Hello Cat, 

Just wanted to let you know that we have moved your post to our Ask the Nurses topic area as they may know more about this and will be able to provide further guidance. Our nurses will respond to you very soon. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello Cat and thanks for your post,

I can understand how very hard it must have been to receive this news over the phone and I am very sorry to hear this. 

It is difficult to give an opinion on his potential cancer diagnosis without being involved in his care.

Doctors need to make sure that results of tests are back before deciding the most appropriate treatment. IHC probably refers to immunochemistry tests.

The immunochemistry test is done by looking at the tissue from the biopsy under a microscope. It is particularly useful in diagnosing certain types of cancer. This will help establish whether it is mesothelioma or another type of cancer, where the cancer started and whether it is likely to grow slowly or quickly. 

I am sure that when he sees the private oncologist next week they will be able to spend time going through all of this with him. I am not sure what treatment the oncologist is planning to give your step dad.( This will probably be based on the results of the tests) Normally doctors like to also medically assess a patient before hand to make sure that they are well enough to have any treatment.

If you step dad needs more information before his appointment next week he could try and speak to his GP to see if they can go through any of this with him.

It can be helpful having another person at the appointment listening to what the oncologist has to say. There can be a lot of information to take on board. Do encourage your stepdad to ask questions and get the doctor to repeat anything that he does not understand. 

We do have a lot of information on our website about treating lung cancer but it is probably best looking at this when he has got all the results back and he knows the possible treatment he may get.

I can understand how unsettling it can be waiting to find out more but hopefully over the next couple of weeks things will become clearer.

If at any stage you or your family would like to ring and talk through any of this then you are more then welcome to give us a ring.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best,

Catherine