What should I expect during and after treatment?

Your treatment plan doesn’t end when you leave the clinic; recovery and ongoing wellness are just as vital. This page is designed to help you know exactly what to expect during and after your treatment. By learning how to recognize side effects, manage potential surgical complications, and effectively communicate with your care team, you can protect your quality of life every step of the way.

What side effects should I watch out for and how can I manage them?

All cancer treatments can cause changes in how your body feels, but many of these side effects can be successfully managed or prevented entirely. In these videos, specialists break down what causes side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, and explain why adjusting your doses or leaning on your pulmonologist for breathing support is a normal, safe part of care.

Please click the boxes below to watch the videos.

What causes the side effects of chemotherapy in my body?
Should I worry if my doctor needs to reduce my chemotherapy dose or put my treatment on hold?
How do the side effects of targeted therapies differ from those of chemotherapy?
What are the major side effects of radiation, and when should I report them to my doctor?
How do pulmonologists help manage pulmonary side effects caused by lung cancer treatment?
Click here for more information about side effects.

What complications can happen after surgery or radiation?

While your team takes every precaution, procedures can sometimes lead to temporary complications like fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) or nerve pain. These videos explain why these issues occur and how they are treated.

What is a pleural effusion, and how is it treated?
What are the chances of experiencing long-term chest or nerve pain after a thoracic procedure?

Why is it important to report new symptoms?

Reporting side effects early is essential data that allows your healthcare team to keep your treatment safe, effective, and comfortable. In these videos, health care providers emphasize why speaking up about even the smallest changes in how you feel is critical.

How important is it for patients to report side effects?
Why is it so important to report my side effects to my healthcare team?