Two Failed EUS biopsy’s

Hi Supertrouper welcome to the forum. In answer to your query you can ask the doctors anything. Why 3 biopsies when the first 2 were negative? Do I have Pancreatic Cancer with Lung mets or Thyroid Cancer ? Why the different thoughts on this and when is someone going to tell me what they are doing, why and when will I know the definite outcome? Last but not least How long will I have to wait to get answers? 

Hi Gail, unfortunate the third biopsy showed cancer cells, so I’m seeing an oncologist next week. I feel the prognosis is poor and so what’s the point of horrendous chemo for a few extra months of a poor life style . I am only 60 and used to being very active and leading a full fun life. Are there any other questions I should ask the DRS and what is immunotherapy an option ? 

Hi Supertrouper 

I’m sorry to read that your biopsy showed cancer cells and I’m sure the oncologist will have a full discussion with you when you meet. 

I’m sure they will tell you all the information you need, but I’d want to be asking for confirmation of which type of cancerous cells have been found-ie is pancreatic or lung and where they were found. You have said you feel the prognosis is poor, but I’d like to make you aware that you do not need to ask for any prognosis at this stage. I never asked when I was diagnosed with my cancer or my recurrence and the information wasn’t offered to me automatically. Ultimately, they can only give a best guess on any prognosis as it depends of the individual and how well treatment works.

You could ask what the treatment plan would be, is the cancer metastatic (ie has it spread from a primary site), how long would treatment go on, and what are the likely side effects. If immunotherapy can be proposed as part of the plan, they would tell you and describe the type and why it is used. You can ask how you will be monitored while on treatment-for example will you have regular scans? 

I’d recommend listening to everything that is proposed before you make any decision on what you do going forward. You will need to be told about the possible effects of any treatment to be able to give informed consent, but it doesn’t mean you will have any or all side effects described. You just need to be told they are possible. 

If you were to decide not to go ahead with any treatment, you can make that decision, but you need to be aware of the consequences of not having chemo, for example, and how things might go if you don’t. So that’s another question to ask the oncologist to help with your decision making. 

I hope you’ll come back and let us know how you get on. Having a treatment plan in place will allow you to connect with others in the group who have had similar experiences. 

Sarah xx