Hi Paul, So sorry to hear that your biopsy was so traumatic. How awful for you. I hope you’re starting to feel better, are being well looked after and you’re breathing is starting to settle. Also hope that the treatment you require isn’t as brutal as what you’ve already experienced.   I know I’ve certainly had moments of self pity, being scared of what the future holds and self consciousness as random people stare at my scarred & still slightly swollen jaw post surgery but I’m still here. All perfectly normal emotions as we process and live with the c-word. Not looking forward to my next lung biopsy on Friday but we just have to do what we have to do.  But it does suck!  Hang in there & stay strong. We’re still here so we’re winning 💪😁.  Yas     ... View more

Hi Paul71,  What a year you’ve had!  Not sure if you’ve had your lung biopsy since you posted last weekend. I am also going through a similar experience after a tumour was removed from my jaw just over 2 years ago at age 48. At the time the scans also showed a 2mm nodule in my right lung. Recent follow up scans showed it has grown to 12mm so I had my first lung biopsy a few weeks ago. I was very anxious about it but it wasn’t as bad as expected. The procedure was supposed to take 20 mins but took twice as long because the bugger kept moving around.  The procedure was done on a CT scan table, lying on my stomach. The worst part was my aching arms from not being able to move so make sure you’re comfortable before they start. They numbed the area with 2 injections that stung for a moment. They then put long needles in to get the sample but you can’t really feel it. Afterwards you will just lie flat until they take you for an x-ray to check if you have any air leakage. I did have some but was ok after resting for another hour and another X-ray. When that was clear I was able to sit up and have a sandwich. You will need to fast from midnight the night before, including water. Just FYI. The biopsy confirmed it could be 1 of 2 cancers being either the same as in my jaw or a new lung based one so I need to have another biopsy this Friday so they can determine which in order to provide the right treatment. This will be done by sending a needle & camera down my throat. I will be given a sedative to make me drowsy so I don’t freak out and should take about an hour. Not looking forward to it but have been reassured that I will be made to feel as comfortable as possible. Can let you know how that goes if you haven’t had your biopsy by then.  I believe treatment will either be 4 blasts of radiation if the same as my original cancer that should get it and have minimal side effects. If the other type then it will be treated with 1 tablet that I don’t know much about.  The good thing is our tumours are small so hopefully treatment will be effective.  Stay strong, you got this!  Yasmin ... View more

Hi Paul.  What a year you’ve had!  Not sure if you’ve had your lung biopsy since you posted last weekend. I am also going through a similar experience after a tumour was removed from my jaw just over 2 years ago. At the time the scans also showed a 2mm nodule in my right lung. Recent follow up scans showed it has grown to 12mm so I had my first lung biopsy a few weeks ago. I was very anxious about it but it wasn’t as bad as expected. The procedure was supposed to take 20 mins but took twice as long because the bugger kept moving around.  The procedure was done on a CT scan table, lying on my stomach. The worst part was my aching arms from not being able to move so make sure you’re comfortable before they start. They numbed the area with 2 injections that stung for a moment. They then put long needles in to get the sample but you can’t really feel it. Afterwards you will just lie flat until they take you for an x-ray to check if you have any air leakage. I did have some but was ok after resting for another hour and another X-ray. When that was clear I was able to sit up and have a sandwich. You will need to fast from midnight the night before, including water. Just FYI. The biopsy confirmed it could be 1 of 2 cancers being either the same as in my jaw or a new lung based one so I need to have another biopsy this Friday so they can determine which in order to provide the right treatment. This will be done by sending a needle & camera down my throat. I will be given a sedative to make me drowsy so I don’t freak out and should take about an hour. Not looking forward to it but have been reassured that I will be made to feel as comfortable as possible. Can let you know how that goes if you haven’t had your biopsy by then.  I believe treatment will either be 4 blasts of radiation if the same as my original cancer that should get it and have minimal side effects. If the other type then it will be treated with 1 tablet that I don’t know much about.  The good thing is our tumours are small so hopefully treatment will be effective.  Stay strong, you got this!  Yasmin ... View more

Hello Heidi the Brave.  Good on you for fighting this. I have gone through similar with a tumour removed from my lower jaw and then then an intensive round of radiation to follow. It was a very challenging time and the side effects were just plain awful. But worth it as I’m still here 2 years on and life has gradually returned to normal - apart from not liking the taste of chocolate anymore (a good thing 😜).  I know it’s hard but it’s important to stay positive, keep fighting and just take one day at a time.  Xx   ... View more