I have joining this forum because my husband is about to undergo a lobectomy, despite not having officially been diagnosed with lung cancer. He had bowel cancer 25 years ago which he survived. He has had several squamous skin carcinomas removed, survived legionaires disease about 7years ago and was also diagnosed with CLL about 5 years ago.
In May this year, during routine tests for the CLL, they found some enlarges lymph nodes in his lung, which were investigated. He had a cat scan, followed by a pet scan, which found a lesion in his lung. He then went for a pulmonary endoscopy, but they they were unable to take a sample, as the 'lesion' is too near a major blood vessel. He currently has extremely low platelets, which are continuing to drop even with a high dose of steroids - now down to a count of 6. This is due to the CLL and he is, at this moment, at the hospital having a transfusion of immunoglobulin today and tomorrow, which will be followed by a 4 week course of rituximab.
His consultant has told him that he's 95% certain that the lesion in his lung is cancer but he can't be diagnosed as such until they have done a biopsy, so he can't ask for a MacMillan nurse officially. The consultants are recommending a lobectomy (lower right lobe) after which they will then be able to confirm whether or not it is cancer, but this keeps getting put off. The surgeon says the risk of a major bleed is too high, but currently I think they are all agreed that if his next cat scan next Monday is OK, and the platelet count improves, they will go ahead with the surgery.
It is so nice to be able to come into this forum, and be able to get a little support. My husband is being astonishingly brave, and just trying to get on and enjoy life as much as he can, but it's so hard when the surgery is constantly being delayed. I'm sure others here will have experienced the same or similar, so I know this will really help.
Thanks for reading.
Hi waterbabies welcome to the group, but sorry you find yourself here. That does sound very confusing for your husband, you both must feel in limbo at the moment not knowing what is going to happen. Although your husband does not have a Macmillan nurse yet, you can still phone the Macmillan support line if you feel you have questions that need answering, or you just want to talk to someone for support. It is a free call number and they are available 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm on 0808 808 00 00.
There are a few people here in the group that have had a lobectomy, and hopefully someone here will be able to come along and chat with you soon about their experience.
Take care
