All of our lung cancer patients have the full support of our entire team. Follow-up care can continue for years afterward. Our pulmonologists continue to follow up with patients for any ongoing pulmonary problems and general pulmonary care. A respiratory therapist sees patients in collaboration with a pulmonologist to assist with treatments.
We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience We offer a full range of cancer-specific support services to address your emotional and physical needs, along with financial concerns, spiritual wellness, fertility and more. Locations can vary, but patients at any of our cancer centers can access support services at other Cancer Network locations.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Lung cancer is a challenging disease and the information can feel overwhelming at times. We've compiled a list of questions we've heard from our patients and recommend to others. Bring this list with you to appointments to help you remember what questions to ask and make sure you add any of your own questions to the list.
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Questions to Ask Your Care Team
Questions to Ask During the Diagnosis Phase
- What tests will be done to determine if I have cancer?
- When will the results be available?
- Will I be called with the results, or do I need to make a follow-up appointment?
- Who should I call if I have problems while waiting for my results?
Questions to Ask Prior to Treatment
- What kind of cancer do I have?
- What stage is my cancer?
- Has my cancer spread?
- What are my treatment options?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- Are there any clinical trials testing new treatments for my stage of cancer?
- Are there any costs associated with a clinical trial?
- What are the side effects of the treatments?
- How long will each treatment last?
- Can I still work?
- Will I have to be in the hospital for any of my treatment?
- Will the treatments stop me from doing anything?
- Are there any clinical trials available?
- How will I know if the treatment is effective?
- When will follow-up tests be done to check on the progress of my treatment?
- What if my treatment is ineffective – what is the next step?
- What are the symptoms that should prompt me to call you right away?
- Do you have any materials I can read about my cancer?
- Should I continue to follow-up with the specialists I see for other health problems (diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure) or will you manage those things as well?
Questions about Surgery
- Am I a good candidate for surgery?
- What kind of surgery can I have?
- How soon will I be able to return to normal activities after surgery?
- Should I undergo chemotherapy or radiation after surgery to make sure all the cancer is destroyed?
Questions about Chemotherapy
- Why are you recommending chemotherapy?
- Is the chemotherapy to get rid of my cancer or make my symptoms better?
- How will you know if the treatment is working?
- If it is not working will you stop the treatment? Or change the treatment?
- How often will I have to come in for treatment?
- Can I have my treatment as an outpatient?
- How long will the course of chemotherapy be?
- What are the side effects?
- Is there anything I can do to reduce the side effects?
- Will I lose my hair?
- Will my hair grow back?
- Can I still work?
- Are there any long-term side effects?
Questions about Radiation Therapy
- Why are you recommending radiation therapy?
- Is the radiation to get rid of my cancer or make my symptoms better?
- How long will the radiation last?
- What are the side effects?
- Is there anything I can do to prevent the side effects?
- How should I take care of my skin?
- Are there any long-term side effects?
- Can I still work?
Questions about Clinical Trials
- What are the possible risks and benefits?
- What are the side effects of the treatment?
- How long will the trial last?
- Will my insurance cover the costs?
- What happens if I have complications from one of the treatments?
Questions about Managing Symptoms
- Will I have pain? If so, how will it be treated?
- Who should I call if my pain is not controlled with the medications I have?
Questions to Ask at the End of Treatment
- What is the risk of my cancer recurring?
- Do I need to follow up with you after my treatment is done? How often?
- Are there any long-term side effects of the treatment that I should know about?
- What kinds of lifestyle changes should I make after I finish my treatment?
Other Questions
- Do you know about any support groups in the area?
Common Lung Cancer Complications
Lung cancer and its treatment can lead to a variety of complications. It depends on your type of lung cancer, stage at diagnosis and overall health. Your cancer team will keep a close eye on you with regular check-ups, labs and imaging scans, so complications can be treated promptly. If you are experiencing any issues, be sure to tell you doctors promptly so they can help you.
- Metastasis (spread to other parts of the body)
- Brain metastasis: Cancer that spreads to the brain can cause seizures, headaches and confusion. Your doctor may refer you to our Brain Metastases Program.
- Bone metastasis: When cancer invades the bones, it can cause severe pain, fractures and hypercalcemia (blood calcium becomes too high, weakening bones). Your doctor may refer you to our Bone Metastasis Program.
- Liver metastasis: Cancer that spreads to the liver can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue and weight loss.
- Adrenal gland metastasis: Adrenal gland metastasis can affect hormone balance.
- Respiratory complications
- Shortness of breath can happen if tumors block airways or if fluid develops around the lungs (pleural effusion).
- Chronic cough or hemoptysis – persistent cough or coughing up blood.
- Lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis can happen due to a weakened immune system or blocked airways.
- Atelectasis is partial lung collapse due to blockage by a tumor.
- Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. It makes breathing difficult and may require drainage.
- Superior vena cava syndrome happens when a tumor presses against the superior vena cava (the large vein carrying blood from the upper body to the heart), causing swelling in the face, neck and arms. This makes breathing difficult.
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) leads to low levels of sodium in the blood, causing extra water in the cells and swelling. This can be dangerous, because it can affect the brain.
- Cushing syndrome, having too much of the hormone cortisol in the body, can happen when tumors releases the hormone adrenocorticotropic or ACTH. ACTH is normally produced by the pituitary gland. When it is produced in an abnormal location, it is called ectopic.
- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is muscle weakness caused by antibodies that affect nerve signaling. Nerve signaling (electrical signals the nerves send to different areas of the body) control voluntary movements, the senses and blood pressure.
- Hypercalcemia is when high blood calcium levels from bone breakdown or ectopic hormone production.
- Pain from tumors when they grow into the chest wall or bones, or when they invade nerves.
- Fatigue and cachexia are caused by the advanced disease and can result in severe weight loss and muscle wasting (cancer cachexia).
- Blood clots can develop as lung cancer can increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Common Lung Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Talk to your care team if you develop any of these side effects. The team has experience in helping our patients cope with them.
- Chemotherapy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Infections
- Anemia
- Radiation therapy
- Lung inflammation (radiation pneumonitis)
- Fatigue
- Targeted therapy/immunotherapy
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Autoimmune effects
Cancer Support Services
We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience We offer a full range of cancer-specific support services to address your emotional and physical needs, along with financial concerns, spiritual wellness, fertility and more. Locations can vary, but patients at any of our cancer centers can access support services at other Cancer Network locations. For more information, talk with your physician or nurse.
Virtual Visits Are Available
Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We’ll gather your medical records for you and get our experts’ input so we can offer treatment options without an in-person visit. To schedule a virtual visit, call 1-866-680-0505.
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