Lung cancer lymph node biopsy result

Dear Tillyboo,

My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

Thank you for reaching out for information following your husband’s lung cancer lymph node biopsy.

Although it can make you feel more anxious when extra investigations are asked for, it’s much better for your husband to have any blood tests prior to his clinic appointment so that the doctors have all his results to hand to allow them to discuss everything with you both.

I’m not sure who phoned you about the blood test but generally only clinicians like doctors or nurses can discuss investigations such as blood tests.

Waiting for results is a very anxious time and one can feel like you have no control over what is happening to you both. Talking can help although at times it can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you would like to phone us on 0808 808 0000 so we can support you further.

You may like to think about preparing some questions for your husband’s clinic appointment, not too many about 4 or 5, ones you really want answered. Take a notebook and pen so that you can make notes of unfamiliar words and phrases- ask the nurse, who will be with you, to write things down if you feel overwhelmed or unsure.

I hope that this information has helped a little at this time, please contact us whenever you need us for further information or support.

Take care.  

Liz 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

 Ref LZD/IY

Lung cancers spread dome in brain & some in lower spine. Only chemo offered & a blood test for something called CTDNA?

Has to go to Marsden in about 10 days.

Its a death sentence isnt it.....he literally has no symptoms. How can this be happening, devastated doesnt even cover how we feel.

Whatever hope we had as gone...

Hi Tilly-boo

My name is Gemma, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

Firstly, we are sorry to read the situation you and your partner are in, it must be a huge shock to you both and very raw.

Being given a prognosis for your cancer can be an understandably anxious time, especially if he has no symptoms.

It is natural to feel shocked and devastated, and fear the worst, these are all common emotions when you find out about a cancer diagnosis.

Sometimes it's helpful to ask your cancer Doctor about prognosis. Everyone is different, so it is important to tell your cancer doctor and specialist nurse how much you want to know. Asking for more or less information will not affect the treatment or care you have. It is also okay to change your mind and ask for more information later.

Some people prefer not to have information about their prognosis. Other people want more detailed information.

It may help you both feel more in control and be able to plan your future and help with making treatment decisions.

The blood test your partner is having is part of this decision-making, the aim is to identify genetic variants in the blood sample, meaning you could start targeted treatment sooner.

Please do keep in touch for support and reach out to your friends and family, you can also speak with one of the nurses on the support line 0808 808 0000, or, here on ask a nurse whenever you need to, we're here every day 8 - 8. Its whatever works best for you.

This has been a huge shock to you both and we would also urge you to reach out to your GP for help in managing the stress and anxiety you are feeling.

Try and focus on the next steps and we will also be here to do whatever we can to support you both.

Best wishes

Gemma

 Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/ GeS/AP

All I keep reading on Google is a year at most. We're both struggling.

Dear Tilly-boo 

Thanks for reaching out to us again, here at the Macmillan Support Line. I am Debbie, one of the specialist cancer nurses. I can understand how difficult it is to wait for your husband’s appointment to discuss possible treatments for him. We have some information about coping with waiting for appointments and results that might be helpful at this time.

We understand that it can be tempting to use Google to find information. But we recommend that you don’t do this, as it can bring up frightening information that might not be relevant for your husband’s situation.

Your husband’s treatment team are in the best position to discuss his treatment and outlook (prognosis). Lung cancer treatments are improving all the time and the cancer can often be well controlled, even when it has spread. You are welcome to phone us to discuss this and for support. The number to call is 0808 808 0000 and the lines are open from 8am to 8pm.

Dealing with cancer can be a very emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about emotions and cancer and about getting emotional support. You can also check the Cancer Care Map to find details of support and information organisations in your area.

Maggie’s offers psychological support and support groups for anyone affected by cancer. They also offer online gentle exercise sessions, art therapy, and relaxation sessions that many people find supportive.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel welcome to phone us. We hope that all goes well at the appointment next week.

With best wishes

Debbie

Cancer information nurse specialist

Ref/ DC/PN