diagnosed 2 days ago.

Hi Pilkington,

I started this journey about 8 weeks ago. I went for an exploratory scan followed by another scan. I was then referred to the Cardiothoracic Outpatients and diagnosed with upper right lobe cancer. I then had a PET CT scan to check if there were any other problem areas. This was followed by a needle biopsy and brain scan. Last Thursday I met with the cardio thoracic consultant and an operation for removal was agreed. I still have to see the surgeon for confirmation next Tuesday. There were also lung capacity checks and breathing checks. I was allocated a specialist nurse to contact for information or help.

In the meantime, I’ve found the waiting between appointments challenging. Anxiety has tended to kick in whilst waiting to know when the next appointment was going to be. I’ve stayed away from Dr Google and stuck to this site and the Roy Castle site. I’ve called the support nurses on these sites a couple of times just for some support or extra information. I’ve tried to stay away from the what if’s, improved my diet to be more Mediterranean and started to take a daily walk and chest exercises in preparation for treatment. Life has continued as normal as I can make it with cancer free days when it’s just not discussed. I keep my family up to date on a messenger group. This saves me having to give the same story over and over again. I’ve taken to listening to UTube meditation to help me get to sleep.

That’s about it for my journey to date but if there’s anything you want to know, please ask. In the meantime I wish you all the best and hope your journey moves speedily.

Sending you hugs xxx

Daisy chain sending you much support.... Its horrible....... But think your attitude is amazing..... Good luck

Being positive (for me) is definitely the best way to be. In a way I’m treating it as cells going wrong and the wonderful medics are doing their best to help me. In the meantime I’m doing my best to help myself and my family. One thing I’ve finally learned over many years is that anxiety is not my friend. I’m going to meet the surgeon today and fingers crossed that I will definitely be having the lobectomy. 
I’m wishing you all the best and hope you receive your appointment with the oncologist soon. I don’t know if you have an allocated nurse yet but when you do contact them if nothing seems to be movin From my personal recent experience I called my nurse and she chased up today’s appointment and called my back having fixed it for me. Wishing you all the best.