Hi there,
I'm new to this site, and I'm worried about what's coming next. The medics identified areas of opacity on my lungs through an X ray taken an A and E. I was recalled for as further X ray in October, and subsequent CT scan. I've now been referred for a PEP scan and full lung function test and have been urgently referred in for a referral for the respiratory team at the hospital.
I thought it was a broken rib! Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm not in too much pain. I'd welcome chatting to anyone else who has been through similar.
I'm trying not to second guess the results of the next tests, but it is hard not to think of worst-case scenario. How do you stop your head falling off in the circumstances? It's all happening so quickly but not quick enough if you see what I mean. Not knowing what is wrong is the worst bit. Any advice gratefully received.
I do colouring in too-Mandalas, using gel pens! It’s great for concentrating and taking your mind off things for a bit, although my mother in law has swiped them (she has dementia and it gives her something to do) so I’ll have to buy some more. I find “what if” 2 of the most depressing words in the English language…I’ve had to teach myself to try not to use them because they don’t get you anywhere, and just increase the anxiety. Not saying it’s easy though. Decorating is a good focus though!
Sarah xx
Ok so a bit of an update. I got the PET scan done (Jeez that's like Star Wars!) and lung function test. They've now escalated me to the Thoratic surgeon and for an MRI scan tomorrow. The one good thing is that the surgeon said 'my gut instinct is that this isn't cancer with you'. I guess he'd know, he's seen it all before. I trust his judgement and it's given me some peace of mind back.
He offered me 3 options - 1. Wait and see for 3 months and then scan again. 2. A Needle biopsy on my lung. 3. Video Assisted Thoratic biopsy. It took option 3, because I want 'Slim' and 'Shady' (my univited guests) out of me, and I can't wait for 3 months wondering. Plus I'm a baby and the needle biopsy sounded medieval!
So hopefully I will get my operation done on 30th November, and getting my results will mean I can step off this rollercoaster.
If anyone has been through a VAT biopsy and has any advice on what to expect, I'd appreciate it. Although I intend to ask for ALL of the drugs. 
Hi again ShanLan and I am sorry to hear that you are back on the rollercoaster.
It’s so hard when you can’t ‘make that contact’ to get some clear information but I do hope you get to see a respiratory consultant soon.
Do connect in with the Lung Cancer and/or the Lung, secondary cancer group as you know that talking with others helps.
Its ok being a passenger at times although I do prefer driving and I can be a backseat driver 
but when I was told not to actual drive I started to enjoy things more and was not concentrating on the stress of everything that was going on around me ((hugs))
Hiya Alottment lover, hmmm, just started chemo and immunotherapy, but at least now I have a treatment plan. Even if it took nearly 7 weeks to get there! Feeling as normal as ever, few taste issues, but nothing that is mega difficult to manage. Just keeping plodding along really, sort of come to terms with it all - at least they are trying to make me better.
Slim and Shady are no more, I think they are nuking me to get rid of any microscopic sneaky cells that are joy riding around my body. There are no obvious lumps of cancer to target. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. 
Apparently cancer cells are your own cells - trust me to get some clever sneaky buggers that like hide and seek! Just got to trust that the medics know what they are doing. And know that I feel well, am eating and exercising well, so giving myself every chance to get to No Evidence of Disease, even if they can't cure it entirely. It's going to take a lot to flatten this particular Tigger. At least being treated is better than the waiting game. I can handle it, I think. I am on the lung cancer group, but everyone is so different, it's difficult to predict how you will respond to treatment. Just keep swimming. Thanks for reaching out Alottment lover.
