Lung cancer

[susandewbery]

Hi a question for some one on here I had lung cancer in 2010 and have nothing but chest infection my doctor has told me I will allways be like this IAM not happy

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello susandewbery,

I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering recurrent chest infections, this is troublesome and annoying and I can understand why you are not happy. It might be worth speaking to your Gp again and ask if there are any investigations that he could recommend that would uncover and treat any underlying cause. If you would like to speak with someone please give us a call on our nurse led helpline freephone 0800 358 7200

Kind Regards

Roy Castle Helpline

[susandewbery in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Been to my doctor she saying they is nothing she can do all she can do is putting me on antibiotics

[JanetteR57 in reply to susandewbery]

I had lobectomy dec 2010 diagnosis jan 2011 and in intervening years had higher incidence and more severe chest infections than before. Usually in June and at least one before and one after xmas each year. I have flu jab each year and am always given steroids and antibiotics. I have had further investigations such as bronchoscopies, lung function tests, chest x rays and ct but i experience great concern given my lc history so properly investigated. I have been referred to immunologist but no new allergies and even this year did not react to high pollen triggers but weather extremes and poor air quality seem to trigger it. One hospital stay dec 2016 diagnosed as pneumonia but durring that stay contracted pseudomonas infection and ended up in hospital for 14 nights. It is worth seeing another doctor either at your practice or a walk in centre and explain your history to enable somebody to refer you for further follow up with a respiratory consultant. In between infections i am active, work, travel and swim yet these infections completely floor me so I sympathise. Good luck

[susandewbery in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

It is because they took the Loeb out in my lung that is why I get chest infection s

[JanetteR57 in reply to susandewbery]

I also had a lobe removed from my left lung (the upper half of my lung) but that is not a reason to get a chest infection. I returned to work within 3 months and have gone onto develop the remaining lobe by increased swimming to raise funds/improve my fitness so I know there is a great difference when I actually get a chest infection compared to my usual level of fitness/breathing/activity/daily life.

My surgeon explained that the lung is like a balloon and it can be redeveloped/inflated by working it by keeping active/increasing activity but if not used, it will stay underdeveloped. that spurred me onto walk further each day after surgery and then when I returned to swimming to develop this further. I have not yet achieved the swimming levels I had since the pneumonia in Dec 2016 but as my maximum distances/speeds were done after I had my lobe removed, I know that's not the cause.

There is usually a reason for chest infections - which the reduced/suppressed immune system (if you're on a lot of steroids for example) can leave you susceptible but are not the cause, they could be triggered by allergens, or exposure to others with infections but they should be investigated. I know many people who've had lobes removed (from both/either lungs and even whole lung removed) and they do not develop frequent debilitating chest infections. My suggestion would be to ask for a second opinion or request a referral to a chest physician where this could be investigated properly. good luck.

[Molly456mandy]

Try getting some winter sunshine if it is possible. This helped my sister. Also check nothing new causing allergic reactions which triggered my sisters infections.

Good luck

[ynkefan08753]

Good morning. I am sorry you’re dealing with this but my suggestion is pretty simple. Find another doctor to consult with. If you’re ever left with unanswered questions after speaking with your doctor...it’s always best to get another opinion. Not every doctor has every answer...but you shouldn’t have to walk away feeling confused. Having recurrent lung infections can be dangerous in and of itself (trust me I know because I’ve had pneumonia 11 times in the last 5 years and most of those BEFORE my LC diagnosis). If they are occurring often there may be an underlying cause. If you don’t have a good pulmonary doctor, I suggest getting one. Also, whoever treated your lung cancer in 2010 should be watching you at least on a yearly or twice yearly basis. Lung cancer can recurr at any time so you don’t want to just assume you have an infection without being checked out by your oncologist. Start there and please get yourself a pulmonary doctor. Be well

[Jmc8]

Hi

I had LC 2014 and seemed more succeptibke to chest infections since then - particularly bad pneumonia winter 2016. I had never suffered with chest infections prior to LC. However on 1 of my lung cancer follow ups & annual CT scan my consultant noticed some enlarged airways so refered me to respiratory consultant - diagnosed with bronciiectasis. Last winter I was given pneumonia vaccine & put on antibiotics 3 times a week (a year later still on them & will be this winter) - not a single chest infection ! Not that keen to have antibiotics but it’s only 3 tablets a week & far better than pneumonia. So it’s worth getting checked out for the same as I wonder if it can be complication following LC surgery when you still have residual fluid in the operated lung (I did for months) . Good luck

Jo