Coughing a lot after lung cancer treatment. Don't know why

Posted by Donna @stimey60, Mar 16 11:26am

I have lung cancer stage 3A . Been through the chemo and had surgery.
It's been about 5 months now. I never coughed before , yes I was a smoker for 52 years.
But I find myself coughing alot, well some days nothing other days all day.
I don't understand why
Has anyone else had this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

cmcguire10 | @cmcguire10 | Mar 21 1:32pm

You are so right! I know I felt scared and numb at the same time! Well, there is usually someone on here that can answer a question or relate to an experience you’re having and help you through or at least give you ideas and point you in a good direction.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 21 1:36pm

In reply to @stimey60 "Hello I'm glad I found this spot as well. As I stated I'm in Minnesota and..." + (show)

@stimey60, you've received helpful tips from @cmcguire10 and @lls8000.

I completely understand your concern about followup. You're right that after the whirlwind of diagnostic testing and the full-on care throughout active treatment - surgery, chemo and/or radiation, the end of treatment can feel like the bottom just fell out. It seems like you're left in a void.

Follow-up and the transition of care looks different for every patient. Follow-up care for cancer means seeing a health care provider for regular medical check-ups once you're done with treatment. These check-ups may include bloodwork, as well as other tests and procedures that look for changes in your health or any problems that may occur due to your cancer treatment.

Your team should take care to discuss the follow-up plan with you. I might start by asking specific questions to your team at Mayo Clinic like:
- What is my follow-up care plan?
- How often will I have follow-up appointments?
- Who is responsible for my follow-up care? Will I been seen for follow-up by Mayo Clinic or by my PCP locally?
- When is my care transitioned to my PCP?
- If I'm concerned about something cancer related, who do I contact?

You should also know about the Cancer Education Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester in the Gonda building. They provide many amazing services from patient classes, library resources, and survivorship care. Many of their offerings are available online as well as in person.
- Cancer Education Center https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/

Have you ever visited the Cancer Education Center? Did you know about it?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 21 1:38pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@stimey60, you've received helpful tips from @cmcguire10 and @lls8000. I completely understand your concern about followup...." + (show)

@cmcguire10, I meant to ask you too. Have you used any of the services in the Cancer Education Center?

Donna | @stimey60 | Mar 21 1:42pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@stimey60, you've received helpful tips from @cmcguire10 and @lls8000. I completely understand your concern about followup...." + (show)

No this what I mean I had no idea
I have been left on the side of the road. It makes me angry to tell you the truth. This is wrong, I have been going through so many questions and being just scared

Donna | @stimey60 | Mar 21 1:44pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@cmcguire10, I meant to ask you too. Have you used any of the services in the..." + (show)

I have no idea

cmcguire10 | @cmcguire10 | Mar 21 2:45pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@cmcguire10, I meant to ask you too. Have you used any of the services in the..." + (show)

No, I have not, however I was given a packet to read before my surgery and it included what I should expect and helpful info on things I may need at home after surgery. It had me pick what kind of pain management I wanted in the hospital, etc. Also, I must say, that so far in my Cancer journey, I feel I have been very lucky, I have had no issues. I get my CT scans every 6 months, for now. 1st one was clear, next one is coming up next week.🙏 I was very Lucky, as well, to find this site. TREMENDOUS SITE! EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Thank you for being here!

cmcguire10 | @cmcguire10 | Mar 21 2:49pm

In reply to @stimey60 "No this what I mean I had no idea I have been left on the side..." + (show)

I am so sorry this has happened to you! Do you have anyone like family or a friend that is helping you?

Donna | @stimey60 | Mar 21 2:52pm

In reply to @cmcguire10 "No, I have not, however I was given a packet to read before my surgery and..." + (show)

I was given the booklets as well but it was all about pain after surgery nothingelse, I had no pain. I am trying to remember the info they gave us prior to treatment. I glance through it but I don't remember what info it had. Well now I am trying to seek help and I'm getting it little by little.
Thanks so much for taking the time

Donna | @stimey60 | Mar 21 2:56pm

In reply to @cmcguire10 "I am so sorry this has happened to you! Do you have anyone like family or..." + (show)

Yes and PG is helping me as well.
But I truly think Mayo needs to understand how bad this is for a patient. They seem to assist after the fact.
My husband I were talking about that cancer center in the gonda blding yes we saw it but had no idea what it was or used for.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 21 3:16pm

In reply to @stimey60 "No this what I mean I had no idea I have been left on the side..." + (show)

Thank goodness you found us here at Mayo Clinic Connect, @stimey60. Keep asking questions. We'll make sure you get the support here from fellow patients.

Additionally, I encourage you to share your experience of feeling left to your own devices with the Office of Patient Education. They will want to know about this to help improve the Mayo experience. Here's how you can contact them:
Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience
Phone: 844-544-0036 (toll-free)
Email: opx@mayo.edu
Mail: Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
200 1st St. SW
Rochester, MN 55905

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