Why no biopsy taken

[Kevin1973]

Hi my hubby was diagnosed October 2015 with 71/2cm nsclc stage 3a he had a lobectomy Jan 2016 .he was to have chemo after the surgery but because he has type one diabetes the oncologist disaloude it .so on his 2nd 3month scan they going a new growth n the uoer lung that was 1.5mm so they left it and rescaned again in 3 months it had went to 2.7mm so they decided to leave him into Jan 2018 6months later to do Annor scan and now the growth is over 3cm.they done a broncosphy but didn't take a biopsy in which I don't understand why .he has an app for pet scan next week and awaiting a lung function test also .his oncologist told me that it is inoperable and this is before any off the test have been done .is it defo the cancer back because when I asked het she more or less said yes. Has anyone been threw this my hubby is 44years old .thank you

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Kevin1973

Welcome to the forum, and sorry to hear of your Husband's illness. It may be the area in the lung is difficult to access for a biopsy, you may wish to consider discussing this with your Husband's lung cancer specialist nurse. (If your Husband does not have a nurse specialist this can be requested by the GP or Oncologist)

Some of the potential side effects of Chemotherapy can have an impact if you have diabetes i.e reduced diet due to nausea, which would affect the blood glucose levels and it may be difficult to control with Insulin. The endocrinologist (Diabetes specialist) could advise on this or diabetes specialist nurse. I have placed a link from cancer research UK detailing some information on this:

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

The Oncologist may have already discussed this with an Endocrinologist when looking at the treatment plan. It is understandable your concern and suggest you write down all your questions to discuss with either the nurse/GP or Specialist. Understanding why certain things are done or not done can help in the difficult journey you are both on.

Hopefully the PET scan will show a more detailed picture and your Husband's treatment plan will be reassessed.

If you are still both unhappy with the way things are going, you are within your rights to request a second opinion in the NHS or if able you could look at private care.

If you wish to discuss anything you can call us on our free nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Kevin1973 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank u Roy for ur quick reply his oncologist told us after she meet with the mdt team that they have said he is inoperable this time and radiation will probably be the only option .I was late collecting him after his broncosphy and the doctor had left .he has an appointment this Thurs with his oncologist for the resultsfrom broncosphy and his pet scan is next week I will keep in touch. I'm so glad to have found this site and have people to talk to thank u doo much donna

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to Kevin1973]

You are very welcome, keep us posted of how things go. The forum is a great place to receive support and encouragement from others who have been through it all and truly understand what you are both going through.

We also have lots of useful information on our website roycastle.org

Take good care of yourself.

The Roy Caste Support Team

[Kevin1973]

Thank u appreciate it x

[Bow-19]

A second opinion sounds like a good idea, as you may get different advice. It’s also useful to write down all your questions and the answers that you get so that you have time to absorb the information later. Wishing you both all the best x

[Kevin1973 in reply to Bow-19]

Thank u xx

[Bow-19 in reply to Kevin1973]

You might find this link useful for questions to ask?

surviveit.org/assets/upload...

Sent from my iPad

[JanetteR57]

I remember being amazed when told in Dec 2010 that I was to lose half my lung and asked why a biopsy wasn't being done and was told there are several ways to treat and as my 'mass' was evident on chest x-ray, CT and PET, and was large, they would remove the lung and then determine the next course of treatment. They removed a 7cm adenocarcinoma along with the upper part of my left lung. As treatments have developed in recent years, there is much more personalised approach for patients with lung cancer especially when they have other long term conditions. Unfortunately communication doesn't always seem to have improved so often patients and relatives may be left in the dark why decisions are being made. It is really important to ask - whether you're the patient or the relative if you're unsure why something is or isn't being offered. Not all lung cancers are the same and treatment depends on a number of variables so just because somebody you've read about or knew had one type of treatment or diagnostic and you or your relative didn't, doesn't make it wrong - but do ask the questions. It can be easy to 'go blank' when in the consulting room so write down your questions and record the answers if necessary as again we patients can tend to focus on some of the consultation and others can pick up other things in the discussion. good luck.

[Kevin1973 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank u my hubby first tumour was 9cm when removed it was stage 3a squamous cell carsomona left lower lung .this time it's n the uper part of dame lung and is hit over 3cm x

[JanetteR57 in reply to Kevin1973]

it may be that given his history, they are 'assuming' based on clinical knowledge rather than biological testing especially as they have been regularly scanning it. Even if inoperable, there is hope - many patients are being treated with biological agents/immunotherapy and radiotherapy even if inoperable. many are active on this and other forums. I do hope he can get some positive treatment soon as well as answers to your questions. wishing you luck.

[Kevin1973 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank u it's great to have so much feed bk from you guys on this I will keep u all posted thanks again xx

[JanetteR57]

Please do - we're all rooting for you… x