My stage 2 adenocarcinoma was successfully treated three and a half years ago and every 6 monthly scan since has been perfect. My last scan was in September, I am due for the next scan in 6 months as I have passed onto yearly scans.
However since two weeks I'm having pain in the fold of my right arm, my right shoulder blade and chest, with pins and needles in my hand and twitching in those areas. The pain reminds me of the pain I felt at the time of my tumor. I consulted my GP who prescribed a shoulder xray for which I have an appointment in a months time. I think I didn't manage to describe the pain and location correctly and don't think an xray would find what I personally am suspecting. I went to see him again today and was more specific, so he has prescribed me a thoracic CT scan.
I'm just not sure whether I am doing the right thing by having another scan as this could be just an injury, but if it's related to my previous pathology I'd rather take steps!
Does anyone have any advice for me?
I wish you all well, and send my best regards to you courageous people.
Love from Ellen
Written by
lucanus15
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Sorry to hear you have the pain and discomfort, but good you are having the CT scan, if nothing else it will give you peace of mind.
There could be many reasons for your symptoms which may not be related to your previous lung cancer and hope you have answers soon. It is understandable a worry and anxiety, but you have certainly done the right thing.
If you would like to discuss anything you can email ask the nurse at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org or call our free phone nurse led helpline on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600
It's natural to think that every twinge and symptom must be linked to the original diagnosis but often they're not....
What you describe could have many causes - maybe trapped nerve or nerve issues of some sort.
I had similar 5 years out from my lobectomy (adenocarcinoma) after a week's unexpected stay in hospital for a chest infection. I went for a rigid bronchoscopy and mentioned the symptoms of my left hand (tumour had been in left lung), twitching/spasm, fingers crooking (little and 4th finger), pain so the pre-op consultant suggested it could be a trapped nerve and to see my GP. I saw my GP who referred me for nerve conduction tests...
After a couple of months waiting I asked at a CCG finance and performance committee about the long waits for trauma/orthopaedics and what patients were told about the long wait. The GPs said patients were told there was a waiting list but they could 'choose and book' and go to any hospital they liked for treatment. I asked for more details, called my GP practice and quoted this procedure - I was asked if I wanted to pay private and said 'no' it's a waiting list/choose and book process on the NHS. I was told the hospital where I'd had my lobectomy (on the NHS as thoracic theatres were full at the time) could see me in October or the other private hospital in the same group could see me in August. As it was affecting my ability to work (self employed so no work, no income) I opted for the earliest appointment.
I saw the hand specialist who happened to be the NHS consultant from the local trust where I was unable to see him (amazing how that works!) . He said that given my history especially on the same side, he wanted me back in a CT scanner to check it wasn't a tumour pressing on the nerve. This took several weeks and thankfully it wasn't but my ulna nerve (extends from back of the neck to the little finger) had become entrapped in the elbow (cubital tunnel) so needed surgery to release it. He suggested it had likely been caused by the cannula in the hospital stay where I'd held my arm/hand in one position for a long time.
I had the surgery in Oct 2015 and physiotherapy and recovered ok for the next few years - fast forward to Jan 2019 when hospitalised again with RSV and put into isolation. The nurse made a botch of the cannula in the arm where the nerve had been repositioned to and I've had problems with twitch/spasms since.
As I'm left handed it affects many things - driving, writing, typing, carrying things especially as it is so unpredictable...
I've now had MRI scan, x-ray of the neck and ultrasound of the elbow and referred to a rheumotologist who suggested it might be the menopause (phone consultation - never seen me - I'm 64 and out the other side of that)!!
Eventually saw her in Dec '21 then phoned last August to say she'd retired and they were starting again with her patients! The new consultant ordered MRI and ultrasound as I'd not had results of neck x-ray from Dec '21 - not received results yet . Saw new rheumatologist 2 months ago who agreed with me - not systemic and as nerve conduction tests showed residual nerve entrapment, my GP needed to refer me back to hand consultant so she discharged me. I've recently been contacted by a hand physiotherapist rather than referral to the hand consultant I requested - this has been going on since Mar 2021 on a supposed 2WW pathway due to other symptoms!
My lung cancer diagnosis was January 2011. I've had several unexpected hospital stays due to various chest infections some much worse symptoms than my lung cancer.
Fear/imagination always takes us back - but thankfully for me so far, none have turned out to be recurrence and dealt with by appropriate medication or intervention.
Hope the same is true for you. I'd be accepting the CT scan too if it was me. good luck.
I had a funny experience in the 2 weeks preceeding lockdown, here in France. My port a cath was behaving strangely and painfully and I told my dowtor it needed taking out. Every time I woke up or straightened after bending over, it kind of snagged and caused a really sharp pain! The doctor phoned the hospital en question and told them, do it, because if she says it hurts, it's because it really really hurts! Ha. So yes luckily I got it taken out the very next day.
I feel better now about pressing for a scan. In all honesty I'm beyond fear! I'm not scared nor panicked. But being a single Mum to two young boys, I just need to know if I need to take action, to preserve their Mummy!
It definitely feels nervy, but as you say, we need to rule out something unwelcome pushing on any nerve! I will keep you posted.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Advice on Lung nodule
10 months down the line
Pain in chest - any advice pls?
