Hi. I had a right middle lobe lobectomy via VATS 4 wks ago. A 1cm tumor was found in the plurea viscera, abutting my heart during a CT scan on my kidneys (I have cysts on them). It was a shock as I had no symptoms and I am an non-smoker, although the only one in my family. I didn't even know what was happening at first, I just started getting lots of appointments for various tests including lung function and a PET/CT scan etc. Nobody mentioned cancer until I had an appointment with the chest consultant and the young lady with him introduced herself as MacMillan nurse. Due to the placement of the tumour nobody even wanted to biopsy it as it was considered too dangerous, even though there had been a small amount of growth and there was lividity. So it was decided to wait and see.

4 months later I was back for another CT scan and there was slightly more growth, the anti-biotics I had in case it was infection did nothing and all the blood tests were negative. I decided that I wanted to speak to the surgeons even though they still didn't want to operate due to the risk. So I went for another PET/CT scan and went to see the thoraxic surgeons who suddenly changed their minds and even got a biopsy done. I was waiting on a date, expecting it to be a few weeks away when I got a phone call within a few days, he had the results of my latest scan and biopsy and wanted me in the next day for surgery.

So that was 4 wks ago. I go back next Tuesday for my first follow up. Still in a bit of shock at how quickly things changed and a little worried as having a lot of pain, reduced appetite, nausea and developed a cough (apparently there was lividity at the back of my tongue and tonsil area on the 2nd scan but nothing was done there).  2 pre-op pregnancy tests came back positive which was strange as I am 53 and had a full hysterectomy and both ovaries removed 20 yrs ago. The biopsy caused referred pain into my right elbow (broken 2 yrs ago) when the needle touched my pericardium, twice, and that is still causing me problems.

I am so happy it was caught early and that a surgeon was willing to operate but, even though I had a 4 month wait, I do feel as though I had very little info, apart from what I researched myself, and went from 'waiting is the preferred option' to crazy rush once I asked to speak to a surgeon. I am hoping to get some information on Tuesday as it all still feels somewhat unreal, apart from the pain and wind and nausea....those are too real lol.