Do you think I have lung cancer

[jennyann357]

Hi,

In the early hours of Sunday morning, I had a terrible pain in my left shoulder which went right down my arm and made my fingers go numb and was terribly out of breath.  I did panic, which made my breathing worse.  My husband took me to the local A & E and I had numerous blood tests and a chest xray and they done an ecg and tested my sats which all appeared to be normal except for one blood test which was taken from the artery in my wrist, the doctor said that this test was to test for blood clots on my lungs.  The eventually admitted me to the Medical Emergency Centre for assessment and the doctor said I could go home and come back in the morning for a nuclear test to check the blood vessels in my lungs which I had and the doctor said because it was not normal (as a previous long term smoker I have suffered from COPD for approx. 2 years) I had to go back the next day and have a breathing test, in which they put me under the same camera as before but with a gas thing on my face I had to breathe in.   Now I normally breathe ok, as I only have mild COPD (58% FEV1) but I have been getting very out of breath recently and feeling very low and tired and tight chested.   When I saw the doctor later on in the day to have the results of the test, he said there was no sign of blood clots.  I asked if I could have a word with him about something else and I said I was having problems swallowing but I didn't have a sore throat, and my neck ached and I have a small swelling on the left side of my lower neck.   He got me to see an ENT specialist who put a camera up my nose and down my throat, said there was nothing wrong with my voicebox and he couldn't see anything wrong with my throat.   I am panicking at the moment as my friend's husband died of lung cancer and he had a pain in his left shoulder and xrays didn't show this up until it was too late.   When I was diagnosed with COPD in 2007 I had an enhanced CT. scan which didn't show anything, except for emphysemia which I knew about.   Another thing, when I mentioned the swelling in my neck the doctor got his colleague in to look and then they were talking amongst themselves about me not to me (that is so annoying) it's as if I'm stupid or something.   When they looked down my throat they said my ulva was going to the right side a bit, now I am thinking that if I have a tumour on my shoulder and up my neck could this be pushing against my throat and making this happen.   I have lost a few pounds but because I have been worrying I have not been eating much.  Also I seem to have flushing on my face, I am a 60 year old woman and have just stopped having an HRT implant which I had for quite some time.  My doctor said it's too risky now I am 60.   I wondered if it was anything to do with not having HRT as when I was on HRT I felt absolutely wonderful.  Oh yes, and I add I have had four chest infections since November.   I asked the specialist if the swelling on my neck was anything to worry about, and he said he didn't know to go and see my doctor the next day, which I am doing.  Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[jennyann357]

Hi,

I welcome everyone's comments.   I can't remember whether I mentioned it or not but I was a heavy smoker and gave it up approx. 5/6 years ago.   I was diagnosed with COPD in Jan. 2007.  Tough luck that.   At the hospital I had an ECG and my heart was normal.   I had an enhanced CT scan of my abdomen and chest in 2007 and everything was find, just a touch of emphysemia and diverticulus disease.  Have now been to my doctor who says not to fret I do not have lung cancer but may have thyroid problems, hence the difficulty swallowing and panic attacks.   I have had a thyroid test and am awaiting the results.  I still don't feel good though.

Jennyann

[Bob_D]

I have to respectfully disagree with your post where you say "most people your age (60) get CHF". Sources differ as to exact numbers, but approaching 10% of the population after age 65 is certainly more in the ballpark than what you posted. See the Framingham heart study for more information.

[kid10012]

No...your age would argue more along the lines of  a cardiac issue than lung cancer. Most people your age naturally get what called CHF but its treatable and probably actually will not impact your life beyond the need for O2. Have you had a Echo and EKG. What were readings and did you have a thoracic CT. You have COPD that does not mean you have lung cancer and unless you were a smoker you should be fine.

Have the CT scan done...if the CT is negative then you really have nothing to worry about. The CT is much more sensitive than the X ray but most doctors would advise you that you are fine if you were never a smoker and had a normal chest X-Ray. That’s a good sign. You mentioned your friends husband. Was he a smoker? If so, you cant compare yourself to him if you never smoked. That is like comparing apples and oranges. I hope this helps.