Advice on preparing for results appointment

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Hi everyone, thanks for reading my post. I've just joined this forum. Accompanying my mum to a hospital appointment next week.
She's had lung screening scan as a smoker, showed nodes that have grown since last year. I think cancer is suspected, had CT scan and PET scan, told may need biopsy next. She has appointment for results next week.
Any advice on how I can prepare for appointment to best support her. Anything I should be asking professionals involved?
I'd really appreciate anyone that would be wiling to share their experience of what they found helpful or unhelpful when being supported by relatives.
Thank you.

Tangerine berry welcome to the group but sorry to hear about your mum. I have always found that I haven’t had to ask any questions because my oncologist is very thorough and explains things perfectly. What I do suggest though is that you take a pen and paper with you to write anything down, like the tests or treatment names, because there is always a lot of information and I always forget ! I would assume that as mum has not been diagnosed with cancer and is still undergoing tests, then she is still under the care of the respiratory consultant ?

“Try to be a rainbow, in somebody else's cloud” ~ Maya Angelou

Chelle

Tangerine berry over 2 years ago in reply to chellesimo

Thank you Chelle, I appreciate you replying. Yes, this is her appointment for results of PET scan.

chellesimo over 2 years ago in reply to Tangerine berry

So the results of the PET scan will determine whether she needs a biopsy. It’s a very scary time for you and your mum. I hope the appointment goes well and you get some good news.

“Try to be a rainbow, in somebody else's cloud” ~ Maya Angelou

Chelle

Reb A over 2 years ago

Hi there, I’m also supporting my mum through a lung cancer diagnosis. Although to be fair I think it’s more her supporting me!

I definitely think it’s a good idea to take a notepad and pen along to appointments because they often give you so much information that you don’t retain half of it. I think for my mum it was important that life somewhat carried on as normal and we didn’t treat her any different to pre-diagnosis.

I wish u & your mum all the best.

Miranda2 over 2 years ago

Hi Tangerine berry

I am very sorry that your mother and you are going through this difficult and worrying time. But it sounds as if she is being well looked after, both by her medical team and you!

When helping your mother prepare for her appointment, I would suggest the following.

First of all make absolutely sure that she is happy for you to go with her. In my case I like to digest news like this on my own before having to share it with other people. I don't like having anyone else present. It's a very personal choice.

If your mother does want you to be present, make sure that she gets to decide who else is told about the appointment and the outcome and when it is OK to share information about her health. Sometimes as a patient you end up having to talk about the diagnosis to many people, even console or reassure some people and it creates additional emotional load which can be totally overwhelming. She alone should decide how she wants to handle letting other people know.

After the appointment she may not even want to discuss the subject with you for a while. Let her bring up the subject when she needs to but don't push her to talk about it until she is ready.

If you attend the appointment, work on a list of questions together and write them down. Here are some ideas:

* You might want to ask about how much support she will need.

* Are there precautions to take after the biopsy?

* Will she need someone to drive her home?

* How soon afterwards can she drive again?

* Will she need someone with her for a few hours/days afterwards?

* Will she need to take time off work?

* When can she resume normal activities?

* When will she get the results of the biopsy?

I hope this helps if you do have to prepare for a biopsy but of course I hope that the news is good and that a biopsy is not needed at all.

Take care

Miranda

Tangerine berry over 2 years ago in reply to Miranda2

Thank you for sharing this advice Miranda, really helpful and I will definitely take on board.

I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Thank you. X

Tangerine berry over 2 years ago in reply to Reb A

Thank you Reb A. I'm sure you'll know how I am feeling right now. Feels like the last few weeks have taken forever and it's been all consuming.

I'm sending you and your mum best wishes too. X

Lolie over 2 years ago

Make sure you don't leave the appointment without knowing what the next steps are and the timeframe for them. Even if a biopsy is required and treatment is necessary, there are still other steps which happen along the way and that takes time. Timeframes can vary from one healthcare service to the next so you need the information which is specific to yours.

Also make sure that you get a point of contact. There will inevitably things you want to clarify between appointments and knowing who to contact will save you from the stress of waiting until your next appointment for that information.

Tangerine berry over 2 years ago in reply to Lolie

Thank you Lolie, I will definitely do this. I'm going to draw up a list this week. Really appreciate your help. X

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