2 years post diagnosis ER+PR+HER-. Had a dry cough, no cold for 4 weeks. 10 days ago I felt an intermittent ache inside my upper chest. I have an appointment tomorrow with my GP because of course I’m always mindful of secondary spread. I don’t want to be “ that person” who runs off to the Dr every time I feel a niggle but at the same time I don’t want to be told “ let’s see how it goes. What’s the best way to voice my concerns & what should I ask for?
Hi Jennand and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I haven't had the same symptoms as you, I completely understand how worrying it can be. How did your appointment with your GP go?
When you have a minute, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
Hi Anne, thanks for your reply. I’m pleased I went to Gp. My appt was 8.45 , by 9.15 I was having a chest XR ( surgery is just next to hospital) & I was on my way home by 9.30, so no complaints. I just told the Dr that I needed a bit of reassurance, described my symptoms & my concerns as my mum had bone secondaries which were untreatable. She agreed that I was right to see her & although she didn’t exactly reassure me that my fears were unfounded, she immediately suggested an XR as this is what she would do for a cough of 4 weeks even without my history. My BP was also quite high so she wants me to monitor it twice a day, but since I got home, it’s been fine. I think I just worked myself up. So now, it’s just a wait for the results, but already I feel calmer. I do have a telephone appointment with the Oncologist next week, so I think I’ll mention it to her & see what she says.
I will update my profile as you suggest.
kath
That's great news that your GP is being thorough Kath. My husband's blood pressure is always high whenever he sees a medical professional, even though he doesn't feel anxious, but when measured at home it's always ok.
((hugs))
Anne
Dr rang me last night, my XR result was negative for any secondary spread, just showed some mild infection, don’t even need antibiotics as it’s probably viral. It goes to show how something that previously would have been insignificant can manifest into a worry. My BP remained a little high over the weekend but its lower this morning. I’m surprised it seems like white coat syndrome as I was a nurse for 41 years so you’d think I’d be immune to that, but it goes to show the power of the mind.
Hi Jennand Blood pressure, ha! Mine is treated but yes, I’ve white coat syndrome plus it’s actually also very volatile now, possibly has been for some time, but added to by Abemaciclib. And I too worked in the NHS!
glad your xray was clear apart from the chest infection. Take care and I hope it goes away soon
Dear daughter has gone down with one and as she’s vulnerable and has a tendency to get them she got herself seen and antibiotics prescribed yesterday. Sicker today, sadly.
hugs xxx
Moomy
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