Need Advice and Answers About Lung Symptoms Please

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ramona131313
ramona131313 Member Posts: 14
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I had posted a little while ago, and hadn't gotten any responses.  I am looking for advice.  I have had problems breathing and a dry cough for about 7 weeks now.  It was very bad in mid-August, then seemed to go away for about a week.  Then at the beginning of September, the symptoms returned.  I went to my gp, who prescribed antibiotics and inhalers.  Nothing has helped.  I had a clear chest xray at the ER in August.  I had a pulmonary function test today that ruled out asthma, and have had blood tests that ruled out alergies. I am up at Mayo to see my oncologist tomorrow.  He had ordered a chest CT for today, but I had to postpone it until after my onc appointment, because my insurance denied it, and he needs to conference call them. I'm wondering if anyone with lung mets has these symptoms:  Dry cough, intermittent, but always when I try to take a deep breath.  Chest tightness. Difficulty breathing when walking into the wind, climbing stairs, or talking too long.  I have never had any chest conditions or symptoms and am 49 years old. ANY ADVICE OR COMMENTS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.  I am just trying to get a handle on this in case they still have issues approving the CT.

I should mention I was diagnosed Stage IIB, with clear nodes last July.

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  • cindee56
    cindee56 Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2013

    Hi there,

    All I can share is that I have had alot of the same symptoms.  I was dx in 1995 and sometimes over the last 19 years I have actually felt like I was gasping and having to take a big sigh to get a full breath.  In my case I went to Dr. and was told it was stress.  It comes and goes also. SO just wanted to let you know that symptoms of stress can actually be very overwhelming.

    Hopefully this helps...

    Cindee

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  • ThePowerOfPink
    ThePowerOfPink Member Posts: 22
    edited October 2013

    Hello Ramona,

    I am so sorry you are scared. I did have mets to my lungs, liver and bones. I believe (for my case) the symptoms from my lung mets that it saved me. I had SOME similar symptoms as you but also had should problems for a year that my onc never took seriously or even thought that it could be the cancer back.  I had read later that the shoulder issue is a huge sign of cancer in the lungs. My movement was so limited it was difficult to get dressed like a normal person. But my allergy like symptoms (what I called it) - like you are talking about is what got me into my primary care physicians office. I do remember severe shortness of breath and that was not my normal and knew something was very wrong. They sent me for a ct and then I got the call to come in and talk about my ct results.  We know that is never good.  But from everything I have learned the symptoms of the mets in other parts of our body show symptoms only after it is very very bad.  So I guess I am sharing this to try and answer your question.  Not to scare you. But to answer your question and also to show something positive for you to hold on to. If it is mets, and your symptoms got you in to get them checked out then better to know as soon as possible. Now to end with a happier note.  My lung and liver mets are gone. I still have some bone mets but most have gone.  It popped back up in both ovaries in January just to remind me to not get too comfortable. I hope you get a clean scan result and the insurance crap you are dealing with just really pisses me off.  Try to breath and breath.  Oh and breath.  We will be here for you to hug you or to celebrate. You are not alone and many have been where you are and understand. xoxo

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  • TarheelMichelle
    TarheelMichelle Member Posts: 871
    edited October 2013

    Ramona, My chest X-ray was clear when I had lung mets. You definitely need that CT scan. And I had clear nodes too when I was initially diagnosed. It shouldn't take more than a day to get scan results. And lung mets aren't the end of the world. For me, the diagnosis was a relief of sorts, because I had had a clear mammogram and X-ray, so I was confused about my chest pain, thinking a recurrence would have showed up in one of those places.

    It might help others help you if you would fill out the diagnoses/treatment in the signature area. That's what prints at the end of your post. That makes it easier for others to understand what you have been through, so you can connect to other ladies with the same stage or condition. Hoping you get answers soon. Let us know what happens.

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  • ramona131313
    ramona131313 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2013

    Thank you for the replies.  I really appreciate it.  I will fill out the diagnosis in the profile, and keep you posted after my testing.

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  • ramona131313
    ramona131313 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2013

    So, I received a clear CT according to my oncologist.  However, the report mentions three small nodules (two 2mm, and one 1 mm), and suggests a re-scan in 12 months.  I know that small nodules are often not cancerous, but the biggest problem is that I stil CAN'T BREATHE!  I am fine when I am doing nothing accept sitting at my computer, or driving, or reading.  However, as soon as I walk a couple of blocks or take the stairs, I get a tightness in my chest, and it is difficult to get a full breath. My question to you is, how large were the nodules that couldn't be seen on your xrays but were discovered on your CT scans? How did they determine they were cancerous? Did you also have a PET scan?  If you don't want to answer any of these questions, I understand, but any information would be very helpful.

    Thank you,

    Ramona

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  • Lauriesh
    Lauriesh Member Posts: 692
    edited October 2013

    I don't have lung mets, but they want to scan in a year to see if they have grown. If they haven't, unlikely that they are cancer. I think they are too small to show up on a pet.



    If it was me, I would go to a lung specialist.





    Laurie

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited October 2013

    I agree with Lauriesh; I would see a lung specialist asap. Obviously breathing or not being able to to during simple movements is a big concern. No way would I be able to wait for another scan which by the way is a good thing it is clear. Good luck. Diane

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited October 2013


    Dear Ramona, I know I am late in responding and hope you see this note. Some times breathing issues can also be a sign of heart trouble . Since your lung CT came back clear, I would speak to your doctor about a cardiology work up. Make sure that everything on that side of your house is spic and span too and not the cause of any shortness of breath.


    I hope this note finds you're doing better.

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  • ramona131313
    ramona131313 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2013


    Bevin,


    Thank you for your response. I had an EKG, triponin levels checked when I was at the ER. My oncologist ordered another EKG, blood levels, etc. All fine. I have an appointment with a pulmonologist next Monday. I have all my test results to show him. I wouldn't be worried, except there is still an ever-present tickle in my lungs. Deep breathing still causes a cough, and nothing ever comes up. I just don't like how I feel overall. Something seems very off. I am going to push for a PET to look at the tiny nodules that showed up on CT. If nothing shows, then I will see a cardiologist, but I honestly don't think that is the issue. Thank you again for your response.


    Ramona

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  • Sue-61
    Sue-61 Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2013
    Are any of you on medication for high blood pressure? One of the side effects of the AIs is high blood pressure. If you are on an ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril is one)the side effect is a cough. And a rather annoying cough I must add. Just something to ponder, Sue
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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited October 2013


    Good luck Ramona. I'm glad you're seeking answers and hope they all come back benign for cancer. Best wishes and keep us posted.

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  • ramona131313
    ramona131313 Member Posts: 14
    edited October 2013


    Thank you. Symptoms less, but persisting. I'm having a bhroncodcope November 1. Will keep you posted.

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