Editor’s Note: Guest blogger Laura McCracken was a graphic designer in Dallas, Texas. At age 30, Laura was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lung. Laura passed away in 2014 from related complications, seven years after her lung cancer diagnosis. We hope her story will continue to serve as inspiration for others on the importance of early detection for lung cancer.
Inspire others to check their health: Share your story here
I’m too busy to have cancer! With a full-time job, house, social life, dating, cycling and traveling, how do you put it all on pause for an illness? Back in 2007, I was burning the candle at both ends. I felt so tired and achy all of the time, so I stopped exercising because I didn’t have the energy. It seemed to all spiral down after that.
In August 2007, I kept having pains in my chest, but when I went to the doctor, he said maybe I hurt myself at the gym, bruised some cartilage or it might be a strain. He gave me pain pills and told me it might take some time. Nothing abnormal showed up on the x-ray. The doctors were focusing on my bones, though, not my lungs.
Scared, I desperately called an Asian medicine acupuncturist and chiropractor to ask if he could see me right away and tell what was wrong with me. He took a standing x-ray and told me that I needed to see a doctor immediately. The x-ray showed my entire chest wall was clouded white, similar to when I had pneumonia as a kid, except this was a solid, bright white.
This was Friday night and I didn’t know where to go. I ended up at an after-hours clinic. They did a white blood cell test and said it couldn’t be pneumonia, so I was sent to the emergency room. After a CT scan, an ER doctor (with great bedside manner) bluntly said that it looked like cancer and good luck!
I ended up staying in the hospital for two weeks for a series of CT scans, draining two liters of fluid from my left chest cavity (that had shown in the x-ray), chest tube, biopsy, diagnosis, port placement and hefty doses of morphine. Two weeks earlier, I had been running up a hill in San Francisco. Now I couldn’t walk up more than two stairs without starting to faint. On December 22, 2007, my chest tube was removed and I started chemo, the day before my 31st birthday. I spent my birthday vomiting from chemo nausea and lying in bed.
People with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lung usually have smoked for 30 years, worked in a factory or been exposed to certain chemicals. However, I was a 30-year-old non-smoking female, who ate well and exercised. Did I happen to get this mutation of my lung cells due to some sort of damage? Was it pneumonia scarring as a kid, pollution or something I consumed? No one will ever be able to tell me.
Luckily, because I was otherwise so healthy and young, I had a lot of fight and responded well to chemo. I had a few chemo treatments and the main tumor responded, shrinking, leaving a hollow cystic shell, but then chemo stopped working. I wanted to take it to the fullest extent, but it was decided I’d switch to an oral treatment, which saved my life by binding with the receptor of my certain type of cancer cell to block it from multiplying. If I had this disease 10 years ago, I would not have had this option and might not be alive today.
I haven’t had any tumor growth since 2008, and I go in for CT or PET scans every 3-4 months. I worry about the amounts of radiation, but it’s worth it. Every time I have an ache or pain, I worry that the cancer is coming back. Ironically, when I exercise and stretch, I feel so much better. You have to keep moving and stretching! Just walking or swimming can do wonders. I’m pretty sure that I’ll deal with pain for the rest of my life, but it doesn’t keep me from doing things that I enjoy.
Based on my experience, it boils down to this: don’t overburden your life with more than you can handle and please don’t ignore symptoms if you have chronic pain. Since I “excused away” the symptoms, the cancer spread into the pleural space of my lungs and a couple of lymph nodes. If I had caught it earlier, surgery might have been an option with a 100% cure. Now I will never be officially “cured,” but I am the closest thing to being in remission as possible.
Early detection and treatment is essential to long term recovery. “Better safe than sorry” is a good rule to follow. I have great hope that I can live a long time at my current condition, thanks to the great targeted therapies, but really wish I had insisted on better x-rays or scans sooner. Regardless, I have been extremely lucky. You can’t dwell on the past with “shoulda coulda” thoughts. Deal with what you need to in the present, and try to live in the moment.
READ ALSO | What if you are living with cancer? Katie’s story
47 Comments
Mary
Wow, thanks for sharing your story! This could be similar to my husband’s case. He was a non-smoker, 33 years old and had pneumonia as a child too– so badly that the doctors had already gotten his mom to sign the organ donor paperwork. Then his fully white left lung chest x-ray showed up Sept 1, 2009– his x-ray had been completely clear August 4. He died Oct 21, 2009, after only one dose of chemo which obviously didn’t get a chance to work. He also grew up in West Virginia around the coal mines, which may have put arsenic in the water, another possible contributor to lung cancer in young people.
