Waiting for diagnosis

Hi 

in December 2024 I had a chest infection that required two courses of antibiotics  to clear, go advised as a precaution to have an X-ray. I did have an X-ray. Which found a nodule in my upper left part of lung. I then had a Ct Scan to check the nodule and was told it was 12 mm but it was contained. I then had to have an mri scan and another cat scan, and then a PET scan.

i was then told I would have the biopsy done under general anaesthetic with a robotic assistance. And I would receive an appointment to have this completed.

last week I received a call to say the consultant now thought he would be able to do the biopsy normally without the robotic assistance this would mean I would have the biopsy quicker.

two days ago I received a letter to say I would be having a phone consultation with the consultant on 19th May. I wondered if I was going to be told they were going to monitor.

i phoned the hospital to be told this letter was to give me the results of the biopsy, however I have no appointment for nice boobs 

is this normal I have been in limbo for the last 4 months and still don’t know if I have cancer or not.

i would really appreciate it if someone could let me know if this is all normal

many thanks 

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that this has been going on for you. I am sure this feels like this has been a lot of waiting and no information about your lung nodule.

    As you have said, nodules are sometimes monitored as they are common and not always caused by cancer, but if an appointment has been made to give you results, then you should hear soon about a biopsy.

    It is difficult to answer your question of what is normal, as in the cancer pathway, there is no norm; each person's situation is so different from the next, but there are targets that the hospital is supposed to try and work towards. More information on cancer waiting times from our website is here if you would like to read about it.

    If you remain concerned, do talk to PALS at your hospital, who act as a patient support.

    Take care, and I hope you hear more soon. If you want to talk to the nurses on the helpline then call 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri, 9-5.

    Sarah.