I thought the pain under my left brest was a broken rib. Good old Dr google. Anyway after 4 weeks of the pain not going away I went to my GP on Monday who sent me to hospital as he was concerned it may be a pulmonary embolism. An xray showed an area of concern and a furthe CT scan showed a 32mm tumour they suspect is malignant. I had a further scan of my abdomen and it was clear luckily.
I am 65 and have mild COPD. Yes I am a smoker. I feel so guilty for smoking. I tried so many times to stop. Im waiting now to hear what happens next i know they discuss cases each week at MDT meetings but im so worried that because of my age and smoking and COPD that they won't try as hard to help me
I know i have quite a wait now to find out what it is and will need a bronchosopy to do a biopsy but that's all I know
For me this will be the 2nd time. 33 years ago I had ovarian cancer which after surgery and horrendous chemo they managed to eradicate it
I’m so sorry you’re feeling upset. It can be a very sensitive time and it didn’t occur to me that we might not have helped you at all. Anyway it’s not stupid to feel upset at all. It’s very understa
able. All I can do is to send you virtual hugs and say you are not alone in these uncharted waters.
Hi Karbala22 welcome to the group, but sorry you find yourself here. The waiting for tests and results seems to take so long! This is the worst bit, worrying about the diagnoses and what treatment you will be offered. The biopsy results seem to take the longest to come back. Once they have all the results back, you will be discussed in the MDT meeting. Here they will discuss the very best treatment plan for you. Your age and mild COPD really shouldn't stop you from having treatment.
This really is a stressful time for you. I think at the moment, if smoking is helping you with stress, then it isn't a good time for you to stop. I am sure though that the oncology team will suggest you stop. You can speak to your GP about this. I'm an ex smoker myself, and it is not an easy habit to stop. I managed with nicotine gum in the end, but it took me a few attempt's.
If you feel like you need support through this difficult time, please do call the Macmillan support line. They are available 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm on 0808 808 00 00.
Hopefully you will hear soon when the biopsy will be. xx
My lung cancer is second time round for me as well. The first time I had womb cancer, and 5 years later it was back in my lungs. When I was told it was back, I remember feeling numb, like it wasn't really happening to me, but to someone else. It is terrifying, but there are so many treatments available for lung cancer now.
Please do not give up hope. These next few weeks will not be easy, but once you have the diagnoses and treatment plan you will feel better. x
