Hello all

I have just joined this forum. These type of forums did not exist when I had breast cancer 32 year's ago, and basically there was nobody to turn to really other than the Oncologist for questions, certainly there was no help regarding the emotional side of what happens to people when diagnosed.

I have spent the last three weeks having tests, X-rays and a CT scan.  I had an appointment with the consultant radiologist last Thursday to discuss the results of the CT scan, which showed a 2.5cm lesion in my upper left lung and an enlarged lymph node.  The radiologist said he is 99% positive it is cancer.  Because of the enlarged lymph node I am now awaiting a date for a PET scan to see if the lymph node is just reacting to the cancer present or it has spread to that lymph node.  After the PET scan I have to have a lung biopsy, which is something I'm not looking forward to.  Unfortunately I have to wait for 3-4 weeks which is worrying as, going by experience with my breast cancer, time is of the essence where cancer is concerned.  I live in North Wales and my tests will involve three hospitals, this is because of facilities, or lack of, in these hospitals.  I had my X-ray in one hospital, my CT scan in another hospital, and the PET scan will be done in another hospital.  This certainly adds to the stress and waiting time.

I initially went to see my GP because a close friend of mine was diagnosed with inoperable terminal lung cancer and is on palliative chemotherapy.  Unfortunately she has the aggressive SCLC, so because I had a tickly cough after having the flu over Christmas and New Year and catching Covid for the first time in May, I thought it would be best getting it checked out.  Both these illnesses where unusual for me as I am usually very fit and well for my age (74), I always eat healthily and exercise with walking and cycling etc. 

The thing I am struggling with now is the constant mind clutter that won't switch off.  I try and keep busy to keep these thoughts at bay, but they are there constantly.  It would be lovely if everything happened quickly, so no time waiting to dwell on things.  The only positive in this is that the lesion is smallish and still called either a lesion or a nodularity and not a tumour.  Because of this my radiologist said I may not need surgery, just either chemotherapy or radiotherapy and monitoring, but it all hinges on the PET scan.  This is new to me, I always thought surgery was the usual thing to do.

I am usually a calm person that does not stress on things, but the last few weeks has really taken its toll on my stress and anxiety levels, which is affecting my sleep and daytime mood.

Apologies for the long post, I just need to offload to people who are going through the same thing.