feeling anxious

[hairyMaclary]

Long story short I had lobectomy in Feb 9cm tumour was taken with it. Never saw an oncologist until 3 months later who says that I should have been given chemo, I already have heart failure so now we are on a watch and wait but im told the cancer will almost certainly re-appear within 2 years post op. I have had a sore painful elbow for 3 days with idea why and now I have a flu type virus. In short I am scared that the elbow is lung cancer metasised to the bone (elbow) and the virus should be taken more seriously given my history.

[jillygirl]

Hi there HM, When you were diagnosed you should have been assigned a Lung cancer nurse specialist. If not ask for one. The nurse will be able to advise you, and if needed chase things up. However a word with your own doctor wouldnt go amiss. Everyone is different with their cancers and outcomes. I had the full pneumonectomy plus adjuvant chemotherapy. However 3 years later I had a secondary cancer appear on my adrenal gland. I am now clear of cancer and been discharged. But the slightest lump, spot etc. and I always get checked out.

If you dont get any further why not phone the Roy Castle Lung Foundation nurses for advice. roycastle.org/

03333237200

I hope all goes well. xx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear HairyMaclary

It is understandable your anxiety, given your experience at the start of your diagnosis. Jillygirl provided a great response and as she has advised, you should see your GP for any change in symptom, in nothing else to have peace of mind.

If you feel you are unable to go to the GP with your flu type symptoms as for a house call.

If you are using Paracetamol for your flu type symptoms you may find this may help your elbow pain. Your GP can assess this for you.

If you wish to discuss anything you can call our free nurse led helpline number 0800 358 7200 (Monday to Friday)

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[JanetteR57]

Sorry to read of your contradictory health advice - this happened to me when I had my left upper lobectomy (7cm )tumour removed in Dec 2010 but not about chemotherapy as there was no evidence it worked for the specific type of tumour I had (mucinous BAC). It would be so much better if surgeons/oncologists worked together rather than confusing patients in this way. Who has told you the certainty of it reappearing? This is so unprofessional and unproven. On what basis has this been said? If he's suggesting you haven't had a treatment that would be given under the lung cancer protocol (national lung cancer optimal pathway), then I would be tempted to contact the Trust and ask why you're receiving such information now.

I am 8 years since my op and despite a couple of suspected recurrences, I am working, travelling and getting with my life.

I also had a sore elbow after one of my hospital stays for a chest infection (June 2015) but it turned out to be completely unrelated (a trapped nerve in the elbow) so it's unlikely to be related but worth checking out. We all get infections/viruses post treatment as we probably did before so although it's natural to think every symptom - temperature, ache, pain, etc is related, most often they're not. I found a book 'cancer is a word not a sentence' by Dr Rob Buckman stopped me panicking and thinking in this way. hope you get checked out and reassured soon.