Hi everyone, First time here. I apologise for the very lengthy post. Hope this is not too long for here. Feeling a bit shocked and despondent. I was sent for an x-ray in March after suffering from a heavy cold which left me with a bad cough. My voice also went hoarse.. (This lasted a couple of months but has now returned). GP rang me to say x-ray was ok but they couldn't see behind my pacemaker and she had ordered a CT scan. Duly had the scan and seen results on line which queried possible lung cancer. Panicked and phoned GP who explained procedure. Hospital contacted and arranged further CT scan which confirmed mass on upper left lobe of left lung .also small nodule. Since then had various tests including PET scan and biopsies taken. Seen consultant last week who went through all test results though still waiting for two of the biopsies results. PEt scan showed activity in my lung and bladder which wa expected as I have Crohn's and have been having problems for some time while waiting to see consultant for this. Consultant was very good explaining though would need full biopsy results to establish type of cancer and treatment. Initially he discounted operation due to my other health problems but after discussion said he would put me forward to a new holistic group who would then take this forward. Two very slight areas showed up on PET scan, end of one rib and spot on spine. Wasn't clear what these where. would need an MRI scan. If secondaries then no op , treatment instead only. So could be Stage II or stage VI. If MRI not clear he would treat as Stage II as no sign of any activity anywhere else. Problem getting MRI scan due to my pacemaker. They have contacted hospital who did pacemaker to see if comparable for MRI scan. Appears box and two of the three leads are ok but query over one lead which will not be discussed until next week.
Mesnwhile, Got Tel call Friday to go to apt today. Seen registrar who told me biopsies results back and it is small cell cancer. No op and getting referred to Christies for treatment and that SCLC responded well to treatment. All other possible options previously mentioned now off the table. Registrar was reluctant to tell me much more as she felt the oncologist as the expert would be able to explain better. Probably get apt in next week or so etc.
Was given a booklet and since reading it I feel totally confused. worried, frightened about future as appears this worst type and aggressive. Got it into my head that it is spreading as I type.
Sorry for the rambling and lengthy piece. Trying to get my head around it. Feel as though gone from thinking it may be possible to beati cancer to crashing down . I had breast cancer 20 years ago and got through that but this feels bad.
Does anyone have any experience of small cell cancer and treatment received etc. Any advice gratefully accepted.
