Sorry to hear you've had this news. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer just over 2 years ago and it's now spread to my lungs so do know what you're going through.

My understanding is that bowel cancer is bowel cancer wherever it may be - so whilst I (and your mum I guess) have cancer in our lungs it is bowel cancer not necessarily lung cancer.

I don't know whether a biopsy is sufficient to advise a particular course of treatment. In my case, CT, MRI and PET scans have all been used at various points. If surgery isn't an option, other treatments may be offered e.g. chemo, radiotherapy. 

I'm sure it would benefit you both if you are able to attend future appointments  with your mum. An extra pair of ears is always useful, plus being a note taker is a good way to record/remember what's said.  If covid guidelines prevent you attending, there should be an option to participate via a phone.

I'm sure you both have so many questions. Try not to Google. Ask questions here or via consultant's secretary/other medical staff e.g. Macmillan nursing team.

Cancer isn't always death sentence, even though it may seem so right now. Good luck. 

Helen

Hello Helen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I am sorry to hear what you have been going through too. 

How you explained makes sense, thank you. Mum has had various scans but i believe the findings of the biopsy in addition would be a guide as to what chemo might be available.  Its just the waiting. 

Having severe anxiety myself and not coping well with the unknown,  Ive gone high alert into organisation mode and go to all the appointments with my mum, notebook and list of questions in hand, even typing it all up.  Its all surreal and its like im at a business meeting putting on an act if that makes sense. I have to be doing something I feel that will help.. That in turn makes me worry people think im being heartless. But at home im a mess and dont cope well. 

Thank you once again, take care 

Hi [@Jobear]‍ 

If this is bowel cancer which has spread to the lungs it will be treated as secondary bowel cancer as it's not a primary lung cancer, so the decision to do the bowel biopsy should be sufficient to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

You are not at all being heartless, you are coping in the best way you can and doing the best for your mum. I hope she has a treatment plan soon. x

Hello Minska,

Appreciate your reply re how the cancer will be treated. Ive been getting worried that they will not have sufficient information to organise a treatment plan. (Fingers crossed)

Its now been about 7 weeks since the first appoinment and ive noticed that mum is becoming increasingly fatigued as the weeks go on so i hope we get some news soon. The waiting is so difficult and ive gone through every emotion going, i feel awful as its actually my mum suffering and not even me so heaven knows how she feels! 

Update... Just had bowel biopsy back and they (the cancer specialist nurse)  have said they are now sending it off to an outside company to see if there are alternatives? I was just wondering if this was common practice and something anyone had experienced? Im worried they now think the chemo isnt an option?? 

Hi

Sorry you are going through this worry.

I have a friend and they have just sent her bloods etc to Germany to see about some treatment.

There's so many different treatments out there now.

Keep strong and take one day at a time x