Mets to the lung

Nilelady2016

In May 2017 when I was complaining for dry cough and shortness of breath I was diagnosed with plueral efussion in the right lung and was mild and treated for pneumonia. Still the cough exists and the shortness of breath 3 month now and was told it is mets to the lungs. I am on a mission outside home and will get back on Sept 2017 meanwhile before reaching my oncologist i want to ask the following

I have high platelet count 500-600 range is that due to lung cancer as I am not anemic.

Those who have the similar diagnose are you always SOB. I mean shall we live short if breath in the smalkest exertion of effort or this could be something else apart from the lung

My oxygen is 97 fluctating to 98 or 96 is it common

Last thing do you find it difficult to lay on bed at night.... I suffer till i find a relaxing position

Ohhh by the way how is tour cough mine stoped from day and now became only at night

Plz share with me your experience related to my questions until i reach home safely

Pray for me

Emily2008

I'm so sorry to read this. I remember your concerns from a couple of months ago.

Did you have scans that show it's mets to the lung?

Nilelady2016

Emily2008

😔 x-ray only

RosesToeses

Nilelady, so sorry you're dealing with this!  I was dx with lung mets about a month ago and your symptoms sound very similar to mine.  

To take your questions:

**I have high platelet count 500-600 range is that due to lung cancer as I am not anemic.

My white counts were higher than normal but I don't recall my platelets being off.

**Those who have the similar diagnose are you always SOB. I mean shall we live short if breath in the smalkest exertion of effort or this could be something else apart from the lung

Oh yes, I was definitely short of breath, that was the main symptom that caused me to call my onc and get scanned (and dxed) ahead of schedule.  I have plural effusion (still do but much less) and lesions in the lungs, both of which take up space and made it hard to get enough air.  They drained the effusion which helped somewhat but not a ton and now even after just 2 weeks of chemo the improvement is, thankfully noticeable.

**My oxygen is 97 fluctating to 98 or 96 is it common

Yes, that too.  My pulmonologist and the nurses tell me anything above 90% is ok without supplemental oxygen but I still felt like it wasn't enough when I was used to routinely measuring 100%!

**Last thing do you find it difficult to lay on bed at night.... I suffer till i find a relaxing position

Before they drained the larger effusion, definitely that, too!  I guess it makes sense when there's this big pool of liquid sloshing around and pressing on your lungs.  

**Ohhh by the way how is tour cough mine stoped from day and now became only at night

Again, that's how it was for me at first, the cough was better when I lay down, but now it's on and off whenever.  But, like the shortness of breath, the chemo seems to be helping.

For me, the symptoms were getting worse fairly quickly and they hospitalized me for supplemental oxygen before they drained the effusion and tested it for cancer cells.  Apparently infections (fungal, viral, bacterial) can cause similar symptoms so they needed to test to rule that out.  1 day later they had the answer and I started chemo 4 days after that--they were not messing around!

Especially if it's getting worse, is there any way you could leave a few weeks early?  Are you going to be ok to fly when September rolls around?

Saying prayers for you and hoping this is manageable until you can get back home.

Nilelady2016

Roses toeses

Thanks

Now my one big nightmare is to be able to fly 14 hrs back home with this thing.....

How fast had your symptoms developed, hoping I can hold on till I reach home

cive

As long as your O2 is well above 90, I wouldn't worry about the lung part.  Pericardial effusions also cause shortness of breath (the sac around the heart).  I'm not sure how they tell which it is on just an Xray.  Yes laying down was much worse for me than being with my head elevated a little.  I think it is the fluid is in a different place when you lay down and sit up because of gravity.

I'm sorry you're not home.

Nilelady2016

hi

Planning to reach home in 2nd wk of sept. Meanwhile need to learn how to cope with symptoms and awareness so i would like you to help me out

1. I started to experience pain in right lung when taking deep breath dr here said it is gases n not related to ca. It comes and goes not fixed.

2. Oxygen level is ok but feel short of breath dr said it is anxiety n not from ca. He said if ca oxygen will drop. Is that true!!

3. Cough had stopped for e week and came back again. Dr say it is infection although i have no fever

4. Did any of you fo esr and c reactive protine tests. Mine is high! Any relation to ca!

5. Always tired and lack of sleep how common is this.

What else should i expect look for. I am in a project in africa n really dont trust drs here.

6. How common is hoaresness , pelgum, in ca

7. How fast does symptoms progress. I have been miss diagnosed since end of may 201

RosesToeses

I don't have anything to add about lung mets, buy just wanted to say welcome home and hope your usual onc is able to get things on a better path quickly!

Nilelady2016

does anyone experience extreme chest tightness when walking as if uou have angina

Is that due to cancer or fluid collection

The other bothersome is i feel low oxygen yet my spo2 is normal does that happen to you and why my doc say anxiety

Can you shar