Breaking Point

So in June had an abnormal chest ray, in July had a follow up X-ray of the chest which showed worsening acelactasis amongst other things in the right lower lobe fron June, as a result of these chest rays been put on a 2 week wait for a CT scan. Got a phone call today from radiology, we need to get you booked in for a chest X-ray….er no consultant has requested a Ct scan. To then be told The radiologist has refused this. I was then asked if it was to be referred back, thinking this was for the radiologist to relook at. Rang the medical secretary who got onto them and they said even if consultant put the referral back it it would be declined stating I needed another X-ray first despite 2 abnormal ones over a short amount of time. They then told her it had been completely cancelled and would need another referral that I had refused it. Not the case at all. Well my consultant is on leave for 3 weeks. While I realise there could be other reasons for the changes in my lungs.it is the rate of progression which is concerning me. I have a significant history of cancer in the family. Mum currently has terminal lung cancer, her brother died at 50 from lung cancer, other brother from bowel cancer. Feeling broken at present, understandably worried and thinking I need to go private for my own piece of mind

  • Poor you Nicola-Ann I can understand why you are feeling worried and at breaking point after all this! It sounds like it was all a bit confusing, being told you were booked in for a chest X-Ray when you were expecting to have a CT-scan. How bizarre that it was completely cancelled - you must have felt back to square 1 and to top it all, your consultant is on leave for 3 weeks. I really hope that this can be sorted soon and quickly. Is there a way you could perhaps speak to another consultant while this one is on holiday? Perhaps you could ring your GP or the hospital and explain the situation before considering going private. It sounds like there was a bit of a misunderstanding and it would not hurt to get a second opinion. 

    I am so sorry your mum has terminal lung cancer and that your brother died from lung cancer and your other brother from bowel cancer and I can completely understand your worry and why you would want peace of mind. I hope you manage to speak to someone very soon about this and that they can sort out another CT scan for you or whatever test they feel is urgently needed and that you won't have to wait long for these. 

    Other members of our community might have experienced something similar in the past and I hope they will be along shortly to share their own experiences. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator