Hello

I was diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks ago after a respiratory illness which started at the beginning of October. I am now in hospital having undergone an operation to remove my left lung a few days ago.  I will try to help you because I have those “qualifications “ although  I’m not a doctor! 

What  I think I can say is  that it’s an enormously good sign that nothing showed on your x ray. As I understand it and have read from the accounts of others,  most lung masses show on x rays. Mine did. I think that if it was big enough to be causing your symptoms it might well have shown up. 

Also if you’ve had a similar pain before then it’s way less likely to be caused by a new thing.

Also your cough was productive and mine wasn’t.

Also you said “I was struggling to talk” none of my symptoms improved and for you it looks like that one has and probably so has the cough from what you say. Actually, I didn’t have a sore throat at all. I had a wheeze, a worsening dry cough and fever in the evening every few days.

So would say try not to worry as the doctor willl investigate further if they think there is a problem or if you don’t get properly better within the expected time frame. In the meantime the stress and worry will spoil things for you in the next few days and I would hate that to happen so stay calm for me! 

Good luck and best wishes. I hope this has helped.

Joy

Hi there, a chest x Ray would show up any abnormalities.  My husband had five and each one showed a shadow but all he was given were antibiotics until a GP investigated it more, the shadow was now a tumour.  So be glad it's clear and showing nothing nasty.  Sometimes coughs can linger a long while after having a chest infection, it's not unusual.  Stop googling, you'll always get the worst case scenario.  Let's hope your GP can put your mind at rest.  Good luck and stay positive.  Carol 

Joy, thank you so so much for the reassurance you have given me, particularly when it sounds like you are going through a really rough time yourself.  I hope your operation went well and you are recovering well in hospital. I am sending postiive thoughts your way!  Thank you so much again, x

No worries at all. I know how horrid health anxiety can be..it’s awful and real. But you can overcome it.  I’m doing fine than you and I am grateful for the positive thoughts! 

J x

Thank you so much - I will take your advice and stay away from Dr MacGoogle. I hope your husband is okay Carol.  Thanks again for replying and the reassurance. x

I think health anxiety is a big part of my problem - it's got worse since I hit the menopause. The joys of being a woman!  Thanks again Joy for taking the time to reply, much appreciated xx