New & very scared

Hi Mandrose welcome to the group, but so sorry you find yourself here. You will be feeling absolutely terrified at the moment, we all know that feeling well. I know when I was diagnosed I just felt completely numb, like it was happening to someone else. 

Like you, my tumour was in the bronchial airway. It was in the top line, but had broken through into my airway causing a blockage. They removed part of that tumour in the airway, and then I had some radiotherapy. You can read my journey by clicking on my profile picture and going to my profile page. 

When you have children, no matter their age, you will feel protective towards them.  Having to tell my children was the worst thing I have ever had to do. But what I have learnt is they need the truth to be able to deal with it, so I am always honest with them about my disease. 

Try not to worry about the biopsy. I am sure it won’t be as bad as you are dreading. It is just the fear of the unknown. Please come here and chat with us whenever you like. This is a safe environment to off load your feelings, with people who really understand what you are going through. Xx 

Hi Chelle, thank you so much for replying. I’ve just had a fantastic weeks holiday in a beautiful cottage right on the sea front, which the consultant was happy to go ahead. The sea air & rest has done me the world of good & I feel better prepared for what lays ahead, although I admit I’m still scared of the the final prognosis. My biopsy is on Wednesday & im hoping they can get what they need from the lymph node in my neck rather than putting the tube down my throat to get a biopsy from my lung as that terrifies me. One thing I’ve found out over the last couple of weeks is how many people care & love me - seriously that is the best feeling ever! Hope you’re doing well xx

Good luck with the biopsy, I’m also at the same stage , got my first consultation with respiratory this coming week , then biopsy and  petscan I assume …. You’re not alone and like you I’ve been amazed at the outpouring of friendship and love  

I had my biopsy 10 days ago. I had light sedation and the tube went down my throat. Like you I was worried about it going down my nose, but he didn't even attempt it. The whole procedure was painless, If you have sedation it's so much easier. I'm getting my prognosis on Tuesday and I'm so afraid. I’m not sleeping well and when I do, I dream about the results. 
Please don’t worry about the biopsy, it will go well.

All positive thoughts for you xxx

Well done for having the lung biopsy Orbit, I was so terrified the consultant said mine could be on my lymph nodes to start with. I’ve read lots of positive comments about the lung one (including yours) that if I do need to go down that route I know I’ll get through it and will be brave. I totally understand about the fear & bad dreams, it all seems so unreal at the moment. I’ll be thinking about you on Tuesday and hope for the best outcome possible. Take care xx

Hi Orbit,

I remember being knocked for six when I had my first meeting with the Respiratory Consultant.

I was NOT expecting to be told I had a mass in my right lung, with lymph involvement and bone metastases.

I didn't even take anyone in with me. And the crazy thing was, my lung flow test beforehand was fairly good. No wheezing, no cough, lungs (except for this blimming mass) was lovely and clear. I even scored quite high on the breathe in, blow out test they do beforehand as well.  (have always been very fit and active)

Only symptom I had was shoulder pain! Which led to an xray, which led to a chest xray and l I was then ct scanned and fast tracked, resulting with an appointment with Respiratory Consultant first and then met the Oncologist and put on a Treatment Plan.

I hope your results aren't too bad. But if they are, we are here for you. You won't be alone.

Pleased you had a lovely time away.

Today wasn’t a great day, as the radiologist couldn’t find a lymph node to do the biopsy, apart from one well below my neck  which she wasn’t happy to try & get to due to its awkward position. There is no choice now, I have to have a bronchoscopy which was my worst fear.

I was so down in the dumps this morning, I’ve given myself a good talking and count myself lucky I’ve found this forum. Positives from today are:

1. They couldn’t find any obvious enlarged lymph nodes in my neck, that has to be good news!

2. So many people on here were scared like me but had a bronchoscopy and report back it wasn’t as bad as expected, this again is good news as has given me some reassurance   

3. it’s my 60th birthday next May & I’ve paid the deposit for me & over 50 friends to have a private cinema viewing of Bridget Jones Diary, followed by a party! Yep, I intend to enjoy every minute regardless of what is happening at that time

Thank you everyone, onwards & upwards x

Hi Harebell just read this update ano it sounded so similar to what i had just posted about my experience with respiratory today …nightmare x. 

I was petrified about a biopsy using bronchoscope and they agreed to put me under general anaesthetic to do it. It’s worth asking x