What other tests can i have? Is it asthma or cancer..?

[Helenaquarius]

Hi - I'm new here and am hoping for some advice

I've had very mild asthma for years and used a blue and brown inhaler. 4 months ago I got a bit breathless walking up stairs and have got steadily worse since then. I now have to walk very slowly and can't make it upstairs. I'm 47 and was pretty fit.

My gp put me on steriods twice in this time (a reducing dose over 2 weeks then a higher starting dose) but these seemed to have no effect. I had an X-ray 'clear' and I had antibiotics for a lung infection.

I ended up in hospital, had a ct scan and more xrays (nothing conclusive) and a lung function test which showed my airways /capacity are the problem.

During all this they have discovered I have

breast cancer back again, in my bones.

Their concern is if the breast cancer has also spread to my lungs or is causing the airway problems.

A lung team have looked at my results and said it looks like asthma and to try me on steriods again (40mg a day for 2 weeks) plus a pink inhaler. My oncologist says if this doesn't work we will assume it is cancer affecting the airways and start on chemo.

But.... What other tests could I have to determine if it is asthma or not? It seems odd that they don't actually know for certain.

Would you recommend an expert asthma place to try (and pay if needed as my dad will fund it to help me)?

Are there other meds they could be trying before we assume it's the cancer? Ie if steriods doesn't work does that mean it's not asthma or are there forms of asthma that won't react to steriods ?

I want to have some more facts/ ideas of things to try before they give up on asthma and decide its cancer as all the xrays and scan are looking clear!

Help

[starveycat]

Hello Helen aquarius wish I could be if more help but the only advice I can give is to phone the helpline during office hours good luck, and a very warm welcome to the site. ♥

[Hidden]

Hi Helen Aquarius

Oh dear you have been having a hard time. I feel for you it's a lot to absorb.

We all have time when we fear the worst.. I hope it will not be the case. Do contact an Asthma Nurse at the Asthma Uk helpline, they will put you in the right direction.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is supposed to be tops. I myself went to St Mary's for testing sent by my respiratory clinic at the Charing cross hospital.

With the right GP referral I don't see why you should go private, it can get very costly. But be insistent, take somebody with you, your Dad or another relative or friend. I found that helped in the past. If you feel unwell and overbreathless do not hesitate to contact the NHS emergency line.

Take care Helen :)))