Stage 4 lung cancer

My mum has stage 4 lung cancer, which has spread to her pleura. She is now experiencing severe pain in her shoulder and back, her consultant thinks the cancer is pressing on nerves hence the pain. She has been prescribed slow release morphine tablets and is about to start 14 sessions of palliative radiotherapy soon. My question is, how bad will the side effects be, she is quite weak as it is and I wasn't able to attend her last oncology apportionment with my parents and I don't think they took in what the consultant was telling them. I basically just want to have an idea what she could possibly face from side effects so that I am prepared. My dad bless him, tends to bury his head in the sand which isn't the most helpful.

  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    I can appreciate your concern. We do have information about lung cancer radiotherapy side effects on our website.

    The most common side effect is fatigue. The effects of radiotherapy continue for several weeks after the course of treatment has ended. Sometimes the pain will increase temporarily as the radiotherapy takes effect. During this time there may be a need for increased pain medication to be prescribed. Then, symptoms should reduce and the overall benefit is felt by the patient of decreased pain and symptoms. The radiotherapy hospital team do ask the patient how they are as they attend for daily treatment. It is good to report any side effects promptly to them as they can help.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

    Vanda