–maryhbailey@hotmail.com
Kaisa
A powerful, yet not unfamiliar story. My boyfriend Nick died June 22, 2009 from a blood clot – Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma spread to his spine and compressed his nerves, leaving him unable to walk, even after emergency surgery. He was in physiotherapy to learn to walk again, but never got the chance. He made it through 2 rounds of chemo, which were showing promise towards remission. He was originally told that his shoulder pain was probably a pulled muscle, at one point an MRI even made it looked like a slipped disc. But after waking one day to no longer be able to move his legs, a CT scan finally showed 2 tumors. One in the lung, one on the spine. He was 27 years old, and a non-smoker. I will continue to fight the battle for him, I know he would have done everything he could to defy the odds, and help others along the way.
Joe Casciola
Your story is quiet inspiring! I hope that you are enjoying life to its fullest!
Sarah
Thank you for posting your story! My husband, 27, non-smoker, was just diagnosed with lung cancer- they think it is early stages but results aren’t conclusive yet. It’s surprising and I’m left wondering where this came from… it’s encouraging to know others have gone through it. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Ganesh
Thank you so much for sharing your story of fighting against cancer. It has really inspired me. A week ago my mom is diagonsed with stage IIIB Lung cancer. she is 63 years old now. When we heared its cancer we all were shocked…as we were aware about cancer is like end of life. when I did some research I got some hopes that miracle can still happen. I really trust god and still keeping positive hopes and will fight till the end. Now doctor has adviced for chemotherapy and further said that they will try targeted therapy. I am hoping for best now…
Ramesh
Dear Laura,
Thank you for sharing a very candid view of what you have been through and what you think about the present.
My dad 67 was diagonsed with Stage 4, NSLC lung cancer in March 2013. (It was a metastized recurrence from his GE cancer 3 years ago that saw him get his entire stomach removed. For the last 3 years after his surgery, he was perfectly normal until the March of 2013, this year..when he started coughing (sometimes bloody) and losing weight.
Radiation was administered for 6 weeks, followed by 4 Cycles of chemotherapy that concluded last month. For now he is fatigued and weak, down on weight and found wanting on Nutrition. However, he seems to be a little better than what he was a few months ago…but you never know. I have stopped having any kind of expectations and am taking things as they come by. However, we have (and are) giving him the best possible medication (and support) at home. This is what satisfies us.
I am hoping (and am very positive) that he will be alright…but as i said, expectiations are the last things i do.
Riza
I was like you, I’m 53 though with 3 boys. I wish my fate will be like u.They just started me with Tarceva as my first line of treatment a week ago. I hope I get a good response like you and be one of those 2 percent that will be cancer free.
Thanks
MJ
My ex husband is now 69 as of October 2013. He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with metastasis to the brain which is where they found it and how he was diagnosed. Miracles do happen because that was the end of February 2011. He had brain surgery as soon as he was diagnosed. He had radiation on frontal lobe and small area on lung. Fortunately, the cancer has not spread and he has been on maintenance chemo Alimta for past two years. He is having trouble in the back spine-neck area and we are praying that is not anything cancerous.
Best to you all.
The Good Ex-wife
Nancy
Thanks to all those stories of strength and survival. They have the power to support those who are now engaged in their battles as well as confirm successes, however they are measured. I am 58. In late 2008 I started having pain in my back, shoulder and arm. I went to the doctor believing that it was either pneumonia or cancer. (I was a pack-a-day smoker and had been for decades.) The doctor didn’t agree but she sent me for a chest x-ray anyway. Nothing turned up. From November 2008 to March 2009 the pain kept increasing and yet no one found anything despite taking multiple CT scans, MRIs and more X-Rays. I tried Physical Therapy, massages and kept increasing the powerful pain meds. Finally, four months after the pain started, I was in yet another doctor’s office trying to discover the reason for the pain (make it stop!!) when one of the waves of pain drove me to my knees. That doctor said — that is nerve pain. He sent me for another MRI that afternoon. Two days later I met with a doctor who read the scan. He told me that I had a large tumor at the top of my right lung – called an apical tumor or Pancoast tumor. A week later I was diagnosed as Stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer. The tumor was so high up that it was missed on most scans. It had grown into the cluster of nerves called the Brachial Plexus, causing excruciating pain.
