Going for Biopsy tomorrow - Terrified!

I went through exactly the same sequence as you have so far - clear x-ray, CT then PET scan which showed take-up on the lung but nowhere else. Unfortunately for me the biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma but I was lucky in a way because that was very nearly 5 years ago and after treatment I've been clear since.

The only thing I can say for sure is that I was told is was suspicious but nobody could tell whether it was sinister or not until the biopsy is done and the doctors could look at the actual cells. It is entirely possible that it is nothing serious and I genuinely hope this is the case for you. I know it's petrifying and it's easy to say try to take your mind off it but do try if you can, you shouldn't have to wait too much longer for an answer.

The biopsy procedure itself was nothing to be bothered about.

I wish you the very best for a clear result. 

Derek.

Hi Derek,

Thanks for your reply and glad to hear that you've been clear following treatment.

If you don't mind me asking what sort of biopsy did you have? I'm having the needle. What did your treatment involve? The consultant says worst case scenario, if it's cancer they will need to cut it out!

Regards

Sandra

woops wrong derek.

Sandra,

I had the biopsy down the throat and into the lung, not needle. There have been others here who have had a needle biopsy and hopefully someone can give you their experience of it (although I don't recall seeing bad reports). 

I too had surgery. Because of where the tumour was positioned I had my right lung removed. It sounds super scary but was actually nothing like as bad as I thought it would be - up to then I'd never even been in hospital before. It won't seem like it to you at the moment but, although there are many other effective treatments, surgery gives the best chance of a cure. I didn't find this community until afterwards, if I had I'm sure I wouldn't have been as scared as I was. 

I should have mentioned before, but try not to google the subject and if you do want information stick to trusted sites such as Macmillan, cancer research, NHS etc.. There is tons of information on the internet but much is old and out of date and does not represent current treatment options.

Just ask if there's anything more you would like to know when you're a bit further forward.

All the best, Derek.

Hi Sandra

I have had ct guided needle biopsy as well as through the bronchial walls down the throat. I was only given local anaesthetic for the ct guided and it was uncomfortable where the needle went in but not too bad. The other ones needed sedation and were more tricky due to coughing and I had to rest afterwards until the sedation had worn off.

Some of the results were clearer than others and initially led to surgery to remove the initial tumour. Let the Dr's guide you but don't feel pushed, give yourself time to think. You can lose a whole lung and live well. I did and until recent circumstances you would never have known that I only had one lung as the body has an amazing capacity to help heal itself especially the lungs. 

Liz