Paranoid lung cancer

[Bosto]

Thank you all for your support, I was taken to hospital as the doctor thought I've got a blood clot on my lung but it was pleurisy.The NHS were marvellous it was all dealt with in a matter of hours but on the ct scan I've still got a nodule which the surgeon said he will keep eye on it but now because I've been clear after 18 months am now only having a ct scan every 12 months am so worried as I had 3 tumors last time & I had no symptoms it was only diagnosed cus I collapsed was taken to hospital had a scan & that was how I knew I got lung cancer so am so worried within 8 months I got 3 tumors, am I being paranoid

[skischool]

No you are not being paranoid as anybody would be concerned,especially given your previous procedures with regard to lung cancer,though i must add that more than 90% of lung nodules turn out to be benign so fate is on your side but you do need to consult with your respiratory or oncologist consultant for a full report on what was observed and a proper care plan for the immediate future,

Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's

[Bosto in reply to skischool]

Thank you so much for your lovely reply, I will now on Monday phone my cancer nurse Patrick & will ask him, am so pleased that I've got people like yourselfs there to ask for advice as my husband has had cancer 4 times; he just got over prostate cancer but he had throat cancer so he had his voice box taken out 5 years ago so we both had a rough time as I was the main earner had my own business but that had to finish because of my health

[2greys]

Hi Bosto. No I do not think you are being paranoid either. I empathise fully and can understand exactly how you feel, the trick is to try and not let the fear take over your mind, easy to say but so much harder to do.

I live with lung cancer and have been in remission for 2 years after having had Radiotherapy on the active tumour, I also have a dozen other lung nodules present. I am fully aware that the tumour can "flare up" again. That the radiation I received can actually cause cancer. That any of the other nodules could become active. So yes I really do understand what it is like to live from appointment to appointment, not being able to fully commit to things too close to those appointments.

The only advice I can give is what works for me, that is to try and be as busy as you can, to occupy your mind, it really does work.

Luckily, I am still able to work full-time as an engineer, despite having stage 4 Emphysema as well. Working is a bit of a struggle now, but it enables me to forget about all the problems, even being constantly short of breath. My work takes over all my thought processes as it is rather technical and the bonus is that I really enjoy it. It also tires me out, so being totally exhausted, I can actually get to sleep at night without any trouble.

Other people will have their own coping methods, that works for them. But rest assured you are not being paranoid at all. See if you have a Macmillan support center at your hospital and perhaps have a chat with one of their nurses who might be able to give you some guidance, they are very experienced with the mental trauma that cancer creates, failing that, then you can phone them, for free, on 0808 808 00 00. I wish you luck in finding your personal way to cope, before the worry makes you really ill.

[Bosto in reply to 2greys]

Thank you for your reply & yes I will phone up for support & hopefully you can carry on working as you are correct it can take your mind of it

[Izb1]

Hi Bosto, very good advice given by Skis and 2greys, I cant add anything to this only to say we are here for you, just take one day at a time x

[Bosto in reply to Izb1]

Thank you

[katieoxo60]

You definately are not being paranoid. Once you have a weak lung you do need to take extra care of yourself . I spent two years myself while the lung specialist kept an eye on things, so understand your concern especially as you have had tumours before. I have had cancer in the past and it does leave you with some fears. Just go to the GP if you have any doubts or concerns and don't let symptoms go by have them checked out.

[Bosto in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you