Within a week I had begun simultaneous chemo and radiation – for 5 weeks. The pain was being managed by the Palliative Care folks at the hospital. They did a great job. The tumor which had begun as the size of a large apple was shrunken to the size of a large prune. I spent the next month gaining strength in order to qualify for surgery – had to pass pulmonary and cardiac tests to prove that I could survive the surgery.
Surgery began with a mediastinoscopy – moving down the the chest to the lung, sampling and removing lymph nodes along the way and sending them to the lab to be tested. All tests (done while I was still in surgery) on lymph nodes proved negative. Fabulous news! The surgeon then carried on and spent the next 6-7 hours removing the tumor from my lung.
Spent the summer of 2009 recuperating and recovering from the surgery. Had a final two rounds of chemo in the fall of 2009. My follow-up appointments included scans, blood test and an examination and happened every 3 months for the first 2 years then every 6 months for the next 3 years. Now, as a five-year survivor, I have appointments (scans, blood work, exam) once a year.
My family and friends supported me throughout that year in every possible way. Cooking, cleaning, gardening, walking my dog, taking me to treatments, helping me regain my strength and continuing to honor me with their love and affection.
I am grateful for every day granted me since the diagnosis. I thank God that he granted me this time on earth. I hope that I will continue to be cancer-free for as long as I live. There are no guarantees in life so enjoy and be thankful for every moment you are granted.
I wish all of you — patients and caregivers and survivors — the very best health and the most fulfilled lives, whatever their length.
envasadora al vacio lacor
I blog often and I really thank you for your content.
The article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog
and keep checking for new information about once per week.
I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
Camille
Thank you for your story and your positive outlook on life beyond cancer. So glad you figured out what was wrong. Many blessings for continued health and happiness!
Hilary Bell
My name is Hilary and I am 39 years old and I was recently diagnosed with multiple lung nodules. I am a non smoker and I do have a family history of lung cancer but they were all smokers. I collapsed at work two weeks ago and the nodules were found by accident. One of them is different from all the others and I am being told I need to have a repeat CT Scan in 3 months to look at the one nodule. I am a mother of 4 I take care of myself I don’t smoke never have and I am in shock. I would really like today this story inspired me to respond and ask for any advice.
Wendy J
Thanks for your great website and thanks for the advice about not ignoring symptoms. If only i could convince 2 other people of that!
Rosemarie
I also have stage 1V Lung Cancer..I had a pain in the middle of my chest for over a year…So finally my Dr ordered a CT scan,because I gave up smoking after 30 years…Lo and behold cancer was found…So they went down my throat to do a procedure found no cancer..Dr.felt uncomfortable telling me I had no cancer.So next biopsy in my lung thru my back..After a lung callapsed due to precedure cancer was found…I had a choice radiation or operation..I opted for operation….So my right upper lobe was removed..By robotic surgery,While the Dr. Was in their her took out some nodes..which he found cancer..So 4 rounds of chemo was ordered I was so sick pukeing pukeing pukeing…Now the night mare is behind me I am in remission no cancer to be found..Last treatment 12/10/16…But I have no energy at all my bones hurt all the time…Maybe once a week I have a good day…When will I get my energy back and feel better…I am 62 years old..
Freddy
Ma’am, we are in a similar situation: IV stage non-small cell lung cancer. The doctor considers the surgery to have little impact for the time being. Could you, please share more, about the type and size of tumor you had and the treatment used as well as a treatment facility? Thank you in advance.
Denise
Hi everyone I’m new at this….it’s June 2017. My mother is 70 yrs old. But you would never know it from looking or seeing how active she is. But she started having shortness of breath and tired all the time and pain off and on all in her right side. This all started with in 6 months ago. I have spent the past week at doctors office and hospitals with her for lots testing. X-ray showed one large mass in right lung being about 2cm so went for Ct and it was confirmed. She has a very caring doctor and she got the ball rolling for more test. So blood test ,breathing test and PET scan all done with in a week of finding mass. Blood worked showed nothing, breathing test was passed with above normal expectations but PET showed numerous spots…6 in all. We were totally shocked !! Next step is having biopsy for real diagnosis…but here is the crazy part. In between all test being done she went to her eye doc to get her some new contacts because she was thinking ahead and said she might need to take of that before things got worse and she was told she has histoplasmosis in her eyes! Well from researching on the web we found out that it only goes to the eyes from the lungs. Another shocker!! We were told it’s pretty common to get it here in the south where we live by just through air and breathing it in. No she doesn’t raise chickens nor live close to any poultry farms. So how she got is a true mystery. We were told that histoplasmosis in the lung can mimic lung cancer and apparently look much like tumors of the lung even on a PET scan. So we are all praying for not cancer and treatable solution to lung infection after the biopsy is done and results come back. I will be back to let you know what we find out. Please say a prayer for her. Thank you and I’m also praying for all those on here who is going through this and all those taking the journey with them.
