Lung cancer diagnosis

[jorob]

I've just been diagnosed with stage 2 left upper lobe lung cancer.

I was told they won't operate, because it has spread to the lymph nodes.

Booked in for next Monday for a further PET scan, blood tests and an exploratory bronchoscopy.

As I am older,  I am wondering if it really is worthwhile to undergo radiotherapy,  which has been mentioned as a possible course of action.

[Lampwork54]

Hi Jorob,

I'm sorry that you have such a tough diagnosis.  I'm not sure what you mean by being older.  If you mean 102 years old then Radiotherapy is probably not an option for you.  Any younger than that and I think radiotherapy will give you a better chance at overcoming the disease.  I've read that the success rates now for lung cancer are pretty good.  It's a tiring slog having treatment every day but well worth the effort if it can give you a cure, minimise the acceleration of the disease or even shrink the tumour.  It all depends too on what your doctors advise.   Let us know what happens next and its good to have a place to discuss these issues.  

I wish you well for the future.

[Katekat]

Morning @jorob,

I just wanted to check in and see how your scan and tests went? 💛

[jorob]

I had the bronchoscopy last Monday.  With lavage and brushings.

The PET scans showed one lung mass, and two lymph nodes on the same side were affected.

Visited the lung specialist on Thursday and he still is not able to give me a definitive answer.

Now has me referred to the hospital for  some sort of needle biopsy.   He did warn me that that there could possibly be a collapse of my lung because of this.

I'm just so tired of being pushed from one appointment to another, with various tests and so on,  and I'm still no further ahead in knowing what the prognosis will be.

[jorob]

Been advised by the hospital radiology centre that there would probably be a wait of 6 to 8 weeks before I can have the needle biopsy done.  Unless the radiology doctor decides that it might be a little more urgent than that.

[Iyana271]

Hi, sorry to hear about your situation. Consult with your doctor regarding radiotherapy. He will suggest you best treatment option as per your age. I hope you'll get well soon.

But I think If your doctor is suggesting radiotherapy then it will surely work for you, be calm and be positive.

Best wishes!

[debbiev]

Jacob this is the most frustrating and stressful time of cancer treatment when I was diagnosed last August it took about 15 days for the pathology test results to come back and three separate opinions.  It seems senseless to you and me at the time but they have to be sure that they diagnose properly.  For example I was diagnosed with Non hodgkins follicular lymphoma I later learned there is about 60 different types of lymphoma hence the correctness of the pathology   Please keep a positive attitude at all times this is most important.

[jorob]

I have the appointment now for the needle biopsy,  it will be Tuesday next week - early in the morning.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well and that I will be OK.  No collapsed lung,  or anything else that might go wrong.

I am on the wrong side of 70,  nearing 80.  Not really ready to give up just yet.

[Iyana271]

Best of luck with the needle biopsy! Keep your will power and positive thoughts strong and hope for the best results.

You're really brave that at this age you're fighting really well with cancer. I hope you'll get better soon, stay calm and keep fighting.

Best wishes!

[jorob]

Just got the biopsy results.  I have small cell lung cancer.