Lung biopsy

Hi Tiger Mouse,

I had a CT guided lung biospy twice. First 1 failed as they couldn't get it. My cancer is hanging on a lung nodule and moves everytime I breathe. 

The second one I was very anxious, they have me some diazepam to relax me which helped. 

It takes about 30 mins to do the Biospy. My results came back within a week. Which showed abnormal cells. I had my PET scan 4 days later which showed it was cancer but didn't show any spread. I had my pre op within a week and I'm going for surgery a week Friday. 

I've found everything moves really fast after the biospy. 

Good luck on your journey, any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd rather speak to people on here than read guidelines. So frequently check on here. 

I'm 38 and never smoked so my diagnosis was a complete shock. 

I had a lung biopsy at the end of September, I was a nervous wreck on the morning of it.  I was admitted to the day case unit at 8am and had my CT-guided core needle biopsy at 10.30am.  Most of my fear was psychological, fear of the unknown I suppose, and the fact it felt like a surgical procedure whilst being awake.  Everything went smoothly, and I can honestly say the only thing painful about it was the local anaesthetic injections, once they kicked in I was completely numb and didn't feel a thing.  The doctor took two biopsies and there was only a tiny blood loss.  I did have an air leak in my left lung, but apparently that is common.  Because of the air leak I was taken back to the ward and put on half hourly observation, heart rate and blood pressure etc. for four hours.  I was then taken back to the unit for a chest X-ray, which everyone has, just to check the lung is ok and reflated.  Mine was ok and I was discharged home.

I woke in the night in pain, but that is normal and Ibuprofen soon settled it, but I ended up sleeping for the rest of the night in my comfy armchair wrapped in my duvet.  I found using many pillows and sleeping more or less upright helped a great deal for the next couple of nights.  I was a bit sore and bruised for a couple of days but everything was fine after about 4-5 days.

 Best wishes, and don't worry too much.  I know it's difficult, but try to remain calm.  I know if I have to another lung biopsy I won't be half as scared next time round.  

Ann 

Hi Sam

Thank you so much for sharing your story so far. I'm sorry you needed two biopsies but relieved there is no spread. You are being very brave.

Do you have good support after your surgery? I am wishing you all the best. X

Dear Ann

Thank you for taking me through it, I would much rather honest real feedback as feel it's much better to be prepared for worst scenarios and then everything is a bonus.

Did the "air leak" cause pain? Did they need to drain the lung?

Anyway, how are things now? Have you begun treatment? Best wishes x

Hi Tiger Mouse 

Thank you, I have good days and bad days, bit more good than bad at the moment. I have 2 boys 13 and 15 and my partner (their dad) whi I've been with for 17 years, so lots of support ️ 

I work for the NHS so don't need to worry about sick pay either which is another positive  

Do you have support around you?

No, the air leak didn't cause pain, I wasn't even aware I had it until the doctor who performed the biopsy told me. An air leak is when the lung deflates slightly, it's quite common as the lung is punctured by the biopsy needle to reach the cancerous tissue.

The lung did not need draining as that is an entirely different scenario and is not associated with having a biopsy at all. A fluid filled lung is called a pleural effusion caused by a variety of things like pneumonia etc., although late stage advanced lung cancer can also cause this.

Let us all know how you get on, and good luck with your treatment and recovery.

Ann xx

Hi again

So pleased you have good support. Yes me too..I have a lovely husband of 40 years and three married children in their 30s. They have been wonderful so far. Couldn't do this on my own. Xx

I went for an ebus last Friday I would definitely take some one with you o felt rough after and sleepy but on Saturday I was ok just a sore through 

Oh is that the tube via your throat? You poor thing, that would be my nightmare. Well done for getting through it. Hope you get some answers soon and your throat heals from the tube.

Best wishes.

Thank you and you