Dont know if Im in the right place but Im sure you wonderful ladies will put me right. I will try and keep it as short as I can, here goes. In Feb 2009 was diagnosed with BC, had lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemo, rads and now on hormone therapy. Had problems along the way and had the scar opened 3 times and now have an open wound (long story). Last October I had my flu jab, unfortunately I had a cold at the time,since then I have not been well. I had a cough that never seemed to go away completely, saw GP in November and had a course of antibiotics, saw another GP in December who thought it was sinus related and was advised to inhale olbas oil with steam. Went away to the Canaries for 4 weeks in January and continued to cough. When we arrived back in UK it was freezing and walking across the runway I had difficulty breathing. I visited the GP a few days later who said it was probably a virus and gave me an inhaler (which has been no help). Last week I went back to the GP and she arranged for a chest x-ray and spirometry which I had on Tuesday. Today the GP phoned to say there was a white mark on the x-ray and she was arranging for me to see a Respitory Specialist within 2 weeks. She said because of my history of BC they had to make sure. She has given me a course of antibiotics just in case it is an infection but said she doesnt think it is.
My BC was on the left but it is the right lung, my cough is dry and not there all the time and I never cough at night.
Has anyone out there had anything like this? As you can imagine my mind is going round in circles.
Pam
Hi Pam170
I’m sorry to read that you are having a pretty tough time at the moment. I’m sure the users of this site will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime maybe you would like to talk to a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 600 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00pm and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Pam
Please do try not to worry. My dad has something similar and it went on for 6 months before the doc did anything only after a heated argument. anyhow cut a long story short after a scan they were 99% sure it was lung cancer as you can imagine we were devistated to hear such news. After various tests etc., it turns out is was a serious chest infection so please please do not think the worst case senario. they are trying to be cautious because of your history and it could also be scarring.
S
hi
I had similar experience mid chemo.Got a really bad cough which turned into a chest infection.I spent Christmas in hospital and then had to get further antibiotics from my gp.Cough hung on for weeks and could not go out in the cold as could not get my breath.I had breathing problems for some time following chemo and rads and every cold seemed to turn into a chest infection.
When I had my original scans they thought I had a suspicious area on one lung,possibly a met.Recent scans have shown everything on the lungs to be clear.They say either met has gone or it was just scar tissue in the first place.
Hopefully it will turn out to be nothing sinister.Good luck with your appointment.
Lxx
Thanks, sukes and Lucinda. I am trying to be strong and I have a wonderful husband and family but it doesnt stop the worrying. Im just hoping I get my appointment through quickly and get any more tests etc done. As you will know its the waiting that drives you crazy. Daft as it may seem I have felt better the last couple of days until the GP phoned.
Pam
Pam,
Not at all related to my chemo or cancer , but 18 years ago I had a chest infection that didn’t respond to any of several antibiotics. Every time I moved from a warm room to a cold one I found it impossible to catch my breath. I even saw a chest specialist privately and had CT scan because I needed to get back to work but the mystery was never solved and it cleared up by itself as soon as warm weather returned.
The dratted thing lasted for four months and really wore me down, but it was nothing sinister in the end.
I know how hard it is to keep from worrying once we’ve been diagnosed with cancer but this has been a lousy winter for colds - my husband has had a sinus infection since December - so keep thinking infection because it’s a much more likely explanation.
All the best,
Kathleen
Spoken to my BCN today, she was doing a clinic with the ONC. They have both looked at my x-ray, apparently the radiographer had put on, query infection and to x-ray again in 4-6 weeks after appropriate treatment. Cant remember GP saying this all I heard was white mark on right lung and with BC history was reffering me urgently to respitory Dr. I am now on antibiotics so hoping it is an infection that will clear up. My BCN was brilliant, but couldnt believe I still had an open wound after 16 months (I havent had reason to speak to her for months as Ive been under care of PS)and had MRSA in the wound for months.
I am now keeping my fingers crossed that it is an infection, (never thought I`d say I was happy to have an infection).
Thanks to all you ladies who got in touch.
Pam
I have got my appointment through to see respiratory Dr next Tuesday. I still have the annoying cough but its not chesty, and still wheezing when inhaling, Ive been taking the antibiotics but it obviously isnt an infection as there is no sign of it clearing up. Needless to say I have been driving myself mad googling. Ive lost 5lb in weight in 5 weeks, but on saying that I never eat when I am worrying, plus Ive been backwards and forwards to the dentist with a problem tooth. I was a smoker so COPD has come to mind. I am never bothered with the cough or breathing at night and sleeping quite well. Having MRSA in my open wound is also a concern, I just wish next Tuesday was here, although I know the Consultant will want me to have more tests so it will be more waiting. My head is full of magic, just wish I had a wand to solve the problem.
Pam
I have seen the respiratory Consultant today and the news doesnt look good. I had another x ray, spirometry etc. He then showed me the x ray done today and the one done 2 weeks ago which are both the same. There is a white mark which he is concerned about and he did warn me it could be lung cancer. He has organised a CT scan for tomorrow and an MDT meeting next week, the lung cancer nurse will phone with the results after MDT then I will be having a biopsy. I went to the hospital thinking it might be scarring or infection but was gobsmacked when he told me, through past history I know he would have told me straight if he didnt suspect cancer.
I am falling apart, it will be 3 years on the 31st March since my mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes followed by chemo and radiotherapy and have been on arimadex since (I was under the impression that arimadex was supposed to help against spread).
Anyone else out there to give me a shoulder to cry on, or some positive thoughts.
Pam
So sorry to hear of the troubles youre having. Im not in your boat but we all live with the fear that we will develop difficulties down the line and your story “brought me up sharp” as I am having a lot of pain in my lung which I was hoping was radiation damage from rads, I am going to get it checked out now so thanks for your post and I am wishing you all the very best of luck for your further tests.
Hi Pam
Waiting for results is such a difficult time, I’m sure you’ll get lots of support here but do call the Helpline if it helps to talk. They’re great listeners and can be a great ‘shoulder’ if you need them.
They’re open weekdays 9-5 and Saturday 9-2 and are on 0808 800 6000.
Best wishes.
Louise
Facilitator