Hi, I have just been diagnosed with SCLC, the stage has not yet been confirmed. I have been to the doctors over the last year with some none specific symptoms, the first of which (last year) was more frequent toilet trips and a really noisy stomach (very loud gurgling noise), which is normally accompanied by lots of wind/flatulence. This has been really embarrassing. Originally the doctor thought it could have been IBS. Shortly after this I experienced some cancer like symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue (still with the stomach issue). To rule out bowel cancer I had a colonoscopy. The last thing on my mind was lung cancer. I have had a bit of a cough but nothing chronic and there has been some sputum production. As an ex smoker aged 49 (fairly light/moderate 10 pack years) I didn't pick up on the cough and my family and work colleagues hadn't spotted any noticeable change either (apart from my more frequent toilet trips). Could the noisy stomach and change in bowel habits have been the first sign of SCLC? If so then I suspect that I've had this disease for over a year and I'm guessing that this will influence the stage as it seems that SCLC is a quick mover.
What has really frustrated me has been how I was looking for bowel problems and perhaps this was detracting me from looking in the right area. Even some reliable cancer research sites seem to lead you down the bowel cancer route, that is even with the benefit of hindsight. My doctor seems as surprised as me and has not been able to make any connection, so I have been trying to look for an answer myself. Any help would be gladly accepted. Thank You.
SCLC First Symptoms - 1272340
david
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Reply # - December 29, 2015, 07:04 AM
Hi David,
Hi David,
Welcome to GRACE. I am sorry to hear of your SCLC diagnosis, and I hope that staging shows it to be limited.
I don't think your bowel symptoms would lead anyone to suspect SCLC, as they are not at all typical. Also, any symptoms of lung cancer which appear tend to indicate an already advanced disease, and with extensive SCLC it would be quite unusual after a year for there not to be much more prominent symptoms than you describe.
Good luck with the rest of your workup.
JimC
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Reply # - December 29, 2015, 08:07 AM
Hi JimC,
Hi JimC,
We don't know if my bowel issues are in any way related to the sclc. I also had a gastroscopy to ensure the stomach side of things was ok., there was some minor inflammation but nothing significant. I have read that some treatments for LC cause gastrointestinal issues and that some LC can cause constipation when they are more advanced. These don't match what I am experiencing. Do you know who would be best placed to advise on this, would it be an oncologist as my gastroenterologist has ruled out anything caused from his field of expertise. I have spoken to my local doctor and a nurse from our hospice and it is not something that they have experienced in their work. It is something I would like to get to the bottom of before any treatment starts which could further complicate things.
Thank you for responding
David
Reply # - December 29, 2015, 11:20 AM
Hi David, Welcome to Grace.
Hi David, Welcome to Grace. I'm so sorry you've been diagnosed with sclc. As Jim noted if your stomach issues started a year ago it would be highly unlikely to be related to sclc as it would almost surely to have become a bigger issue by now. It's important to let your oncologist and nurses know about any problems you're having. There are quite a few side effects and your cancer team will put together the best treatment plan that fits you, and this should include mitigating side effects associated with how treatment interacts with other ongoing issues.
I hope you do well as yo move forward.
All best,
Janine
Reply # - December 29, 2015, 11:46 AM
Hi Janine and thank you. I
Hi Janine and thank you. I will make sure all the medical team are aware, I am sure that they will be as all my investigations were for gastric related problems. It still feels surreal that I was dreading a bowel cancer diagnosis and SCLC hits me. I guess the gastro problems are the least of my issues now. Strangely since knowing I have LC I have felt a lot more tired. That must be the mind playing up, I can feel the need for some positive thinking in this game. Compliments of the season to you. David.
Reply # - January 1, 2016, 07:11 AM
Inflammation in the
Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract is most likely IPS, Crohn's disease or any number of other gastro diseases. Have you had a biopsy yet and where did they take it from? Take care, Judy
Reply # - January 1, 2016, 07:39 AM
Hi Judy,
Hi Judy,
I have had a biopsy taken during bronchoscopy which revealed SCLC. A colonoscopy did not reveal any bowel issues so I am not sure what has been causing the gastro symptoms. I am not having any more investigation into the gastro side of things as it is manageable. When I get staging of the LC maybe something will show up but the consultant doesn't think anything will show as the colonoscopy ruled out so much in that area. That's why I started to think that maybe there was a link with the SCLC.
Thanks for your response, I am thankful for any help.
David.