Oh Heck

Hi Johnoo and a very warm welcome to the group, but sorry you find yourself here. There are many of us here who are in the inoperable bracket. There are many treatments for lung cancer, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Your team will decide which treatment is suitable for you based on your biopsy, and the biopsy will also show which type of lung cancer you have. 

Getting told all this information from your oncologist is all very overwhelming. Are you able to take someone with you? Or if it's a telephone consultation have your phone on loud speaker with someone there with you. Have pen and paper to hand to write down the name of treatment etc, because you will forget. I am not sure about what question to ask, because I have never really found the need to go armed with questions myself. My oncologist is very thorough and explains things for me. If you do have any questions though, do write them down, because if you are anything like me your mind goes blank. 

All the best for the biopsy. Let us know how you get on. 

Thanks Chell for the support.

But do you know if they would be aware of the cancer type before the biopsy?

My last meeting with the doctor was at least chaotic!

In my experience I believe they can only determine which type of cancer it is from a biopsy. To get this clarified by someone medical on the site, you can ask the nurse, I'll put the link to that page HERE for you. She will be able to explain it properly for you, and explain if the cancer type is only diagnosed at the biopsy. If you wanted to talk to someone about this you can call the free phone support line on 0808 808 00 00 they are open 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm. 

Hope that helps. 

Hi Johnoo I have just been where you are with everything going on in your head. It is the biopsy which gives the oncologist the information which one you have. I am an unlucky one because I have the combined cancer of NSC and SCLC so I can't be operated on. All I can say from my experience is the first question I asked was "what treatment is best for me and I want everything going". My daughter came with me because I knew I would have fog brain if they gave me bad news and I'm glad I did. Everything moves very quickly and you need to make sure you sit and take a breathe from all the info given. The staff are wonderful and will answer any questions that pop in your head and they are always on the end of the phone for you. I am going to keep everything crossed for you and wish you well. 

Hi been in your position i dont your hospital but when i had my appointment my daughtet came with me and recorded the consultation and i listened too it later once the shock and fog brain cleared so glad she did let me take it all in might be sonething that would help wish you luck on your journey x kitty69

Hi Grumps!

Thanks for support & this goes to all of you.

Yes, I will take a breath & the wife will be with me.

But I like your style on asking for the "Best going"

Hope you do well

Hi Johnoo

Let me know how you go on and hope you get the news it's not SCLC or we are both up the river without a paddle. Keep your chin up and I bet the wife is really supportive because you need it. Love to you both x

Grumps, Thanks will do. They have inter-mated they can't operate on me, so I assume treatment depends on type of cancer found

Have they given you any treatment plan?

Hi There, i have NSCLC in right lung and also lymph nodes, no operation, first chemo then immunotherapy, i'm still here and well since 2015!!! So you can do it!!

Pet, That's great, well done & it gives me support, thanks