Lung Cancer

[allergiesgallore2]

This is a long story made short...I was given heavy antibiotics by a gynocologist because I had a high CRP test that has been positive off and on for 9 years. (The last CRP test was a 2.86 and a previous test was 1.74, two years ago.)

The first day of antibiotics was Augmenton (7 pills). Second day was Doxycycline and I devloped an itchy rash The third day the doctor put me on a generic form of Cipro and took it for 3 days, because I couldn't breathe very well. He then went back to Augmenton and I took that for 2 weeks.

After switching antiobotics 3 times in one weak, I developed fluid in my lungs. Since I may have asthma and history of reacuring breathing problems and chest colds, my doctor sent me to have a catscan with contrast. They found a 3 mm nodule in upper right lung and air in lower left lung. Should I be concerned about lung collapse in the left lung? Should I be concerned about lung cancer in the right lung? I lived in Las Vegas for 23 years around cigarette smoke and a flight attendant for 3 years breathing unclean air. I went to a pulmonologist but left feeling just as scared and confused.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Davy9]

The CRP test is very non specific. Elevated values can result from many acute and chronic problems.

You will need to get your lungs diagnosed. Do not assume the worst. Like anyone with a health problem you will take the steps needed to figure out the problem and define a treatment plan. No doubt your doctors are looking into many things.

For now you need to be most concerned about the free air in your left lung. That is something that if it gets worse could cause you some immediate difficulties. It is also something they can correct if need be. Just ask you doctor what to be watching for and what to do if things change.

This will be a journey. Take it one step at a time and make progress towards reaching the end.

[allergiesgallore2]

Thank you for commenting on my post. The pulmonologost I spoke to wants me to do a methacholine challenge, but I am nervous about reacting to it and having the air in my left lung collapse. I do appreciate your explanation and encouraging words. I think I will find another pulmonologist, who has better communication skills. I want someone intelligent, but who will also listen to me and make me feel more confident about what is happening with my situation.

Thank you, again!

[Davy9]

Have you done any pulmonary function tests already? Were they planning to wait until after the L pneumothorax resolved? I would ask about chronic sinusitis and recurring aspiration pneumonias.

The methacholine challenge study is done to rule out asthma when they strongly suspect asthma but cannot demonstrate it. I assume they have done the lung function tests and failed to see asthma.