unicorndusy
26-12-20, 00:53
Hi everyone,
I hope you are keeping well in these times. For once in my life, I have no concerns about my own health. But I'm very worried about my mum.
She has had a persistent cough since March of this year, it started off as a dry cough. It turned into a productive, mucus heavy cough. It happens quite frequently, enough for me to notice.
She has been a smoker for over 30 years, so I'm obviously concerned about lung cancer. I've brought this up numerous times over the last 8 months and she dismisses it: she sees lung cancer as something that would cause more symptoms such as breathlessness, weight loss etc. I've told her that this doesn't always happen. I've read stories of people only having a cough and being diagnosed with terminal cancer after leaving it so long.
I'm just looking for advice, am I being crazy? Would lung cancer only cause a cough after 8 months of symptoms? Like surely by now, there would be more distressing symptoms such as blood, weight loss and general illness. She is 56 years old, has cut down on the cigs a lot in the recent years. She usually is quite vigilant and seeks medical help if she feels unwell. Shes told me if she felt poorly she would see a doctor. I believe her.
But I keep thinking, what if this year it changes? Why can't she be like me, running straight to doctors and getting a scan? I know it sounds silly. But I love her with all of my heart. I've spoken to her numerous times.
I'm hoping it's just a smokers cough, but my hypochondria is like nooo this must be slow growing cancer.
Sorry for the long post, a jumble of thoughts here. Anyone who has experience of lung cancer or suspected and its turned out to be something less terrifying, let me know. Gladly appreciated.
I hope you are keeping well in these times. For once in my life, I have no concerns about my own health. But I'm very worried about my mum.
She has had a persistent cough since March of this year, it started off as a dry cough. It turned into a productive, mucus heavy cough. It happens quite frequently, enough for me to notice.
She has been a smoker for over 30 years, so I'm obviously concerned about lung cancer. I've brought this up numerous times over the last 8 months and she dismisses it: she sees lung cancer as something that would cause more symptoms such as breathlessness, weight loss etc. I've told her that this doesn't always happen. I've read stories of people only having a cough and being diagnosed with terminal cancer after leaving it so long.
I'm just looking for advice, am I being crazy? Would lung cancer only cause a cough after 8 months of symptoms? Like surely by now, there would be more distressing symptoms such as blood, weight loss and general illness. She is 56 years old, has cut down on the cigs a lot in the recent years. She usually is quite vigilant and seeks medical help if she feels unwell. Shes told me if she felt poorly she would see a doctor. I believe her.
But I keep thinking, what if this year it changes? Why can't she be like me, running straight to doctors and getting a scan? I know it sounds silly. But I love her with all of my heart. I've spoken to her numerous times.
I'm hoping it's just a smokers cough, but my hypochondria is like nooo this must be slow growing cancer.
Sorry for the long post, a jumble of thoughts here. Anyone who has experience of lung cancer or suspected and its turned out to be something less terrifying, let me know. Gladly appreciated.