Hello, My husband has recently been diagnosed with cancer in his right kidney. He also has some nodules in his chest which may be related. He had a CT needle biopsy of his lungs on Friday and has to wait until after the MDT this coming Thursday for the result.
I'm posting because it has taken months to get to this point. He's had bad back pain for over 7 months since finishing treatment for prostate cancer and was prescribed physio as they thought it was muscular.
Then in November he developed a bad cough and was breathless. We went to A&E and he had a CT scan which flagged up possible cancer ( given his past history with recent prostate cancer and before that, throat cancer 10 years ago) or a chest infection. He was prescribed anti biotics and told to come back in 6 weeks for another CT scan. During those 6 weeks he was prescribed more anti biotics, had an echocardiogram and angiogram but his heart looked fine. When he finally went for his CT scan at 6 weeks there were still unexplained shadows and nodules on both lungs. He had another scan a few days later, this time of his pelvis/abdomen and this showed Kidney cancer.
On Friday just gone, he had a CT needle biopsy of his lungs and now has to wait another week for results.
He has a worrying, worsening cough and is now saying there's not enough air flow in the house and wants me to open windows. I'm so worried about the treatment plan taking so incredibly long. His cough now has a wheeze sound. Has anyone else experienced this incredibly long wait and does anyone have any advice on what to do re speeding things up especially now he's saying there's not enough air, I'm so worried. Would appreciate any advice
Hello Pisces
I am Brian one of the Community Champions here at Macmillan. I have just noticed that your post has gone unanswered. I can't answer it myself (I have a different cancer) however by me replying it will be "bumped up" to the top of the forum and I hope read and replied to by other group members.
I am aware you have a meeting with your husband's team after the MDT meeting on Thursday. It might be a good idea to contact the hospital PALS office (Patient Advice and Liaison Service), tell them of your long wait and anxiety and can they get you an early appointment after Thursday's meeting.
You can always contact our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) They can offer you some extra help and support regarding the long wait.
If I can do anything for you please don't hesitate to let me know.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hi Pisces I am sorry your husband is going through this. It always takes time for the biopsy result unfortunately. Mine was 14 days, that was because they wanted to see how the sarcoma I have reacted to hormones to see what was the best treatment for me. I have endometrial stromal sarcoma which is now in both lungs.
When I feel breathless, and can’t get enough air, I find that having a fan blowing gently in my face helps, so this may be an idea to help him. It’s a catch 22 because being anxious doesn’t help with your breathing, but it is hard to be calm and relaxed when you are feeling breathless.
Has he been given any inhalers to help with his cough, if not it may be worth asking his GP for a prescription. I have a ventolin inhaler which does help me as it opens up the airway.
I really hope you don’t have to wait too long for the biopsy results, I know how frustrating the wait is for you. This group isn’t as active as the lung group, so please come over to the Lung cancer forum as I’m sure you will connect to other people there are in a similar situation to you and your husband.