Kim
Can you please tell me what has happened since
Tracey Compton
Hello and God bless to everyone who share, you will be amazed who needs to hear this. I am a 51 year old mother of 3 adult daughters with 11 Grandchildren in which 1 grandson I am raising since birth who is 11 years old. I too never smoked in my life and never could stand to be around smoke. I had walking pneumonia and whooping cough when I was in 8th grad and missed half of that school year from that and every since up until adult hood I had pneumonia 2 more times once when I was pregnant.I ended up developing a cough every since I was 12 years old and it never went away so I had been coughing off and on constantly since childhood up until adult. I had been back and forth bak and forth to Doctors about the cough and I kept getting prescriptions for cough syrup or gell tablets, omeprozole, for acid reflux, because I was told that can cause a cough and I wa told because of my weight because I am as they say morbid obese, I e seen Cardiologist, Gastroenterologist, Pulminologist, i ve had PFT’s chest xrays MRI”s then finally Ct’s and they found spot on upper right lung. I had 2 more Ct’s after that in which spot got deeper. Well finally got a biopsy done after all of that found out I had stage 1 Lung Cancer. I was given options like Chemo but said no to that because I was already experiencing a lot of issues with my lung because they said I had COPD , Bronchitis, you name it I just didnt know what to think. Anyway I was given option of a wedge cut I said no to that I am not a piece of pie. So I agreed to Lobectomy to remove the upper right lung and get it all. well I had that surgery October13 2015 and am now Cance free and never had to get any Chemo and now I have Asthma and still that darn cough more than often but thank God no Cancer. The Doctors I have are amazed with my condition because I never smoked and I had all of the symptoms of a person who smoke 4 to 5 packs a day. well now I experence a lot of spasms in my right rib area as if I just had the surgery. the spasms have been tremendously painful back to back lately so I go to Doctor this week maybe back on muscle relaxes but I sy to everyone just stays trong and trust and believe that God can use you for the good to help someone else get through so I appreciate all of you brave people and as you can see Ive been through alot and I had a lot to say. God Bless
leslie
Hi I am the mother of 3 grown children and 4 grands and I was just told by the Dr that they see a 2.8 nodule on my lower right lung and I need a biopsy and I am terrified. I went to the emergency room about 2 months ago because I was feeling extremely tired and knew something was wrong. And that’s when they told me I had pneumonia and discovered the nodule. I am scared to death and feel I have no future, and right now I am in the dark. I have been having neck pain, lower back pain, numbness in my limbs and 3 weeks ago a terrible pain in my right leg that stopped me from walking until I stepped to the side and stretched it. Can someone share with me
Kara Bruneshefski
I am 32 years old almost a year ago I had a CT scan that showed multiple lung nodules 1inch in diameter and some that’s ground glass. I have been suffering from extreme lack of energy no matter how much sleep I get I never feel like I have enough. I know I’m young but cancer is big in my family I am a smoker and I have been coughing with pain in my chest and ribs occasionally I will have some blood tinged mucous should I be worried?
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Hi Kara,
We’re sorry to hear you are not feeling well. We recommend visiting your health care professional whenever you notice changes in your body. Make an appointment soon and talk to him or her about these symptoms to get checked out.
We hope you feel better soon!
Adam
How is Laura doing?
I would love to hear an update.
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Thank you for reaching out and inquiring about Laura. Unfortunately, Laura passed away in 2014 from related complications, seven years after her lung cancer diagnosis. We hope her story will continue to serve as inspiration for others on the importance of early detection for lung cancer.
Poetry of life
Moving story … Inspiring, strong, dramatic and hopeful at the same time ! Thank you !
Jessica
This is really inspiring!
Brenda
hi. My 85 year old Aunt was just diagnosed with lung cancer approx. 11/2 weeks ago and just passed away this afternoon. Im quite frustrated that she was gone within a week of diagnosis!!!…Thoughts on this???
