do so to be on the safe side pneumonitis is treated with steroids and oxygen. I also have the weekness in the legs and am loosing my strength on the right side. I have been referred to a neurologist for testing for Paraneoplastic syndrome, to date I've been through two MRIs and blood tests and they still don't have an answer. Right now they are leaning towards steroid myopathy. If you start to cough alot see your pulmonary doctor. If you haven't already get a pneumonia shot.