Hi there, I was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago. I was lucky to be fit enough to be able to have an operation to remove the cancer. I had the upper left lobe and part of the lower left lobe removed in addition to three ribs. I also had chemotherapy and radical radiotherapy afterwards. I'm not going to tell you it was easy because all surgery, chemo etc is taxing and takes it out of you but I'm still here. I've just got through my five years all clear for the lung cancer but I have grown another one on my left kidney and am waiting for results to proceed with the removal soon I hope. Don't despair, there is life after lung cancer, it may have to be lived a bit slower but it's still a good quality of life. I wish you well. Please feel free to ask any questions. Take care

Hello [@LAtrish]‍  I am in  a pretty similar situation to yourself, smoker, 52 and possible lung cancer so i can't advise you on how to cope or what happens next as i am still waiting to see what my official diagnosis is, i only had my PET scan on Thursday but these first few weeks just rush by with appointments and it all seems to be happening so quickly but that is the way it should happen in my opinion if there is an inclination towards cancer. 

I think that the advice from [@Dor06]‍ helped me last week to calm myself down a bit and take a step back and realise that i am worrying (not needlessly) way too early. If you can, try to keep your mind busy while you wait on the next step. Regarding the PET scan itself, that's nothing to fear but you will get a leaflet/letter which explains what will happen and how to prepare, the nurse will also explain when you go what happens, take a book/magazine or something as you get put into a private room for an hour before your scan, i actually fell asleep during my scan and was woken up with a voice telling me that my transport was waiting for me, lol. My scan was only about 20 -25 minutes long so not that long really.

It was lovely to read [@cardygirl]‍ post too as it shows that this can be beaten and there can still be a future although i am very sorry to read that she is facing another battle.

Take care and maybe as i progress, i can at least tell you of my experience which may or may not help but i will try to keep you updated if that would help.

PJ x