I'm 18 and started smoking 2 years ago, in the light of peter jennings death. I have quit I smoked my last ciggeratte on thursday (8-11-05) I can't gurantee though that I wont freak out and start smoking again. But any way. I have moments when I have a hard time breathing, my throat hurts often some times I get a sharp shooting pain in my side. I have what seems like a limit less amount of plehm (more then I had before I started) I always clear my throat. The only one in my family that has lung cancer is my aunt. But she didnt know she had it til her lungs collapsed. And I have I guess you could say a second mom, she has ephezima but im not a doctor I dont know if I have any thing or if I have 1 of the 2. Truth fully :( I have lied to my doctor for the last 2 years when I was asked the question " do you smoke " I always said no, simply because I didnt want to have a test and hear the words you have lung cancer. And to this day I still don't want to hear that im 18 and plan on heading to college next year. I want to be able to graduate college live out my career and possibly start a family, I cant die, I know not all lung cancer patience die the next day, but still there is that fear. So if maybe some one has had these same symptoms and have had them checked out can let me know what your diganoses was. Or if theres a doctor or nurse that can help me out that would be ok to :d thanks drew