Newly diagnosed with lung cancer

Had Covid in August, it left me with a nagging cough, no blood, but felt a bit dizzy and as I have AF was worried enough to go online through to 111 for advice. 
skipping to the bit at hospital chest X-ray at A&E showed a shadow and they made appt for a CT scan.  Had that and they sent me to the chest clinic, they said there was a 3.2cm lesion and wanted me to have further tests within 2 week pathway,  tests included bloods, lung function tests, PET scan, ECG and EBUS Bronchoscopy and the diagnosis has come back as…..

stage 3B non small cell lung cancer -Adenocarcinoma T3-N2-M0 right lung, middle lobe.

I am shocked as I feel great, I go to Zumba, yoga, walk my dog 2-4 miles day, I have a huge garden that needs mowing digging weeding, I have no pain and I only cough a couple,of times a day now, mainly in the morning, hardly ever at night, no breathlessness, absolutely nothing.  I felt a fraud having all the tests thinking I was taking a place someone else urgently needed. 

I am booked in for an MRI scan on my head on Tuesday, then I will see the oncologist Thursday to get my treatment plan.  Although I’m told there could be a 4 or more week wait for the start of treatment.

My first question to the oncologist is … Are you absolutely sure I have this?  How come I feel as good as I usually do?

I am hoping to find someone on here with a similar diagnosis to gain insight into your experience as I am clueless on what to expect. How you cope with the treatments, what would you say to a newbie?
I’ve been advised by the chest clinic that I will likely have radiotherapy, chemo and might have some,tailored immuno. I know my oncologist will have that info.

i wish none of us had to be here, the only way out is forward….

thank you

  • Hello Hopeful24,

    Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms, so I can understand that you'd be surprised by the diagnosis but you did the right thing in going to the hospital. We have information around treatment for lung cancer and living with lung cancer on our website, which you can refer to at anytime.

    It sounds like you have plenty of questions for your oncologist, which is always great. I'm sure they will be able to give you a better idea of next steps.

    I hope your appointments go ok this week,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hi.

    I hope everything is going well for you.

    Like my hubby, no symptoms. A routine x ray showed a lung lesion that was on the 21st Jan, fastward to now. CTscan, pet scan shoes a 5cm lung mass & an enlarged lymph node lower right lung.

    Telephone call with doctor yesterday said all treatable, but a biopsy being done & treatment plan after.

    Within 4 wks our lives have gone from happy normal planning holidays etc to a daily living hell of " is this real".

    He isnt coping, just refuses to talk about or packs a bag & runs away, literally! 

    I've been dealing with calls, appointments etc & feel like I've aged 50 yrs overnight.

    I always thought lung cancer would show a sign cough, blood, wheeze, weight loss etc but nothing, unless hayfever counts...

    I wish you well x