ESR elevated

Hi I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2014. Mastectomy, chemo and radiology. I am no longer on treatment.

I have been feeling exhausted and achey. Had a covid test which was negative. Xray on lungs normal as was extreemly breathless. Bloods done over the last few months.  

My issue is my ESR has come back abnormal 3 times now. Last two in the 50s and 40s.

I've been referred to a respiratory specialist but my fear is mets.

The drs are a bit in the dark and when I ask about mets they said ESR wouldn't be cancer related.

I'm now still no wiser.  The dr has now left me waiting for respiratory and no further investigation on their part.

I'm a bit worried as I had a delayed diagnosis with my cancer.

Any thoughts?? 

  • Hello Crystalbella, 

    Welcome to Cancer Chat! I can understand why you would be worried having had a cancer diagnosis in 2014 and that every time you get any other health concerns you would be anxious that it is related to the cancer. 

    It is reassuring though that the doctors said that ESR wouldn't be cancer related. All you can do really now is wait to find out more and I hope it won't be long before you see the respiratory specialist. 

    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. 

    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