Libby
I had a lobe removed, upper left, over 2 years ago, I still have pain under by left breast. My incision is on my back, how long should I have pain?
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Hello Libby, we’re sorry that you’re not feeling well. We recommend that you consult your health care professional about that pain. We hope you start feeling better soon.
bone tumor
Nice one,Thanks for sharing your experience.Inspirational story.
Robert
Hi my name is Robert I’m 34
I have been diagnosed with COPD recently and got very sick with viral infection in the lungs thought I was dieing so I quit smoking right away but now 8 days later I have having shortness of breath and Pain in the upper right are of my chest right below my Peck hurts more when breathing deeply or cough been extremely run down and have lost about 5 to 10 pounds I have been the er several times and I keep having some kinda infection it seems the x-ray show some information but that’s it .
I’m all was tired have minor couch with clear phem and time black spotted phlen with red specks at point so tired and exhausted and none of doctors are any thing but inflammation bit this point I feel like I’m going die very minor exercise wears out .
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Hi Robert,
So sorry to hear what you are going through. Please make sure your health care professionals are aware of all of your symptoms. Wishing you a future of good health!
Lost & Scared
Hi. I’m a female & 50. Not overweight. I’m scared. I have never been the type to be a hypochondriac. But just Something seems wrong. I have smoked cigarettes for 35 years. Sometimes 2-3 packs a day several years ago! But about 3-4 months ago I started to ride an indoor training bike for exercise & to lower my cholesterol (went from 380 to 270 already! ) but quickly noticed something strange. My R shoulder felt & still feels at times a weird tingling &/or numbness. Down my R arm into mostly index & middle fingers. But ALWAYS it’s the WORST in the middle of the night. I DO have herniations in my cervical spine. However I have had them & they’re unchanged (MRI says unchanged) for the last decade. I have researched the internet. It’s crazy for me to have told my dr of this strange feeling & how He insists it’s my C spine. I have no insurance. I have COPD but I always am equal to or beat (somehow!) my nonsmoking peers on all breathing tests on a bimonthly basis. I was diagnosed with it 11 years ago. This feeling is not there at all times. But most every night I wake up with tingling & numbness especially down my R arm into aforementioned fingers. This happens no matter which way I sleep. I’m really scared. I’m not sure I WANT to know or find out something that’s so bad that 1) I will likely die from it anyway 2) if I find out it’s a pancoast tumor or any cancer, I really don’t wish to do chemo & all the “kill you softly” things that, to me, make the probable end of your life that much more painful & horrible. I’m really afraid. I read it can even paralyze you.
This morning for the first time ever, I went to pick up a few things in the yard. I felt unusually short of breath & suddenly started to throw up. I have lived in this South FL heat for my entire life & that’s never happened before. I am scared something is terribly wrong & I’m just as frightened of finding out! I’m not strong like other people here. I have used mostly all of my strength being wild (years ago ) & rebelliously doing everything “my own way”. I am not sure why I have always really believed that smoking would not affect ME! So stupid. And sadly, it really is too late for me. The most recent statistics Show that the FASTEST GROWING Cancer population from cigarette Smoking is those who QUIT 10-15 YEARS AGO! And 2nd place in that cancer population is Current Smokers! One can NEVER get back to a place (health wise/ Lungs wise) of that of that of a Nonsmoker! I’m not trying to say I won’t quit or that anyone else shouldn’t quit! Oh we ALL should!
I’m just so scared to pay for a test that could possibly tell me I have Cancer that I can’t even afford (In ANY WAY! ) to fight if I CHOSE to fight it!
Can anyone tell me if THEY just “had a feeling” something was wrong & it came true or what their first signs were? I wish the person that commented awhile ago that was a pancoast tumor survivor left a way to contact them? Maybe they’ll see my comment? Never have I worried like this for my health. Never have I been basically convinced of something that I may not even have! Anxiety is awful. I guess it’d be worse knowing for SURE!
I cannot discuss this with my husband because he gets really angry at me for being a smoker. So does my family. I wish I were not still a smoker. I wish i never started. But I did and I am. I am absolutely terrified.
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Good morning,
We are so sorry for the pain and anxiety you are experiencing. It’s important to be an advocate – you know your body best! Follow up with your doctor and make sure that he is aware of all of your symptoms, the severity and the frequency. You may also consider getting a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being addressed.
