2 Years out - persistent cough

Frenchie

Hi everyone

My wife finished chemo 2 years ago and has been doing ok.

Over the last few weeks she has a persistent dry cough. From what I've read, this is one of the classic signs of recurrence.

The good news is, recent X-Ray was clear, but again, looking at it cynically I know these can be clear in the early stages of recurrence. Her Onc is against CT scans owing to the radiation levels.

So my burning question is:

If the highest priority is to prevent Mets - and at the ominous 2 year mark, we start to see these worrying symptoms. Is it not common sense to demand further chemo, PARP inhibitor treatment etc. OK, so this may be precautionary.'but surely it's better to be pro active and do this now, as opposed to reactive when it's too late and reached Stage IV?

As always, your views warmly appreciated.

Frenchie

Luah

What does your wife's onc (or GP) say about the cough? If the X-ray was clear (and that's good), are they doing anything else to diagnose the problem and treat? I would certainly demand that kind of follow-up. But as for chemo/PARPs etc., these are strong drugs that, as far as I know, are not used to prevent mets (except as first line chemo, which your wife already did - that was proactive) but to treat, once a diagnosis of mets has been made. There could very well be something else going on that requires quite a different treatment. As my onc says, we are all susceptible to the usual things (flu, bronchitis, viruses) as anyone else, we just fear the symptoms more and worry. Hope you get some answers soon.   

Claire_in_Seattle

Hi Frenchie.....

I think you are moving forward too soon in assuming the worst.  In this case, I would suggest starting with your wife's primary care physician.  Because, what if it's bronchitis???

I agree that this needs looking into, but start with simpler first.  Then, she can go back and get scans done if needed.  Good luck, and hoping nothing worse than one of the viruses going around. - Claire

gutsy

There are many reasons for a dry cough. It is good to hear that her latest chest x-ray was clear. I have also had periods of dry cough. It scared the heck out of me. Eventually, saw the gp and she put me on a puffer. It really helped me.

wrsmith2x

Frenchie,

I am almost 4 years out and still have a dry cough....could be many things but have onc has checked me for lung issues and bone issues......nothing.  Lots of things cause a dry cough.....did you know that hiatal hernia can cause a cough?  Many other things too....medications, etc.

However, if you are worried then push to have someone take a peek...more than an x-ray.  If I've learned anything since my diagnosis is that it is my health and if I don't take care of myself, who will?

Prayers that all will be well.  Namaste'.

Titan

Hey wrsmith!  How are you doing?

I too have a dry cough..sometimes...this time of year it could very well be allergies.

CoolBreeze

I had a dry cough when I was first diagnosed.  It lasted a few months but was not cancer.  It went away.  I think it was allergies.

I don't think you are going to find an onc who will give you chemo without a cancer diagnosis.  Chemo is very powerful and not without side effects - it's not like taking an aspirin.

I hope she's okay.   

Jwatrlily

Nor will an insurance company pay for chemo without a diagnosis, so it would be totally out of pocket.  My best to your wife and I hope it just seasonal allergies or something similar.

Juanita

wrsmith2x

Titan,

I am well and hope you are also.  I come back here from time to time.  Can't seem to get out of the "Club" that BC puts us all into.  I still worry a little but mostly just live life.  Time really does heal these wounds.

Peace to you.

Meggy

I just want to be sure that a chest x-ray is a sufficient tool.  I don't know but can they do a PET/CT..does that show possible lung mets?  Just want to be sure they are checking it out properly.  Hugs.

Meg

Frenchie

Hi everyone

Just to update you - Andrea saw the Onc last week, who said X-Rays don't always show the definition of a CT, so sent her for the latter.  Thankful to say it was all clear.

(Apparently MRI's aren't great for the lungs, as the air inside them interferes with the clarity)

I'm a compulsive sceptic, and still worried something more cynical is causing the cough - plus what effect the radiation would have had on Andrea from the CT.  But incredibly relieved there's nothing showing up at the moment.

She's off to see a Resperilogist now.  Oh the joys! 

Frenchie xx 

Luah

Frenchie: That is great news on the CT!! Hopefully the respirologist can figure out what's going on.