Waiting for results… so anxious

[Knic]

Hi, I used to visit here when my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer when he was 53 sadly he passed when he was 56 :,(

I now find myself in a very anxious situation, a few weeks ago my husband noticed I was coughing more. He insisted I see a dr, so 10 days ago I had a chest X-ray. I’m still waiting for my results and feeling so so worried.

My symptoms are a cough: I cough every day though better in bed, it’s not productive although sometimes sounds like there’s something on my chest. The reason I need to cough is due to a sensation right at the top of my chest, lower throat area. I also have shoulder ache, left side.

I was so shocked to read that it’s more common in young woman than people think, I’m 35 and although I have not smoked, I grew up in a heavy smoking household and obviously have a family history too.

So anxious waiting for results and living through in my mind what we went through with my dad.

My mum is worrying too, and says it would be her fault if I have it - which is not helping the way I’m feeling.

Sorry for the essay, just needed to talk to someone.

[Katinka46]

Don’t apologise for anything on here. Waiting for results is horrendous for anyone and we all understand how it is for you. I won’t tell you not to worry because we all do it, but maybe try to limit it.Give yourself a treat.

And do tell us how things develop.

K x

[MELNEL]

Hiya Knic, you don't have to apologize for being worried. And waiting on results can be nerve-wracking for everyone who had something like this happen in the family.For some it's not that easy, but try to take your mind of with something else. Go for a walk sit down and enjoy a coffee with your friends. Don't worry to much, it's not helping you. So take it easy and we wish you here all the best and that you are in the best hands to get this sorted.

🍀🍀🍀

[sassy59]

Hi Knic, of course you’re worried as waiting for results is an anxious time. You did the right thing though by seeing a doctor so well done for not ignoring things.

Let’s hope your x-ray results come through soon and all will be well. Try and occupy your mind if you can with something good and fun.

Thinking of you. Xxx🥰

[Patk1]

It's likely that yr results are back.pls ring + ask xx

[Knic in reply to Patk1]

Hi Pat, I’ve been ringing everyday and just rang again and they still said they’re not back

[Patk1 in reply to Knic]

Oh no! Maybe worth ringing later - our practise say to ring after 3 for results.Hope they're back soon,yr bound to worry.have u had antibiotics for chest? Could be infection or post viral cough? They can linger.hope u get gd new xxx

[Knic in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Pat, I will try after 3. They are so unhelpful, and just seem to want to get off the phone so I hate ringing. I thought they would be back by now :,(

I need to stay off Google too, as just read they can take longer if there’s something on there that needs to be looked at. In such a worry flurry today :,(

[knitter in reply to Knic]

Would it help if you talked to someone at the BLF .They have a helpline on 03000 030 555.

One problem , your health centre may ring when you are contacting the helpline .

[2greys in reply to Knic]

"I need to stay off Google too, as just read they can take longer if there’s something on there that needs to be looked at. In such a worry flurry today"

I can tell you from experience as a lung cancer patient, that with the NHS, if an anomaly is showing up on the X ray you would have been contacted very quickly and wheels set in motion rapidly for a CT scan. If that found anything then an emergency appointment for a PET scan would follow.

Worrying will make you ill, it is a vicious circle, it makes you even more anxious. As suggested find something to take your mind off it and leave Dr Google alone.

[Knic in reply to 2greys]

Thank you for replying I hope you’re doing ok?

I would ordinarily think that they would get back quickly however when my dad’s cancer had spread it took 2 weeks for them to get in touch.

I will try and stay of Google, and keep busy x

[2greys in reply to Knic]

There is difference between, a first diagnosis and a previously confirmed diagnosis of a stage 3 cancer spreading.

I am doing very well thank you, mine got diagnosed early at stage 1 NSCLC. So far, I am 3 years in remission from having Stereotactic Radiotherapy, hopefully cured.

There have been many advances in the treatment of lung cancer since your father died. If and a BIG IF you do have cancer then it should be at an early stage, you are very young and I think it will be very unlikely and a rare occurrence.

My advice is to try and stop worrying, lets face it, worrying will not alter the outcome one little bit, why worry over something that only MAY happen with very small odds attached..

[Knic in reply to 2greys]

I’m so pleased to hear you are doing so well, it’s lovely to hear a positive story.

I give out advice about not worrying daily, yet so awful at taking my own advice myself.

I will give the drs another call this afternoon, as it’s actually 11 days since I had my scan, I’ve also left a message with the X-ray department.

Really appreciate you taking the time to reply, thank you x

[Patk1]

Yes can be hard with some drs receptionists but it's yr right.if they say theyre not back,explain yr very anxious x

[Knic in reply to Patk1]

I’ve sent them an email, as don’t want to get emotional on the phone x

[Hidden]

Its the uncertainty isn't it that upsets you whilst waiting around for results!

Years ago I was anxious when I rang up to get my blood test results but thankfully I was fine as it was the not knowing that upset me rather than the result in itself.

[Alberta56]

I hope you get your results soon, followed by a speedy remedy. Best wishes.

[dunnellon]

Google can definitely heighten your anxiety. Hoping you get the results soon. Waiting is hard and you lose your focus so try to keep yourself busy doing things you like and are good for you. Take a walk, clean a closet, call a friend! Sending you good vibes, Knic!

[madonbrew]

Dear Knic,You really don’t need to apologise! I and anyone would understand why you feel anxious. The waiting for results is the worst bit. I really hope you get them soon. Like the others have said...try and find some things to distract yourself! I know!... easier said than done! Hang in there !

Please let us know how you get on. It’s a really supportive place to come anytime!

[Knic]

Thank you all for your lovely replies. I have been very tearful today and my mind has been racing so fast that it’s definitely not helped with my anxiety.

My husband spoke to the drs this afternoon, who are saying that I need to call to book an appointment with the dr and ask him to chase my results- it definitely doesn’t seem right but I guess if that’s what I need to do, then I’ll try in the morning.

They really just do not seem bothered to help, and said that although the hospital say 7-10 days for results, they say 2 weeks - it’s been 11 days. Maybe I’m just being too impatient, but I have almost come to a stop now waiting and worrying.

Thank you again for your replies,

I’ll keep you updated xx

[Biker88]

Every time I have had an X-ray the radiologist has told me at the time if there is anything of concern. On two occasions I saw a consultant to discuss the X-ray within a few days. If the radiologist didn’t say anything I would normally wait a couple of weeks before the results where in. When I have my check ups with the consultant reviews the X-rays with me about an hour after the X-ray

[Knic in reply to Biker88]

Thank you, it sounds like they look after you really well.

I’ve chased my results with PALS and received this reply:

I've checked with the X Ray Department and there has been a delay in getting your results sent to your GP. They have assured me that this will be done today and your results should be with your GP this afternoon.

We apologise and hope that this has not caused you too much inconvenience.

I now feel even more anxious as worried the delay is because there was something wrong and it needed checking by multiple drs. I guess I’ll find out soon enough :,(

Thank you for taking the time to reply xx

[watergazer]

Hi and welcome. 🤗

[Knic]

Thank you to everyone for your lovely replies, they’ve really helped me over the last couple of days xxx

So after a very tearful conversation with the X-ray department she found my results and said she’d email them straight over to the dr.

I then had to call the surgery, the receptionist said they needed to be read by the dr and that wouldn’t be until tomorrow. After crying and begging she said she’d get someone to call me today.

The nurse rang and said she had my results and they were clear, of course I feel so relieved… however my anxious mind is now telling me that the nurse has read them wrong :’( is this a possibility?