coughing blood

minxie

I was diagnosed with TN 7 years ago, had recurrence in the same breast 3 years later, and everything's been quite since then. Yesterday I noticed when I coughed up some phlegm in the morning there were streaks of blood in it. Same thing this morning. I've had no breathing difficulties, no coughing. I work out and I feel fine. I tried to make an appointment with my oncologist and he can't see me for 2 weeks! Is there anything I can or should do in the meantime? Anyone have experience with this?

Obxflygirl1

I would go to the ER. You'll get tested ten. Coughing up blood is not normal. Have you had any sinus trouble or infection? The boards are sometimes quiet on the weekends but others will be along soon, I'm sure. Good luck and keep in touch.

Luvmydobies

I have this sometimes when I'm having allergies and post nasal drip. Dry air seems to aggravate and irritate my nose, throat and airways. I've had it for as long as I can remember though, even before breast cancer. I'm not sure if an ER visit is required but I'm no doctor. From what I understand as long as it's not straight blood you're coughing up it isn't urgent. If it's mixed with phlegm it could be allergies or a cold according to every doctor I've mentioned it to. Let us know what you find out. Oh and if you haven't posted on the TN forum here you may post there. There is a thread titled calling all TNs that's great! Wish you the best

dtad

minxie...Hi there. Im not a doctor but I am a RN. I think it could be just allergies or something else benign but I would have it checked out. IMO you could wait the 2 weeks unless it happens again. Then I would call the oncologist back and try to get an earlier appointment or see your PCP. Good luck and please keep us posted....

KBeee

I agree with everything DTAD said. Keep us posted

minxie

I went to the ER today and they did xrays and a CAT scan. The found a mass in my upper left lung. Tomorrow I'm calling my oncologist and demanding that I be seen ASAP - or have another doctor in the practice see me.

I am so angry right now I can barely think. I've lived through this hell of cancer for so many years. It destroyed my psyche, it destroyed my marriage. I ended up having a breakdown and was committed to a psychiatric hospital. In the past 8 months I've met a wonderful man and I've been happier than I have in ages. And the whole time I've been waiting, waiting for the other shoe to drop, because it always does. Seven years out and here I am again, back in hell.

KBeee

oh crap, I am so sorry to hear that. I was so hoping it was something less serious. I am glad you got it checked, and hope you can get into an oncologist right away. Keep us posted

Obxflygirl1

I just don't think any of us with cancer should mess around waiting and worrying for two weeks.....so I'm very glad you went to the ER but sorry they found a mass. Hoping you'll have a plan soon

dtad

Obxflygirl1....Waiting is really an individual decision. Some worry more than others. In general going to the ER with a one time symptom that could be cancer is IMO overkill. The 2 week wait is not going to make a difference in the outcome. That being said our oncologists should take us seriously when we have concerns and see us ASAP.

minxie.....Im so sorry. Are they sure the mass is a recurrence? Please keep us posted and good luck to you. Also absolutely no criticism of you going to ER. We all have to make our own decisions and listen to our gut!

minxie

They said it could be mets. There's always the chance it could be a new primary. I really need a PET scan to see what's going on. I'm so pissed at my oncologists office. Turns out my doctor is out on vacation this week. I begged to be seen by anyone, even a NP, and they keep saying they're all booked and can't fit me in. This is insane. I need to know what's going on. I have a once in a lifetime cruise to the Arctic with my son booked for the end of May. It's cost me thousands which I can't get back. This is a nightmare.

Jesika63

Hi Minxie- Take a deep breath and try to relax (i know it is very hard to do). Lung mass does not always mean ca. They need to biop the area and that depends on the size of the mass. I have a mass in my lung and have been following it up without any change for one year. In the mean thime you might want to ask you GP to call the Onc. office and maybe they can get you a sooner appointment. Or just keep calling them. Please read the Lung mass forum- they have planty of information. Best of luck. Keep us posted hugs to you.

KBeee

Minxie,

Are there other oncologists in the area? When I was diagnosed with my recurrence, I could not get in with the local group for 2 weeks. I made an appointment elsewhere for another opinion. By the time I met with the local person and they realized I did that, they were not offended, but I can say that things moved at my pace after that because they knew I could and would go elsewhere. I am sorry they're treating you that way. Surely they would not do that if it were their own family member.

minxie

Ok, the panicked, losing it, angry squeaky wheel got the grease - I have an appointment tomorrow morning. I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks for all your help!

dtad

So glad you got your appointment. Good luck. Please keep us posted...

KBeee

I have learned the hard way to be the squeaky wheel. Soooo no my personality and I hate having to do it, but it does work. Glad you got in. Continue to advocate for answers. Keep us posted. Thinking of you.

minxie

I wrote a desperate email to my wonderful oncologist, and he arranged to come in to the office and see me even though he was on vacation. He said it wasn't really a "vacation" as he was studying for boards, but I'm so happy and grateful that he did. He set me up with an appointment with a thoracic surgeon, who I met with today. He also set me up with a PET scan, which is very much needed before we can move forward. Problem is the PET scan isn't until May 5th! That's the soonest they could get me in. The thoracic surgeon is trying to get me in for a PET sooner with his medical group. He also wants a brain scan. The PET and brain scans will determine how he proceeds. If it's an isolated tumor he wants to do surgery - removal of the lung lobe. If it's not, well, we all know what that means. So more waiting and wondering and worrying for the time being. Interestingly, the thoracic surgeon said his first guess would be primary lung cancer, then mets. Never thought I'd be wishing for lung cancer, but it's the better alternative by far.

Jenwith4kids

Thanks for updating us. I've been thinking about you ... here's hoping for lung cancer - or, even better, benign.

wallycat

Hopeful for cyst-b-9

KBeee

Keep us posted when you get results. Hate that you have had to wait so long