Hi everyone,
It’s a bit of a long story but I’m desperately worried about my mum. She had an incidental finding of a lung lesion on a CT scan last October (she was in A&E for sudden vision loss). She was diagnosed with wet Age related macular degeneration and went from being independent and able to drive to barely being able to see and not leaving the house.
The lung nodule didn’t seem like a big deal (no urgent follow up etc) and she didn’t tell me that she had a CT scan in early Nov last year. I’ve only just found out that due to her sight loss, she hasn’t been opening her mail, and missed three follow up appointments that were made for her very shortly afterwards.
She was sent a letter dated 28 Nov that she only opened last week - a whole five months later. The letter has the results of the CT scan and references:
- a 16mm nodule in the left apex of the lung, which is concerning for early stage lung cancer
- a 10mm subsolid nodule in the right middle lobe of the lung which is also suggestive of early stage lung cancer
- a 22mm cyst in the head of the pancreas that requires further assessment.
She had a PET CT contrast scan last week and they’ve called her in for an appointment with the lung cancer lead (the secretary’s words) next Thursday.
My head is spinning and I’m so worried for her. She has lupus and her health is really poor. She can’t walk far, has joint problems, and I just don’t see how she could cope with any treatment, if it is lung cancer. She’s only 71 and I cannot face the prospect of losing her.
I’m not sure what I’m asking for or why I’m posting. As other people have said, the waiting is so so hard. I guess it would be helpful to know if they can diagnose lung cancer from the PET CT scan alone? Or will they need to do a biopsy?
If they use the phrase “suggestive for early stage lung cancer” does that mean it almost definitely is or is there a chance it might not be? I’m guessing that because they’ve got her in so quickly, it’s likely to be a definite lung cancer diagnosis? At the moment, I’ve steeled myself for it to be cancer and to focus all my energy on supporting her.
I think I’m most worried that it’s just been left for 5 months. I’m so, so worried.
Cathy xx
Hi You sound so anxious, please try your best to take one step at a time. These scans are accurate and the experts know what they are looking at, but they will need to do a biopsy to inform them which form of cancer it is. Once they find out which one it is a team will then decide which treatment will suit her best. Every person is accessed by state of health etc to the individual. She will be in good hands, these guys do a brilliant job. So once this process gets underway it will be more clearer to you what path you will follow. I wish you and your mum all the best. It’s a stressful tme for patient and family but there are many people hear to listen if you need backup for your sanity. Best wishes Ella
Thanks so much Ella. I really appreciate your kind words. This group looks like a lifeline and I’m so grateful to have found it. ️
Aww thank you so much, I am also very worried that these brain issues could be related.
The doctor has requested the CT to be of my mum's brain also so that's good she's doing that.
The waiting is the worst, just simple conversations always have my brain going a million miles forward.
The only blessing right now is my mum is forgetting things, she doesn't seem to be scared or worried. Well on the outside anyway.
I am here if you ever want to talk, I'm sorry you are in this position too.
All we can do is hope for the best possible news
S️teph x
