Hello MarkK,

It's good news your scans have been clear following your lung surgery and no cancer is present. You did well to mention the persistent cough to the doctor though but it's a shame it's still not going away. What did the doctor say may cause this? I hope you manage to get to the bottom of it and find a way to get rid of this nasty persistent cough.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lucie,

thanks for the reply. The doctor is not sure what is causing it and thus far it has been more a speculative approach rather than an exact diagnosis and then a  targetted treatment. I have had all sorts suggested such as it is an infection, but the antibiotics given never touched it. We've considered pneumonitis as it presented that way in the early stages so steroids were given, agian with no joy and I only suferred serious side effects (Teeth began to fall out!!). The last x ray and blood test suggested there was some sort of inflamation in my right lung as well as raised inflamation markers in my bloods. I thought it might be pleurisy but I don't get any sharp pain when I cough or breath in, so that is a bit odd. I've given up taking  medication when it is prescribed on an ad hoc basis of 'lets just see if this works'. I've told the doctors I am not a guinea pig and want a specific diagnosis that can then be targetted properly. In the meantime I have been taking Ibruprofen and the coughing has reduced and for the first time since last June I have been able to get a full nights sleep, so something good is happening. I have another scan on Friday so will see what that brings and what the specialists say after that. Must admit I've lost a bit of faith in some of the doctors, especially those that are dismissive of someone who is informed about their condition and wants to explore the best way of countering what is going on. Just interested to see if anyone else has had the same effects really. I think it is likely to be a long term effect from the chemo and radiotherapy, but the oncology registrar tells me I am wrong. I have a lot of patience so will have to grin and bear it a while longer to see what comes of the next set of tests. Getting lots of support from friends, family and work which is great and allows me to concentrate on trying to get fitter and stronger. Will keep the chat posted on developments. Thanks Mark