EARLY DETECTION WORKS

[Billcul]

Hello all, my occasional post on HealthUnlocked - is just to take heed of the advice about getting checked out when you find you have annoying coughs, sore throats or other breathing problems. You GP would rather examine you now and tell you there's nothing wrong with you, rather than see you in six months time, when you have a serious problem.

I took advice 18 years ago and visited my GP, as I had a 'minor' night time cough. He detected a wheeze and sent me for an x-ray - just in case. I had stopped smoking two years earlier, so wasn't too concerned. The Doc phoned me the following morning to tell me there was a shadow on my lung. Now I was concerned. Within three weeks, I was under the care of a cancer specialist, and into hospital. I had a large tumour in my right lung. I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy from April to September 2000. I went back to work on 18th December (I knew I would be on holiday in three days time!)

If I had not listened to advice, I wouldn't have been writing this. I have had no cancer problems since. I have lately developed minor COPD and Type 2 Diabetes, also just borderline. Other than that, I've reached 75 and able to lead a normal, happy life. 'DETECT CANCER EARLY' is a headline I thoroughly agree with.

Best wishes to you all. Bill

[jillygirl]

Brilliant post Billcul, We can only keep on telling people get checked out. x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Bill

Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging for many to read. Always good to get checked early.

All the best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Mikest1]

Excellent post Bill. Just an extra bit of advice if you have never smoked before and have a dry cough. The doctors will assume that you have not got cancer. This happened to me as went to my GP a year before I was diagnosed with stage4 . The cough was the only symptom at the time and I was reassured that it was acid reflux. The GP never asked if I had been exposed to secondary smoke etc which I had at my place of work and in the home when young as a parent was a smoker. Even the x-ray didn't show the cancer. Only the ct scan did which I did not get sent for until I had coughed some blood. What I am trying to say is get a CT ASAP as it's the only way to be sure.

[marley63]

I dont know you Billcul but I owe you a huge Thank You. Three and a half year ago I had half my lung removed. I came across this site and some of your posts whilst browsing. You were so positive and gave me real hope for a future. Today I was having a wobble and what is one of the first things I see? Your post. 18 years after your own surgery you are still being positive and giving out hope. Perhaps I will see my grandchildren grow up. "THANK YOU BILLCUL". Marie x

[Billcul in reply to marley63]

Marie, I'm so happy you read my post, and that I obviously posted it at the right time! One of the reasons I don't post very often, is that my experience was so long ago. But Detect Cancer Early is one of the best headlines which is relevant throughout all our lives, and which everyone should bear in mind. I have to say that at 75 now, I'm happy to be here and getting old!! And just because I was fortunate enough to get checked out early. Very best wishes, Bill xx

[1968]

Hi and glad your doing fine. Have a read over my recent post please, just looking for advuce and guidance.

David1968

[Billcul in reply to 1968]

Hi David, I'm still hunting for your post!! Once I find it, I'll be happy to respond. Bill