Has anyone struggled with shortness of breath, particularly on exertion after radiotherapy on chest wall? I have asthma and mild bronchiectasis but am struggling at night and when i try to do anything that requires slight exertion. I contacted GP today online form as no appointments but havent had a response. Its now the weekend and Monday feels a long way away! Im sure I’ll survive but its just another worry!
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I am also asthmatic and had radiotherapy to both breasts. I have struggled to reduce my inhaler since my treatment. Asthma nurse says it’s ok, it my new ‘normal’.
I was advised that radiotherapy the chest will affect a small portion of the top of my lungs, there was no way to avoid and I did breath hold to prevent damage to my heart.
I found this article
If it was me and I still felt something wasn’t right I would call 111 for advise. Better to be safe than sorry. Breathlessness can be signs of an asthma attack as well and we both know it’s important to follow our asthma action plan.
BCN nurses are available tomorrow from 9-1 0808 800 6000 if you want to talk this through.
I hope you feel better soon. Take care 
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Thankyou for your reply and the information. Thats really helpful x
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I have been suffering from breathless on exertion for some time - I had 15 days of radiotherapy last November and contacted my GP who x rayed my chest and did an ECG - both normal - I mentioned it to oncology team who are arranging an ECHO and CT plus more blood tests - presumably to check if it’s heart, secondaries ( hope not!) or radiotherapy
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Thanks for your reply. Sorry you didnt get answers sooner. I hope your further investigations show what the problem is. Im still short of breath and coughing. I dont think im serious enough to need a walk in as suggested by my GP surgery because the earliest appointment i can get is 27th November!
Im waiting for an oncology appointment after finishing rads but not sure how long the wait will be.
Im wondering whether I should jave a word with radiotherapy nurse or BCN.
Not sure which one but itll have to wait till Monday now.
Take care. I hope you get some answers soon. X
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Thank you for coming back to me - I would get in touch with your oncology team just to put your mind at rest if nothing else
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