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When I was a child I had severe allergies and had hives from the age of 4-13 every day. When I was in middle school I was on the basketball team and ran track in 7th grade. When my family moved from OH to FL, my hives went away almost completely, but I then developed severe sinus problems. I ran cross-country in HS and participated in JROTC "raiders" we did a lot of survival training stuff. When I was in college, I didn't join sports but kept active with tennis and running. I have never had any breathing problems while in school. In 1999 I moved from FL to VA and got married. We frequently rode our bikes and ran to stay active. In 2001 I had got pneumonia in May and was so sick I was bedrested for 2 weeks. A few months later we moved to SC. Since then I had pneumonia about once or twice a year, until 2004, when I had pneumonia 3 times in less than 9 months. In February of 2005 I was told I had asthma. I was put on Singlular, Asminex, Allegra D and Abuteral (which I never have to use because I never have an attack) and some nasal spray (stopped using it about 2 years ago because it makes my eyes twitch). I was taken off of Allegra when I got pregnant with my son in September 05 bc it was/is a classified "D" drug for pregnancy. Since 2005 I've had pneumonia about 4-6 times a year. It hits me very rapidly and without warning. In 2006 I had an allergy test done (skin) and I have outdoor allergies, mold, dust, furs, and feathers. No food or medical allergies. This year alone, I've had pneumonia 3 times, the last time, just earlier this month. I also suffer from fatigue (most doctors dismiss it because I have 6 kids under the age of 9), lack of appetite when I'm sick, bone pain, tingling feelings in my arms/fingers esp in the morning. I suffer from a cough and difficulty breathing when I'm sick. I've had to be placed on oxygen a few times while in the hospital. There are other symptoms I suffer from, but these seem to be the biggest. I'm only 29. I went o a specialist (FINALLY!) yesterday and he was dumbfounded as to why I was having so many problems. I already did some blood work and next week I go for a CT scan. And then in 3 weeks I go back to his office for a breathing test.
I am a non smoker. Non drinker. No drugs (except those prescribed or OTC for my illnesses). I don't work outside the home, I take care of my kids. I use vinegar and baking soda to clean. And my husband is also a non smoker.
I was wondering if my symptoms are similar to anyone else who has had a diagnosis of lung cancer. I've been researching (bad idea probably) and am shocked at the amount of information of women who are nonsmokers and have lung cancer. Now I'm really worried and wondering if I should have gone a long time ago to figure this out.

By mitziger
Posted May 28, 2009 at 3:23 pm
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I wish you the best, I too have all kinds of allergies and had hives off and on, had an eyelid swell, 1 lip many times. Never did know what it was that caused it. It was always my right eye and either top or bottom lip. I think it has nothing to do with me getting cancer.
They were probably not testing you since you are a non smoker, I am glad they are doing a scan just in case... It is more than likely not cancer but you can get it from radon and is getting much more common in women and the non smoking public. I think when people have complaints that they should be addressed and not just this patient does not have the things they use as a risk factors and dismiss it. Good luck and God Bless you, the chance are good that it is not cancer but it needs to be checked, doesn't seem normal to have pneumonia so much and I can't believe they have not checked into this earlier.

By debra1
Posted May 28, 2009 at 4:35 pm
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I think it is good that they are doing a CT scan but I woud not think it was lung cancer. I would think that after that many years, lung cancer symptoms would have gotten much worse. I hope they can finally find your problems. Let us know.

By cjtexas
Posted May 29, 2009 at 9:02 am
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OMG, I would think after having pneumonia so many times over the years the drs would look for a cause before now. Did you ever get the pneuomomia shot?
I doubt you have cancer sounds like your immune system is out of whack, but the ct scan will give some clues, although it could show scar tissue from all the pneumonia and not cancer. Your going in the right direction but keep pressing them for answers. Good luck were here for you.

By smilesr1
Posted May 29, 2009 at 9:50 am
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Yes, I've had the shot. A few weeks later I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. I had to stay overnight and they wanted me to stay 2 more days but the hospital staff was incompetent so I asked to leave early. That was back in late 2006/early 2007.

By smilesr1
Posted June 4, 2009 at 5:17 pm
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CT Scan Results

I just spoke with my doctor and the CT scan showed that I had several "patchy" areas in my lungs. But they don't know exactly what those patchy areas are.

I have to get another blood test done to see if I have TB. He thinks because I spent 4 days in Singapore gave me TB, even though I was sick YEARS before I went to Singapore, so I doubt it's that. I'm the ONLY one who is sick, and I've had 4 kids since the start of my problems. But I'll entertain the idea.

I also have to have a bronchoscopy to see clearer those "patches" and do a biopsy. He wants to do it next week.

He thinks it could also be auto immune process. So at this time, it's a "we need more tests" in order to figure this out.

Thanks for your responses!
So there's my update...

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