Hello,

I’m looking for some advice/experiences in regards to my Dad’s current situation. He’s in his late 70’s, he’s previously had prostate cancer (but has fully recovered) and a heart attack and he smoked heavily for about 40 odd years (only gave up after his heart attack) 

He’s actually in reasonably good health mostly, but about a month or so ago he got a cold (not covid and not flu or anything) and he quickly developed a very bad cough. It went on and on getting worse, until just over a week a go he finally went to his GP and got some antibiotics for a straightforward chest infection. Unfortunately this has not improved things at all and they haven’t worked. He is also very tired and we think he might have lost a bit of weight, but So he saw a practice nurse yesterday, they have referred him for a chest x-ray and blood tests. He had the x-ray today, and said it could be 10 before we get any results. 

I know there is plenty of other things they could be looking for, but with his age & history I am worried. Does anyone have a similar experience with someone of this age/medical history that turned out not to be lung cancer? I’m trying to be positive and look at all the other things it might be too. 

I have read about the different stages of lung cancer and at what stage does the bad cough generally present? As they got him in for an x-ray within 24 hours of speaking to someone does that mean they’re worried - or just that they had a cancellation! :) 

Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to get more information so I’m not worrying too much. 
Thank you for reading :)