When it comes to lack of insurance and cost, we recommend you look into your local health clinics to see if they have options for you. We also recommend that you reach out to the following resources:
1. CancerCare – (800.813.4673) is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer.
2. Local American Cancer Society – Patient Navigator Program (personal cancer guide) (800.227.2345) connects you with a patient navigator at a cancer treatment center. You can talk one-on-one with a patient navigator about your situation.
We hope that these resources are helpful and wish you nothing but the best.
Karen
I was dx’d w/stage IIIB non-small cell adenocarcinoma in May 2004. I was a single mom and learned really fast I was in for the fight of my life. My r lung collapsed 4 times, and finally, a cardiothoracic surgeon did a talc slurry and in short, glued my lung to my ribcage with scar tissue created by the slurry. I had nearly two years of monthly chemo and I also had radiation. Brutal as it was, it seemed to have worked. I was 6 mos getting SSDI and then I couldn’t get them to STOP paying me when I went back to work. I’m not sure which was worse, the cancer or the red-tape I needed to wade through to survive. But, on an up-note…it’s been 14 years since I was given 6 weeks to live. Keep the faith, pray a LOT, and do what you gotta do to survive. I was 40 years old when I was diagnosed.
Marc Young
I have recently gone through a pancoast tumor removal…Brutal!
Would very much like to visit with other pancoast survival people.
I was blessed in that mine was operable and said to have been completely removed, I again was blessed that I had early signs I had not read about…God is So Good and I am So Thankful!
I do have side effects that I would very much like to share with another surviver and maybe determine if these could still improve or probably permanent.
Thank You for reading my post and may God be with us all and Jesus place his healing hand on ALL of us who have been affected by this awful disease.
Mrs k turk
Hi
4 weeks ago I was in severe pain in my left side, not breathing to well and stabbing pain in my shoulder. I had a xray and bloods taken. Last week my g.p called at 19:30 and said my xray shows a large shadow and bloodworks not quite right, that I require further investigations but had to be 6 weeks post antibiotics?? The pain in my shoulder is creeping now into my right side also. I’m 30 a mum of 3 and a smoker . I’m worried sick .any advise or experience ? Thanks
Robin
I’m having similar pains as you describe. Did you ever find out what was wrong?
Vickie Eberth
Thank you for sharing Laura’s story. I think there is a lesson to be learned here. Don’t be embarrassed to speak up for yourself. Your life depends on it.
Vicki Rogers
Began with primary care doctor telling me it’s bronchitis, sinusitis, anxiety, being overweight, prescriptions for antibiotics and depression sent me on my way. I kept complaining this fatigue is not anything like I have ever experienced in my life, in addition to my having seen an ENT, an E.R. visit, an orthopedic, abdomen ct scan, this pcp never thought to order a chest ct with my history age and complaints, seventeen months later after going to second pcp diagnosis lung cancer just had pet scan see oncologist tomorrow. So, not every patient will cough up blood, be short,of breath sometimes symptoms are seemingly not related but your pcp should not dismiss you as men did. Very sad lost faith in health care providers.
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Hi Vicki,
We are so sorry this was your experience, and hope you are now getting the help you need. You’re right that not everyone experiences the same symptoms, or any symptoms at all. You know your body best and are your own best advocate for your health, so when something feels off, don’t be afraid to seek a second (or third, or fourth…) opinion.
Erika Shirk
Wow what a read! I’m going thru some of same things. I’m a 40yr old female smoker have 4 kids and 1 grandchild and another on the way. I just recently started getting short of breath n just not feeling like myself so the tests began. I had a contrast ct scan that shows ground glass nodes swollen lymph nodes in upper right lung and collapsed left lung with my left lung elevated no clue yet as to why my lung is elevated. Seeing a gi dr bc I am bloated to the point I look six months pregnant and very painful ct scan also showed a heliatcia hernia in my abdomen still not better though I have a colonoscopy scheduled as well as a brain mri and ct right before colonoscopy I’m having extreme pain in my left shoulder up to my neck and now at night I can’t lie down bc I am woken up suddenly with urge to vomit. I sleep sitting up now and have heartburn n chest pains never had issues w this before and I had a mammogram that shows a mass but dr says she thinks it’s my underarm lymph node which idk but I go back in 3 mins for another mammogram. My husband n kids don’t understand how I feel I feel like they think I’m making it up even w all the things dr are putting me thru. I have a feeling it’s cancer or something else but I’m still in test mode having a hard time w all symptoms so swollen lymph nodes in rt breast, rt lung in apex ?, collapsed and elevated left lung, abdomen distended w helitia hernia, chest neck n shoulder pain, heartburn, nausea, moderate stool in colon, fatigue, symptoms go on n on as idk who to turn to anymore. I just really want to know what’s wrong w me bc I feel off badly n constant pain and anxiety… just wanted to vent. Get it all out ty
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Dear Erika,
We’re sorry to hear about your health problems, but it’s good that you’re seeking advice and testing from health care professionals.
