Update on diagnosis

[Aamar]

Hi all

Just spoke to my wonderful nurse specialist so I'm a bit better informed now. I have T4 stage in lower right lung with local secondary in left lung. I'm having the guided CT biopsy on Friday with a further scan of abdomen and pelvis on 4th July.

I'm in yet another state of shock as I convinced myself they'd caught it early - I was hospitalised for 17 days with pneumonia last October and have had regular x-ray and bloods done over the last 6 months.

Anyway, it is what it is.

On a more positive note, I managed to tell my husband last night. He was obviously shocked, and disappointed I hadn't told him before but I think he understood why. I'm going to have to tell him this new shocker tonight - he's just taken the kids to their swimming lessons.

Somewhat an emotional rollercoaster journey this cancer mallarky is.

[Swimdown]

I'm so glad you spoke to your nurse and know exactly what is going on. Although it was disappointing there are so many treatments available and you can discuss these with your oncologist once all the scan results are in . It must have been hard telling your husband but now you have it should be easier for you. Good luck with the scans and take care

[Elt79]

Glad you've had those conversations now. Wishing you the best of luck with scans and hope you soon get treatment sorted. Stay strong!! 💕

[Manninmaid]

Pleased you have a better understanding having spoken to the nurse specialist. Obviously you will be able to find out more once the biopsy is done and hopefully the scan won’t reveal any further issues. So glad you have told your husband as he can now support you with all this. There are all sorts of treatments now and the biopsy will of course inform the decision taken re treatment. Hope all goes well with your biopsy and scan. Keep positive. 🌼💕

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Aamar

Sorry to hear about your recurrence and glad you have the support of the lung cancer nurse. It is quite a thing to tell your loved one but so important. So many emotions and uncertainties going on for you both no wonder you feel you are on that rollercoaster.

Good luck with your biopsy today and scans next week, and from what you say your lung cancer nurse will keep you informed along the way as to what happens next.

It may be worth keeping in mind that lung cancer treatments options have improved greatly with new drugs like immunotherapies and targeted therapies, whereas before there was only 3 options; surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

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

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Aamar in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you so much for getting in touch. The CT biopsy went ok - the thought of it is much worse than the reality. Back home now. Results likely in 2 weeks. I'm hoping to go back to work on Monday on reduced hours - it's hard being home alone all day. I'm just worried my cough will distress my colleagues- it's pretty intense and productive but I've been given some codine linctus which helps for a few hours.

I have a lot more confidence in the treatment options than I initially had when I received the diagnosis - mostly through teading the experiences of the lovely people on this forum and the information provided by the foundation. It's amazing to think that a few weeks ago it never occurred to me that all this existed.

Thanks again and I'll keep the forum updated on progress.