Symptoms of secondary lung cancer
Hi, I’m hoping someone can help. I haven’t been DX with lung cancer, but am worried.
I am 40 previously had breast cancer 6 years ago and have been in the clear since.
For the past four months, I have been having shortness of breathe. I have mild childhood asthma, but it’s very well controlled. The Sob is usually on exertion such as walking, picking up my son and lying down, it’s uncomfortable to sleep. I’ve never had sob like this before. I also have acid reflux and I wonder if it’s triggering my asthma, but not sure.
I have had a chest x Ray and cardiology test and both came by clear.
I am also 3 months pregnant but had the sob before this. I am starting to freak out, mainly due to my breast cancer history.
I don’t have any other symptoms just the sob. My oncologist has said she could do a chest chest scan, but it could be risky to the baby due to the radiation. I’m not sure what to do, but I’m scared that it’s something horrible. Another doctor I saw said it was anxiety, but of course I’m anxious about the sob. Anyway, please can you tell me if you had SOB and did it get worse over time? Thanks
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and shortness of breath. Everyone is different and shortness of breath can be a symptom of many conditions from cancer to allergies. Of course it will give you anxiety, that's natural, until you get answers. It is encouraging that your xray and cardiology test came out clear. I was diagnosed with 2 lung cancer primaries, 21 years apart. The first was Stage 3b and my recent new primary was Stage 0/1. I did not have shortness of breath from either diagnosis. I do, however, have shortness of breath from thoracic scoliosis and the fact that my rib is affected, but that is not related to my lung cancer. I have a friend that gets anxiety attacks and they give her shortness of breath when she has an attack. But her lungs were also clear. Perhaps others in our community will join in on the discussion and hopefully ease your mind. If you continue to be anxious, maybe a second opinion will help ease your mind. Please feel free to follow up with us, we are here for you. Warmly, Alisa, LungCancer.net Team 
Hiya, I was diagnosed in June 2019 with Stage 4 Lung Cancer (Palliative Care Only) I didn't get any breathlessness at all. I totally agree with the reply from The Lung Cancer team, breathlessness can be caused by many different things, I wouldn't worry 🙂
I totally understand you being anxious. With myself any new pain, I'm like OMG! It's good that your X-ray/Cardiology was all ok, Try not to get to worked up... I'll be keeping everything crossed for you 🤞 that all is good. 👍Sending Lots of Positive Vibes to you x❤
Hello @Marble2662, thank you so much for sharing with the community, wishing you the absolute best in your journey!
Sincerely,
Kailah H(LungCancer.net Team Member)
So sorry to hear of what is happening. Perhaps they can do a Dweeb scan of the chest, which doesn't include a contrast that is not suggested around young children. I hope you can continue to discuss with your team to review further options. I'm not sure if this would totally solve the sobbing but perhaps consider mindful meditation - here's a short video on the breath technique to try and possibly help with anxiety. Wishing you the very best!
https://lungcancer.net/video/breathing-exercise
Hi
. So sorry you are having these issues. I want to share with you this article which discusses diagnosing lung cancer while pregnant: https://www.verywellhealth.com/lung-cancer-while-pregnant-increases-3971867. In particular, it notes that, besides what you have had done, you may be able to do a CT scan or a sputum cytology test. Your doctor should be able to answer additional questions and help determine if these steps would be appropriate for you. Wishing you the best. Richard (LungCancer.net Team)
