Lung Cancer, the “Invisible” Cancer

Today I prepared an Update report for my doctors. I listed symptoms that have returned; symptoms which I had experienced prior to the beginning of my cancer treatment in July. Symptoms such as a cough, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and increased fatigue. I listed new symptoms that I am experiencing such as dizziness, loss of balance, and a twinge in my left hip joint when I stand up – causing temporary weakness in that leg. And I listed the continuing deterioration of my eyesight. Past and future dates for CT scans were noted, along with other pertinent information. The reason for this detailed Update? To let my physicians know of my growing concern, and why.

I have learned the hard way how difficult it is to bring attention to what often appears to be innocuous complaints. Lung cancer has earned the name “Invisible Cancer” because it often develops without specific signs or symptoms that reveal its presence until later, when a cure is unlikely or impossible. A year ago, I sought medical attention for a chronic cough, hoarseness, and a “rattle” sound in my throat. The focus of attention then was to the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal areas. I received prescriptions that “might” help, but proved to be ineffective. By the time I realized that, I was back in Canada, 800 miles away. Since I was a non-smoker, no one had thought to order a simple chest x-ray, which would have revealed my lung cancer in its early stage.

In May I came to Bellingham with those same symptoms, plus shortness of breath, severe fatigue, and finger clubbing, a change I had noticed in my fingernails and identified through the Internet. It was the finger clubbing that brought an instant reaction from my doctor, and eventually led to my lung cancer diagnosis. What is clubbing? It is an enlargement of the tips of the fingers or toes and a change in the angle where the nails emerge. Clubbing seems to occur with some lung disorders (lung cancer, lung abscess, bronchiectasis). I am still amazed that clubbing is not listed under the signs of lung cancer.

The list of things I am experiencing may mean nothing at all, or it could mean that the tumor is growing again and my treatment needs to be changed. The one thing I do know is that I cannot afford to be complacent. My life is at stake here.

My oncologist left a message that he will call me tomorrow…

... PLM