For the moment they re talking about a wedge section or segmentectomy? I would love to know whether cryo (freezing) or radiofrequence (burning) is an option. Part of me balks at the chop-chop option.

I know. I don't fancy surgery. They seem to think it's my best option. People have fir ten years or more after a lobectomy. I'm trying to get as fit as can before the surgery. Feel anxious about it. Also positive. I'm determined to try and beat this. They will tell you all your options. You will recover well from a wedge section. I know someone who was playing golf four weeks after a lobectomy.  Have a list of questions when you see the consultant. I wish you well whatever you decide. We can't let cancer beat us. Enjoy the holiday.

Hi Britething,

Have you asked your consultant these two questions? Don't hold back - no question is too silly or insignificant, Draw up a list of any questions you have for your next appointment and don't be afraid to ask them. I am not a doctor, but as far as I am aware, Cryo is good on the skin surface, but not on deeper tissues - I'm not too sure about radiofrequence. None of us look forward to the chop-chop option, but surgery is seldom any where near as bad as we imagine it to be. 

Kind regards, 

Jolamine xx

• You are right of course, no one looks forward to surgery. And I am very new to all this. If it were a mole gone bad, or a lump somewhere, I guess I would be gung-ho about getting rid of it. Somehow, reducing lung capacity (our two wonderful and life-sustaining balloons) is not just scary but undesirable (although I have read that one can recover the power in a lung to an extent). I suppose I am just flailing about mentally trying to come to terms with the inevitable. Christine is right too, we cannot let cancer define us or beat us.

Hi Britething,

You are right. A collapsed lung can be re-inflated. My daughter's lung collapsed just after she was born. She is now 47 and, apart from having asthma, which might have happened without this set-back, she has remained hale and healthy for all these years. Try not to overthink things - difficult, I know!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx