When do I worry? Could it be lung mets?

Melgirl

Of course I'm worried or I wouldn't be writing this! I had a cold that started on November 9th. It only lasted a few days and improved. However, I have had a dry cough that has gotten worse ever since. So it has been about 3 weeks with the cough and no runny nose or sore throat...just a constant tickle low in my throat. I also feel more fatigued lately.

I see my onc on Wednesday as part of a study I'm on. So do I push for her to check this out or do I wait? My mind always goes to the bad place!! But I don't want to cry wolf either....

Melissa

ElaineTherese

Melissa,

I would certainly report the symptoms you've been experiencing. Tell your oncologist that you are concerned, and make sure she listens to your lungs through her stethoscope. Ask her if she thinks any scans are warranted.

Of course, lots of things can cause a dry cough. I'm on a blood pressure medication that is associated with a dry cough (Lisinopril). But, I'd talk to MO about it if I were you.

Good luck!

Melgirl

Thanks, yes I will tell my onc...just not sure whether I will downplay it or not.... lol. I know about the ace inhibitor cough ....I'm thankfully not on any BP medicine.

m

KBeee

Let them know, but a tickle in the throats is likely residual from the cold, rather than a cancer issue, but let the doc be the judge of that. Good luck

Melgirl

so I had a clear chest X-ray last week with my PCP. Then I saw my onc and she’s not worried about my cough at all because of the negative X-ray. I asked when I should worry and she says never with a negative chest X-ray. Meanwhile my cough continues which is fine, probably post viral. But doesn’t a ct scan find Lung Mets much smaller than X-ray??

KBeee

CT scan might be able to see a smaller MET, but at the expense of a much larger dose of radiation, which has its own risks, especially with a cancer history. As hard as it is, if it were me, I would give the cough some time. A cough from a bad chest cold can linger for 2-3 months sometimes.

Melgirl

you’re right, I was just reading about a post viral cough lasting up to 8 weeks. I will push my worry off another 4-6 weeks at least!

KBeee

Keep documenting it in the notes section of your phone do you can track and document changes. Hoping it eases