Worried about my mum

Hi there , it’s such a worry when we get referred for tests and scans and it’s fine to post your worries here …. Everyone is different , in Terms of how lung cancer presents itself and I do think you just have to go through the tests , not pre empt the worst case scenario until you know for sure if there is anything to worry about  I hope you’ll keep posting for support whilst you go through that process .. we’ve all been through it either personally or with loved ones like yourself … Elly 

Welcome to the group NickySte23 but sorry to hear mum is unwell and you have this worry whilst mum is undergoing tests.  There may be lots of tests that mum has to undergo before you find out what this “something “ is, and this does take some time unfortunately.

I know the waiting and anticipation is so hard, but try and hang in there. Lots of other things it may be apart from cancer x 

X-rays aren't very useful for telling doctors what a "something" is.  Many people have scarring on their lungs from previous infections or benign nodules.

The doctor is doing the right thing.  Smokers are more prone to chest infections but if antibiotics have made no difference then further investigation is warranted.

Waiting is hard but it's impossible to make a diagnosis of lung cancer based on imaging alone.  The scans will guide the doctors towards the next step.

Hiya Nickyste23.

I know it's a very worrying time for you, the doctors are doing what they should be doing for your mum be assured, the hard part is waiting for the answers and the what if question you have whilst you're waiting. You will get the answers you seek in the meantime as worried as you are about your mum you need to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. You probably don't need me to say that and I'm not trying to preach to you, but taking care of yourself at this time is very important your mum might need your support further down the line. You are very welcome to seek advice here we are a great group of people, and we all understand how you're feeling, so please keep us updated with yours and your mum's situation. In the meantime good luck with the results for your mum. Don't bottle things up that's the worst thing you can do. There is always someone on this forum who will listen and you can call the macmillion helpline they are brilliant and will help all they can.

Sending you a hug and prayers try and have a good day.

Donna

Hi again 

You might also like to tell us a bit about yourself and your mum in your profile. If you tap on my avatar next to my Hamhat name you can read about my journey so far. I sent you a friendship request if you want to accept it you should find it at the top of the page on the right hand side green box.

Donna

Hi all

Thankyou for your support.

My mum has had several scans of which the shadow has grown, and she has been experiencing other symptoms and the consultant suspects it is the very early stages of lung cancer.

she is being urgently referred for a breathing test and a pep test

Pep scan*

Maybe it’s pet scan ..

you are bound to be worried ,but after the scans and blood tests you will know what you are dealing with ,I had no symptoms ,and was just lucky they offered me a chest scan because i too was a long term smoker ,so its not familiar to me ,but others who are more qualified to help you 

I hope your mum can have the PET-CT soon.  It really is the best non-invasive option.

I was fortunate enough for my lung cancer to be discovered at an early stage.