Playing after radiation therapy?

[tbn.al]

I have just been diagnosed with lymphoma in my right lung. It is fortunately very early, confined to only 2 lymph nodes, and very treatable. I am to start precision radiation in early January, probably limited to 2 or 3 treatments. Weekly rehearsals begin Jan 3 for a Jan 29 orchestra concert that I would really like to play. Anybody else been through this? Do I have any chance to play through this, or should I just call in a sub? If you are not comfortable discussing this on the forum please PM me.

[bort]

So sorry to hear that news, but glad the outlook is so positive. I'd say to line up a sub now to give notice, with the hope of not needing the call. Beyond that, maybe the playing and breathing workout would be a good thing?! Best wishes for you.

[Casey Tucker]

Very sad news!
I, personally, haven't had any radiation but I do have a little information regarding the subject. My mother had rounds of radiation treatments on two separate occasions and my grandmother is currently going through treatments. Both were due to breast cancer, my mothers second round included liver and spinal cancer which, god bless her soul, eventually took her life. HOWEVER, both cases were in advanced stages. My mom was diagnosed with lymphoma and had the affected lymph node removed.
Generally, radiation treatment is ultimately different for everyone as far as side effects run. My mom handled it well enough that she could go to treatment during her lunch break and go back to work. She would say that there was a little aches (which seems to be typical of the treatment) and that she would get the taste of copper in her mouth (like she was sucking on a penny). My grandmother on the other hand feels theses side effects a little more and is generally weak and has aches for about 5-7 days after treatment. This might be due to her age but it's not unheard of to feel like this. Do you know if they will be removing the lymph node (lymphectomy)? If they don't remove it, I'm not familiar with the procedure; I don't know if you will need to wear a compression sleeve.
All in all, the side effects vary but it would in your best interest to have a sub lined up depending if you're having a good day or a bad day. I wish you the best and you're in my prayers!

-CT

[Al]

Sorry to hear of your problem.

This is a great question for your Radiation Oncologist. The amount of lung damage will certainly be related to the radiation dose and lung volume included in the field. The Doc prescribing these parameters should have the expertise to advise you. Anecdotal reports from this group seem unlikely to be very predictive.

[olaness]

Sorry to hear about this. I have no experience myself, but an acquaintance of mine has gone/ is going through this. She was doing a commercial recording session, went to have her radio therapy during lunch break an came back to record the rest... Perhaps she is exceptional, I don't know. You can find her website here: http://www.caroljarvis.com/" target="_blank plenty of information on playing through battling cancer there.

Ola

[tbn.al]

Thanks for posting that link. What a remarkable lady she is! About the only thing we have in common is the trombone and radiation treatment. Aside from that, her situation is far more grave and her treatments far more severe. That she could play at any time during this ordeal gives me hope. Thanks again.

[vintage7512]

10 years ago I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and had a small (marble-sized) cist removed from the right side of my neck. I subsequently was made to undergo chemo for 6 weeks and then 6 weeks of 5-day-a-week radiation on the specific place on my neck where the surgery was performed. My recollection was that the chemo, with a high daily dose of steroids was FAR worse than the radiation and that during the radiation treatments I felt much better. Of course, it wasn't my lungs that were treated and the effects I felt in the treated area included it being somewhat hot and there was a thickening of my skin, but it was rather mild overall. I know this is not practically helpful, but if it were me, knowing what I know now, I would try my best to make my playing the focus, and not the malady. Maybe you have a friend willing to be backup, but understanding your desire to play the gig, if at all possible. If you lived here (Baltimore-DC) I would be willing to be ready to stand in, and be glad if I wasn't needed. Best of luck and it sounds like your result will mirror my own - CANCER FREE for the last 9 years!

[bearphonium]

I found that the chemo kicked my a$$ and I couldn't work. 6 weeks of radiation and I worked the entire time. Energy levels are affected, but it really depends on the area of your body that is impacted. As others have said, check with your radiation oncologist, but I would suggest doing as much as you're able to. And best wishes for a full recovery!

[tbn.al]

Good news I think. The results of my bone biopsy showed involment of the cancer in the bone marrow, but a minimal 2%. This means I won't be getting radiation after all. Chemo will be the treatment eventually if needed. Right now I will get a scan every 3 to 4 months to monitor the activity. There will be no treatment until waranted. I feel great. No trouble playing. Lungs back to 100% after the infection went away. Hooooray for now! Thanks so much for all of you that responded with PM's. Support is good!

[vintage7512]

That is fantastic news!! Good luck in future. Never stop playing! Steve