Chest x-ray 18 months on from breast cancer

Hi everyone,

I’ve been feeling a bit breathless these last few months which I put down to covid and then later having an awful chest cold.  Still coughing in the morning and I think my reflux is back too after feeling quite stressed after a death in the family over the summer and caring for my elderly mother.  Went to the GP and he’s sending me for a chest x-ray.  Wasn’t expecting that and it feels so triggering to have more tests and the wait for results.  

18 months on from Stage 1 Grade 1 BC ER+ HER2 - still taking tamoxifen.  I’m pretty worried my GP thinks my BC could have spread to my lungs.  He told me he wasn’t overly concerned and I’m having a 24 hour ECG as well.  We just never know for sure do we after a cancer diagnosis.  I’m scared and popping on for a bit of support.

Thanks,

Mary x

  • Hi Mary,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear of the death you've experienced in your family and offer my sincere sympathy. I had Covid at the end of May and I am still experiencing severe exhaustion and breathlessness.

    It sounds as if your GP is being over cautious, which is good. I am not a doctor, but I know that it is usual for GPs to carry out an x-ray, when a patient complains of a long-standing cough. Once you've had cancer, it's only natural to to think that it might have spread - that's a worry we all carry after a diagnosis. If your GP had suspected this, he would probably have referred you straight back to the breast clinic. Do you know what type of breast cancer you had?

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. Mine was Pure Mucinous and Grade 1, ER and PR+ and HER2-. That was all 14 years ago and I am still leading a busy life.

    You have certainly come to the right place for support. We have all experienced the stress that you are going through and are always here for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Mary 

    dorry you are feeling scared , this is me now any appointments any slight changes and I feel like I can’t go to the doctors for anything as I don’t want any tests again in my life , I feel after a diagnosis this never goes away , I’m sure all will be ok for you it’s just a process x let us no how you get on sending you best wishes xx 

  • Thanks so much Jolamine.  Everything you say makes total sense.  You try and reassure yourself but it’s just so triggering, brings it all back.  They told me my BC was tubular so I know that’s a positive, but you just never know do you.  It’s wonderful to hear that 14 years on from your diagnosis you are still doing so well.  Ths is for responding, it helps.

    Mary x

  • Try not to worry too much now , at least your Gp listened and you are getting it checked out now . Maybe you had a chest infection.

    As Jolamine stated ,once we have had a cancer it’s best to get things checked . Hopefully you will be fine now .

    I had bilateral breast cancer last year and I am feeling fine ,have a very itchy mole on my back now though ,that I am getting checked out .I think we always think the worse .

    All the best now and keep in touch xxx

  • Hi Lara.  I know you’re right.  Just a reminder isn’t it that we’re all on a new normal now!  I’m trying hard not to be so pessimistic.  It’s good to have a nudge from everyone on here to keep perspective. Hope you’re okay.

    Mary x

  • Hi rumpelstiltskin,

    You’re right of course, and thanks for responding. Getting things checked out when we’ve been through this is tough and triggering.  I was recently at our local hospital visiting a friend and I can’t walk down the corridors towards the breast cancer unit without that old feeling of dread!  Sounds as if you have the same worries about your mole.  Best of luck, we just have to get things checked I suppose.  

    Mary x