A Complex Situation (Lung Cancer w/ Pulmonary Embolism)

Hello,

My Dad (70) has recently taken a trip to New Zealand to see his Daughter (My Sister) and their family for Christmas and his Birthday (Feb). After a few days there he experienced a seizure (1st ever afaik) and was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged but they found a mass on his chest (~3cm), inflammation around his heart lymph nodes as well as blood clots. The suspicion is the mass is cancerous and has caused a Pulmonary Embolism which in turn caused the seizure.

This is obviously very shocking for the family and I have some concerns given he's currently on a trip to New Zealand. Health insurance won't pay for a biopsy whilst he's there, he can't travel back safely with the blood clotting (probably this side of Christmas, he's been prescribed blood thinners) he will be in touch with his GP in the coming days but I'm wondering how urgently we should treat this, he's a little bit stuck time wise as he needs to get the blood clots under control before he can fly home and the cost of a biopsy in Auckland is at least £2k (with a 4 week wait anyway). I think we'll try and get him home in January but its all very shocking and really I'm just having a vent.

  • Welcome to the forum Chris although I'm really sorry to hear what happened to your dad.

    This must have been very scary for everyone, but I'm glad he has the support and comfort of your sister and her family whilst this is going on.

    I hope he has been able to speak with his GP since you made this post and now has a better idea of what needs to happen before he can travel back safely but if you would like to talk any of this through with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m -5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all they can to address your queries and concerns.

    Hopefully some of our members will be along soon to offer their support and advice as well but in the meantime, we're thinking of you Chris and sending all our support to you and your dad at this very difficult and uncertain time.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator