Another mets question on lungs -- how do you know?

[Vicki Z]

Similar to Kristen's post this week, I have a question. How do you know when there are mets to the lung and which test, chest x-ray, CT or Pet scan, is the best to determine this?

I ask, because my treatments are over (two weeks ago) and before, throughout and now after my chemo, I still cough a lot. Are there any symptoms? Thanks,

Vicki

[Christine]

Vicki
I always had cat-scans as follow-up from treatments. I also coughed from fluid in the left pleural lung area. my cough stopped and the fluid was reabsorbed into my system after Herceptin/Taxol tx. Keep taking Herceptin combo's. Hope your scan sows lung mets are getting smaller. STAY POSITIVE... HUGS, Christine

[Ruth]

Hi So. Cal friend,

I too had a cough that persisted through my chemo's and then cleared up. I only coughed several times a day and it wasn't a dry cough (mostly coughed up flem). Wasn't really sure what caused it though. I did have runny nose & eyes during Taxol. Cat-scan (with contrast) is the one of choice for my Dr. I had one a few months ago because I wanted to be sure that everything was OK. We had to put down a symptom so I used a cough to get insurance to cover!

You know how to reach me if you have any other questions. Take care sweetie! Ruth

[Steph N.]

Hi Vicki (hack, hack, cough, cough!) -
Mine is from allergies, but had some coughing while on chemo treatments.
Six months after getting off chemo I had my first chest x-ray, but had no particular symptoms. This was a routine followup and was done this way as I did not yet have the mets and need CT scans.
Since that time the CT scans catch most of my lungs when they are done every 6 months now.
Hope all will be well with your scan and you will have good news to share!