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I was told I had what they believed to be lung cancer.

Nanacath55
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Last March out of the blue received letter from oncology with an appointment, went up and was told I had what they believed to be lung cancer. I have rheumatoid arthritis for over 18 years and always believed  my treatment methotrexate could damage the lungs, I was told about 7 years ago I had polyps in left lung, At no point was I told that they are a sign of cancer. It came as a shock to me. I have been told I can’t get treatment because my lungs are too bad. All I get is sabutamol inhaler. This past week I have been very breathless and don’t know who to phone.i try to walk about but due to rheumatoid I need to use a mobility scooter. I think doctor is just leaving me to die. But I think I need Help. Sorry for long story

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    Hi Nanacath55, 

    It must have been a bit of a shock for you to receive this letter from oncology with an appointment and to be told you have what they believed to be lung cancer. I find it surprising though that you were told you couldn't get any treatment and to be merely given an inhaler. I think it would not hurt really to seek a second opinion just to make sure you have explored all the treatment options available to you. 

    There is information on our website on lung cancer which I hope you will find useful and if you wanted to talk to our cancer nurses about anything, you can call them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Given it's the Easter break and it might not be possible to see your GP, I would ring 111 for medical advice and this will be a good way to talk to someone about this breathlessness and get another opinion. If you feel that this breathlessness is getting worse and you feel you need urgent medical attention, don't hesitate to ring 999. 

    It does sound like you need medical guidance as you shouldn't be made to feel you have been let down and no one is helping you so I hope you manage to speak to someone over the weekend and that you get some clarity soon on what to expect in terms of treatment.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you, yes I’m going to phone to speak to a nurse on Tuesday. And will be making an appointment with my GP to request a second opinion. 

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