While you haven’t received a diagnosis of cancer or another condition, here are a few resources that may help support you through this difficult journey. Please reach out to any of the noted organizations to further guide you in this process.
1. CancerCare – (800-813-4673) is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer.
It provides professional support services for people affected by cancer, as well as cancer treatment information and additional resources, including financial and co-pay assistance.
Oncology social workers can help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer. They can provide you with guidance and help you through the experience of living with cancer. Seeking professional counseling is a strength and a good way to help you cope when you are feeling overwhelmed and attempting to adjust to a cancer diagnosis.
2. Local American Cancer Society – Patient Navigator Program (Personal cancer guide) (800-227-2345) connects you with a patient navigator at a cancer treatment center. You can talk one-on-one with a patient navigator about your situation.
Best wishes from the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Mike
hi,
Thanks everyone for sharing your story it really helps.
I am 28 and otherwise healthy, smoking for 7 yrs now, I started productive morning cough six month ago which got little worst overtime it was 3 months ago that I first noticed blood during a cough i got scared kept it secret and waited for it to happen again meanwhile the pandemic was in its peak so I thought taking it easy will be a good idea but instead my symptoms got worst and stared noticing blood every other day the metallic taste of blood in my mouth was really unpleasant I visited my GP and after listening to my lungs he immediately sent me to ER I got tested for covid which was negative; several blood sample were taken which I still dont know the results, a chest X-ray was done on the same day and after that things got a bit complicated, the doctor considered my case urgent and right on next day a CT scan was scheduled, I was never told what was the result of the X-ray and why they wanted CT, I did my CT the next day and after the results came in i was told of possible cancer and for complete diagnosis I went for a biopsy and sputum testing which I am waiting on results, by now I am quite sure it is cancer and the doctors need time to complete their diagnosis and stage this thing in my lungs, I have still kept it a secret and am optimistically waiting for final results, it is already starting to change my life in an unexpected way I wish I would be able to deal with it.
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Mike, we are so sorry to learn of your health problems, but it’s good that you sought out advice and testing from health care professionals. Try to keep that optimism at this stage of the process.
You have our sincerest wishes for a healthy outcome.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation
Julia Timothy
I’m sorry to hear that the woman who wrote this story passed away 6 years ago. May she RIP. I have had a cough for just over a year. Every morning, I cough up phlegm, sometimes it’s quite painful. I’m 45 years old, fit and active. I smoked for 15 years, from age 17 to 32. Been quit for 13 years. After quitting my lungs recovered nicely and I started running 5 and 10k’s quite often and with ease. A year ago, this all changed. I’m now to the point where I’m unable to run more than half a block, despite still being a normal, healthy weight and staying active. The deep pain in my lungs and shortness of breath quickly becomes unbearable when I start to run. I’ve also been having very sudden, sharp, severe pains… It feels like nerve pain, that goes from the top of my left shoulder straight up into my neck, and stops around the area of the carotid. Luckily it only lasts for a few seconds at a time because it’s quite severe. Should I be contacting a doctor about this?
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Hello Julia, thanks for writing,
While we are not medical professionals and cannot give individual medical advice, we strongly encourage anyone who is experiencing pain, discomfort, a cough that does not go away or other symptoms to see your health care provider. Remember, you are your own best advocate for your health!
Wishing you all the best,
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Julia Timothy
Mike,
Sorry to hear about your breathing and lung issues. I’m going through the same thing. Productive morning cough for 1 year. Very metallic taste to the phlegm. No blood in it that I’ve noticed. Definitely have experienced reduced lung capacity. Unlike you, I’ve not even seen a doctor for it. I was hoping it would just go away. I always figured lung cancer would make itself more known… That someone with cancer would feel severe symptoms quickly if they ignored the initial mild symptoms. Now I’m feeling a little more nervous. Probably time for a visit. I wish you the best with your journey. Keep us updated on what you find out.