Scared I have lung cancer

Antonia I wish you well, chin up.

Liz chronic asthmatics can be prone to bronchiectasis, due to recurrent chest infections.
Mine was discovered, when I was being checked for Cystic Fibrosis, as a carrier of the gene.
The consultant changed my inhalers, as a result of the investigations and what a difference it has made for me.

I'm surprised that bronchiectasis has been mentioned a few times as I thought it was not that common. I have asthma and bronchiectasis too.

I realise it might be bad manners to slightly hijack the thread but while others are on it, please could I warn people with bronchiectasis to be careful with shower heads, hot tubs, compost etc. I ended up very poorly with NTM (a non contagious sort of TB).

Whiff very best wishes for your blood test and well done for confronting your issues. You are right in that it's best to have the answers.

Antonia it's natural to think the worst. Having the X ray will put your mind at rest and if you need treatment for anything at least it's caught earlier.

I have had recurring UTIs and 2 kidney infections. My GP is referring me to an urologist and having a blood test. I have already read up what examinations they could preform. Not pleasant but I will have done whatever they need to do. I need answers.

Annodomini, I don’t mean to upset you. My asthma is triggered by cats. I just cannot go anywhere,where there’s a cat. But that could just be me. Your son will probably be fine.

It could be pollen if there are any trees beginning to sprout.

Please try not to worry too much Antonia. I had similar symptoms plus recurring chest infections and after a chest x-ray and CAT scan I was also diagnosed with Bronchiestasis. Best wishes x

Thank you very much suziewoozie for that link. I've read it, and it's made me calmer.
annodomini I'm glad there was nothing wrong with your son's chest. Hope his inhaler works well for him.

I was concerned about my DS2 who has had a cough for at least two months. Eventually, he did go to the GP and has had a chest X-ray which has shown nothing amiss. The GP has given him an inhaler - it could be asthma caused by an allergy. I hope, for the cats' sake, they won't be the cause!

Now that issue has been raised, here’s a good link if you want to read it Antonia. It’s an impeccable source and has some positive news about the development of healthy lung cells in ex-smokers.

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/cancer-news/press-release/2020-01-29-never-too-late-to-quit-protective-cells-could-cut-risk-of-lung-cancer-for-ex-smokers

Just an addition, M0nica. I have followed your posts for along time and have always found them considered, intelligent and measured, so I may have sounded more abrupt than I actually meant.

I have brittle asthma and bronchiectasis. I often have chest xrays and CT scans to see what's going on. At least your doctor is being proactive.
It's normal procedure to refer someone for a chest xray with your symptoms.
It all depends on what other symptoms you have and for long you have had the symptoms.
It's difficult not to castastrophise, but once you have your xray, your doctor will have a better picture.

The rest of you, many thanks for your reassuring comments.

Yes, M0nica, I was a smoker until 7 years ago. So according to you, that makes cancer more likely? Your comment is the only one that hasn't been reassuring, and it actually sounds a little like victim blaming. I do know that I may have brought it on myself, but it doesn't help when people reinforce my own guilt.

I once had to have a camera pushed up my nose and down into my lungs to check for signs of cancer. Not pleasant but certainly not painful. I had coughed up a tiny streak of blood when I had a really bad cough about 17 yrs ago. Easy for me to say but don’t worry. I’ve had loads of chest xrays.

Please dont worry chances are that it's nothing.

That is untrue Monica. Our next door neighbour never smoked and died of lung cancer. There are lots of instances like that now.

Antonia

Thank you for your comments, you are a very kind bunch of people on here!

Some of us have been there ourselves or know people who have. It’s scary and it’s human to be scared. In some ways this is the worst time - waiting and not knowing

Were you a heavy smoker for a long time? if not then it is very unlikely.

Thank you for your comments, you are a very kind bunch of people on here!

Sorry I should have said ‘for which, if you have two of them and are over 40.’

Please don’t worry ... a few years ago,I had a cough tinged with blood and shortness of breath . I was sure I had lung cancer. X-ray showed I had Asthma and Bronchiectasis.
I’m on medication (inhalers)

There is a checklist of symptoms for which, if you are over 40, you should be referred for an urgent chest x ray. You have two of them. The GP is just following the recommended procedure, please don’t worry.

What Twice said. Hope you hear soon and it goes well.

Pneumonia could be a candidate.