Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Views 207 views
  • Users 0 members are here

The waiting game!

Starky
Offline

How does everyone cope with the 'Waiting Game'.

 

I'm 54 ex smoker (stopped 6 years ago) with rheumatoid arthritis.

Last summer I found a lump on my neck and had ultrasound scan to rule out Lymphoma - I was given the all clear and put that down to a scare that I hoped never to have to go through again.

Several months ago I was having pains in my chest which I saw my GP about - they did ECG's etc and determined it was more likely some sort of reflux issue and prescribed antacids! After a few weeks it seemed to subside.

Then 2 weeks ago I went to my GP with back pain, I have RA so thought it might be related to that - I was sent for a Thoracic X-ray, while waiting - 2 weeks- for the results I noticed I was breathing from the top of my chest and not from my diaphragm so asked for an inhaler as I have mild asthma but hadn't needed an inhaler since 2016.

Yesterday I got a call from the surgery to say back X-ray results were in and showed no sign of RA inflammation however the radiographer has noticed a shadow over my left lung area. I was called back into surgery last night for checks to see if I had an infection requiring antibiotics in which case I'd have to come of my Methotrexate (RA medication) until it cleared. Chest was clear and oxygen levels normal, no cough or wheezing etc but sent for a chest X-ray this morning then back to GP thereafter for a comprehensive round of bloods.

 

whilst I'm trying to remain positive and convince myself it's all going to be absolutely fine the thought of having to wait another 2 weeks for the results of today's chest X-ray is weighing heavy on my mind. I'm telling my husband and his sister there is nothing to worry about but we lost her husband two years ago to Lung cancer so naturally they are concerned and I feel like for the next 2 weeks we will be walking on egg shells. Not quite how I planned to celebrate Valentine's Day with my husband of 18 months today but thought I'd drop in here to see how everyone else is coping with the waiting and worried loved ones - thanks for listening xxx

  • Offline

    Hello Starky,

     

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. I hope you won't have to wait too long for your chest X ray results. I can imagine it must be a very stressful time for you while waiting for these important results. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. There are some useful tips on this page on how to cope while waiting for important news.

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you so much for your reply, I'm avoiding the online research and I'm trying to stay positive and not dwell on it. At this point I'm more worried about my loved ones particularly my sister in law and husband, I haven't said anything to anyone else at this stage - what's the point of worrying the kids unnecessarily. My hubby and sister in law are really worried just now as we lost our brother in law less than 2 years ago to lung cancer so naturally they are finding the circumstances very raw and concerning, but me focusing on keeping it positive and optimistic for them is actually helping me if that makes sense.  I'm sure it's all going to be fine but I'm comforted by the fact that there are forums like this so thank you again xxx 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.