Scared and frightened about lung x-ray

[Evizza]

Hi,

I know that no-one can help me with this but I'm just hoping for a bit of support and maybe stories from people who have had similar issues.

I have had a tickly and productive cough for the past few months and after my doctor ruled out Gerd and allergies being the cause, she sent me for a chest x-ray.

After a 5 week wait, my results came back yesterday and they asked me to come in this morning. She explained to me that there is a small opacification visible on my right lung and I need referring to the hospital. She is fast tracking it as urgent so I get seen within 2 weeks for further investigation.

I'm so scared and frightened. I have convinced myself I have a fatal disease and won't get to see my kids grow up. I only turned 40 a couple of weeks ago and have 3 kids (11, 13 and 17). I smoked for 18 years and quit 5 years ago. I can't help think I've caused myself to get lung cancer.

Has anyone else had anything like this on an xray? What was the outcome?

Thanks for reading x

[washinggotdarkedon]

OP - being put on the two week wait can be alarming - I should know! However, there are a whole list of symptoms/results that mean a person aged 40 and above must be fast tracked by their GP.

The overwhelming majority turn out not to have cancer - or anything sinister. Those who do have the disease have a much better chance of recovery because it's been detected early.

Statistically, it is VERY unlikely you have lung cancer. Just do what you need to do to get through the wait (other than take up smoking again!). There is usually a consultant at urgent referral appointments so you should get answers on the day.

Best of luck.

[starfish4]

Sorry to hear you're so worried, don't forget many tests are done to simply rule out things. Also, I suspect it's procedure to get tests done quickly.

My Uncle (who was also being sick and had a lot of pain in his stomach) had four scan/biopsies done within two months - he does need a lung operation but has every confidence in his surgeon, he's had to wait two weeks for his operation and even at his age survival rates are really good. My MIL also got referred for a scan on her lung/tummy area and again that was two weeks, she was very breathless and was also being sick. I think the sickness is down to the fact if the lungs aren't working, acid is more likely to occur which upsets the stomach.

[Evizza]

Thanks for the replies. I know I should try stay calm and positive but it's difficult - I have health anxiety at the best of times. Worst thing is, I go away in just under 3 weeks and am worried this is going to be on my mind. I need to stay away from Google too as that's definitely not helping matters!!

[Tanfastic]

If it was something sinister I'm surprised it would take the hospital five weeks to let you know the result of your X-ray. I'm no expert on the NHS though.

[Tanfastic]

What is an opacifation?

[alwaysthepessimist]

Hi op the referral is to rule out cancer not confirm it, you will likely be seen in your lung clinic at hospital, they cover everything and once you have a diagnosis you will be referred on to the correct dept. My mum sadly was diagnosed with stage 3a lung cancer 3 years ago, she has since had 2 ops and chemo and is still with us so please don't think the worst. And yes, stay away from google, it is the absolute worst place to look. Good luck, hope all goes well.

[Evizza]

Tanfastic - apparently it took 5 weeks as they no longer use radiologists to assess the results and send them out to a company for review. That's definitely the case in this area, so I'm not sure if they would rush the results through. An opacification is an area on the x-ray image which shows up as white, indicating that there is something there.

Alwaysthepessimist - Sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis. I'm hoping that the lung clinic can give me more information and (I'm praying) rule out cancer x

[Tanfastic]

Let us know how you get on op.

[Evizza]

A quick update...got a call off the consultant today who said he really didn't think it was anything to worry about, but just to be sure he is sending me for a CT scan within the next 2 weeks. Still frightened but a little bit more hopeful as he was quite sure it was nothing sinister x

[Evizza]

That should have said he seemed quite sure it was nothing sinister...not that he was sure x

[MrsEricBana]

That is REALLY reassuring, they just have to err on the safe side. I recently had to have a test for ovarian cancer. The doctor said I really don't think you have ovarian cancer BUT given your symptoms I would be negligent not to check. I was a bit (very) anxious but it was fine and I was pleased he'd been thorough. Hope it goes well and try not to worry x

[Evizza]

Thanks...I'm hoping I calm down a bit now. I haven't been able to eat and sleep since Tuesday and my anxiety has been through the roof! The doc has given me some very mild diazepam to help me through but hoping not to need them for long x

[notapizzaeater]

How much longer to wait ?

[Evizza]

He said the CT scan would be within these next 2 weeks and the results would be a couple of days later so not long thankfully.

[notapizzaeater]

And today you're one day closer - I know it's hard but really try not to worry

[Evizza]

CT scan Saturday - very nervous that this time next week I'm either happy and relieved, or dealing with bad news. Fingers crossed x

[charliebear78]

Just want to say I know how you are feeling.
My case is totally different but I am being sent for a Colonoscopy in 2 weeks and I also suffer with HA(I am a worrier, however the HA set in when all this started-months ago now.I lost weight through barely eating yet convinced myself it was because I DID have Cancer.It is truly horrific to feel this way and no logical reasoning can persuade you that you do not!)
Anyway before the end of this month I will know for sure one way or the other and in the meantime I am trying to get on with things and not let my Anxiety get a grip on me again.
Hand holding!

[Evizza]

Thank you Charliebear78...I hope we both get the results we hope for...let me know how you get on x

[JustHavinABreak]

Have you ever had pneumonia by any chance? I was in a similar situation to yours and something showed up on an xray. Turns out one of my lungs had been scarred following a bout of pneumonia. During the wait for results though, I had myself dead and buried.

[Evizza]

I'm not sure...I had a horrendous throat and chest infection over Christmas and New Year but not sure if that would affect it?

[Evizza]

I'm in bits today...ct scan tomorrow and terrified of bad news

[MollyHuaCha]

Take care and good luck. It will be good to get a definite diagnosis. If it's 'nothing', you can rest without worry, if it's 'something' then you can get it treated.

Good luck Charliebear too.

[MissJC]

Hope all goes well for you today OP

[notapizzaeater]

Good luck xx

[Evizza]

Thanks for the messages...scan went well apart from me blubbing like a baby several times when the radiologists spoke to me now it's a waiting game for the results xx