Hello all,
i had a routine lung cancer screening, which showed up 3 abnormalities in different lungs.
At initial respiratory consultation he said i needed pet/ct scan and biopsies before they can formally diagnose me, but didnt deny the likelihood that at least 1 was malignant.
I had the scan and lung function test and had f/u appointment this morning. So i will have a needle biopsy of left lung on what was described as adenocarcinoma next wednesday, followed by surgery to remove it before xmas. It’s only stage 1 (13.5mm) but right on the edge of the lung and protruding into the pleura, which is why they will defo remove it.
Something at the back of my throat lit up during the PET, so i’m being referred urgently to ENT and having a head scan when i go for my biopsy.
The right lung bronchoscopy is being left until after left lung surgery. It’s also believed to be malignant, but unrelated. It was first seen 15 years ago, but not thought problematic. It was 18mm then and is now 31mm, so is seen as slow growing and less urgent than left lung.
My big worry in relation to the biopsy is that i have an insensitivity to local anaesthetic (a feature of Ehlers Danlos syndrome, which i have). Sometimes L.A. just doesn’t work, other times i need multiple injections of it. Fall back position is that it would be biopsied at same time as surgery if they can’t numb me next week.
I’m also worried about having to tell other people. I had thought i would wait until after the biopsy result,but as its being removed whatever, there’s no reason to wait. Also i keep having rehearsal conversations going round and round in my head non stop.
Apologies for the length of this ramble.
Good wishes to everyone
Hi Rosedeec1bf9b welcome to the group, but sorry you have found yourself here. I know it will not feel like it at the moment, but this is why the new lung screening is so important. With lung cancer, you often have no sign it is there, and early diagnosis is so important for a cure.
It can be very hard to tell people what is going on, and having to tell people over and over again can be very upsetting for you. Is there someone close to you that you can nominate to be the one to tell people. I have known people to do this before, so you are not bothered by endless questions, they can ask the nominated person instead.
I can imagine you are feeling anxious about the local anaesthetic especially after your previous experience. Can you ask to have this done under a general, tell them how concerned you are about it.
I can see your reply. I think a WhatsApp group sounds like a good idea. At least you won’t have to repeat yourself to multiple people.
Im glad you have found the group. Here is the only place you can talk to people who fully understand what you are going through.
