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Lung cancer diagnosis

Alfie1812
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A couple of months ago, I was told at the chest clinic. They thought I had a small lung cancer. After a period with pneumonia, I developed pleurisy. I had to have antibiotics and steroids, to clear it up, for a PET scan. I was at the chest clinic, the following week. Only to be told, another cancer, higher up in my lung, was larger and looked active. I was given more antibiotics and steroids and sent home. I received another appointment, to go to the chest clinic again, in 3 months. I’m breathless just going upstairs. Can anyone tell me, why I have to wait this length of time?

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Alfie although I'm sorry to hear all that you have been through.

    It sounds like the last couple of months have been very difficult, and it must be very frustrating knowing you have to wait another 3 months before you are seen at the chest clinic again.

    You can find out more about getting diagnosed with lung cancer on our website but in regards to your question, our team of cancer nurses may be able to help, so do give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m if you'd like to get their thoughts on this.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar position will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice as well, but in the meantime we're sending you all our support Alfie and hope you're able to get some answers soon.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thank you, for your reply. It’s just the waiting around that does my napper in.

    I feel that my breathing is getting worse, by the day, and come August, I’ll be completely knackered, when doing my breathing tests, at the chest clinic.

  • Offline in reply to Alfie1812

    Hi Alfie. - I'm sorry you have to wait.

    My mum was diagnosed with a very small "potential" cancer in January 2020, granted Co-Vid played a part, but by the time she got her operation it was September and her cancer had progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 3. Many people with potential Stage 1 cancers in this country are left to "watch and wait" to see if the suspicous area grows.

    In regards to why you are waiting and why my mum had to wait - The NHS is over-stretched beyond capacity and people who need life saving scans arent getting them in time. Given they have already confirmed you have cancer, I'd be contacting the clinic or your GP and asking why you are being left to wait so long.

    I dont know if it would help, but I'd personally consider paying for a Private Scan, if I could have turned the clock back I would have done this for my mum,

    I hope you get the treatment you need

  • Offline in reply to Xink37

    Hiya Xink.- I’m so sorry to read about your mum.

    To go from stage 1 to stage 3, in just a few months, is so scary. I do hope your mum came through it ok.

    I don’t know how I’d re-act, in that situation.

    I agree, the NHS is over stretched. Just trying to see your GP, is an obstacle course on it’s own.

    I’ve been plagued with pneumonia, pleurisy and chest infections, over a couple of months. So the PET scan was delayed, to let my lungs clear up. The scan showed the first cancer, to be small, and not much activity, but also showed a larger area, higher up in the lung, to be active.

    They’re continuing to monitor, to see if the area changes they see is inflammation.

    1. Cancer is such a scary word. I try not to show any anxiety to my family, but deep down, I’m absolutely bricking it. They’ve noticed how I struggle for breath, just going upstairs, but I just laugh it off. Deep down, I’m terrified, of being confined in hospital. I’m not the patient kind of patient.
    2. Thank you for your reply. Good luck for the future.

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