Lung Biopsy - Why would this be?

My dad had a CT scan which they were sure was cancer and went for a PET scan last week. His follow up is next Weds and now have called today and said he needs a lung biopsy on Thursday.

What would they be doing in the biopsy? Checking what it is? I am really worrying now - does this mean its worse news than we initially thought (they were talking about surgery to remove it and then treatment) 

Thanks all

Parents
  • Hi my partner ended up with a lung biopsy as lots of people have little growths and things that are not cancerous pet scans detect cancer i believe down to two millimetres but infamation can give false readings the only way i i beleive is put a needle through your lung wall and take the tiniest bit of tissue then the do real tests i suppose all the othere tests do a job but its like trying to read a newspaper behind a net curtain you can see the writing but you just are  not a hundred percent on all of it . After its done they leave a tube in for however long it takes to heal and once the bubbles stop they take it out they just pull it out not painful but a bit uncomfortable and any fluids drain out . It may be nothing the test will tell for sure .. in my case with liz they messed about for 8 months thinking it was something else and it all took to long then it was to late i have never seen such shower of incompetant rotters and they had allready said it definatly wasnt cancer that made worse rant over not easy but looks like your poor dads in better hands you usualy find out pretty quick yay or nay so just try not to worry we are all rooting for your dad as we have all been touched by this horrid disease one way or anothere .some are absolute saints in my eyes the ones that have it. You can spk to cancer nurse over the phone theres a number to ring its at the begining or you can ring the marie curie helpline and mcmillan they will advise you its free and they are very knowledgeable

  • CT scan results today and alls good. Next one will be in 6 months. Hip replacement operation scheduled for 29th August, so not long to wait for that now.

    Hope that all is well with you too.

    Take care of yourselves.

  • Thank you both so much, Dad seems positive but I feel a mess again. I was so hopeful after surgery that it would be done and dusted. My last hope is that its enlarged due to an infection and something simple! I've googled though which doesnt help!

     

    I will be praying for good results for you homebird, please dont think the worst and please take this how its meant and I hope we wont be holding hands on this journey and positive news will come for you and for us from the biopsy.

     

    Please let us know tomorrow xx

  • Thinking of you both. I know this extra worry is the last thing either of you need.

    Homebird, don't read anything into it being a letter not a phone call. A phone call could even suggest a need for urgency, or just a last minute cancellation. No point in trying to second guess what it means, you'll drive yourself mad.

    LD, you'll feel better when you know what youre dealing with. And regards Doctor Google, remember no-one has the exact same condition or circumstances as your Dad so nothing you read is reliable!

    Wishing you both a megaton of luck and love

    Monica x

  • Thank you - I know not to google but everything is saying that an enlarged node is generally due to infection or malignancy. I can't see it being an infection. 
     

    im so upset - I wish and pray that it's nothing. 

  • I'm so sorry you are having such a tough time. 

    The waiting is the worst. Once you know what you're dealing with, I think you'll begin to feel better. Hope you get a reasonable night's sleep.

     

    Much love x

     

  • Good Morning, today is definitely going to be a better day than yesterday. I got the letter out again today along with the prescription, masks and blue badge. Read the letter again and realised that the appointment was July 2021. How could I have been so stupid?

    Anyway by getting that I presume it's all clear (although still hoping for a letter saying so)

    God bless you both and take care. Xx

  • Ahh wow I'm so pleased for you, that's amazing news! X

  • Brilliant news! Have a lovely summer X

  • I just thought I'd update that Dad had his biopsy results today and sadly its cancerous :( I cant believe its come back. Still we all try to remain positive, he's off to see the oncologist tomorrow and the registrar thought he would be eligible for targeted treatments. I hope you are all keeping well xx

  • So sorry to hear this news. Please try and remain positive. Let us know how he gets on with the oncologist appointment. I will be keeping everything crossed for you.

    Take care of yourself and your family. xx

  • Sorry to hear this. I hate cancer! You must be feeling very worried. However, the possibility of targeted treatment does sound promising. You will probably feel better when there's a plan. sendng you all the love and luck in the world. xxx

Reply Children
  • Hey I just wanted to update following Dads appointment yesterday. He has a form of cancer that mutates (I think may be EFGR gene) but it's not spread so only in his lymph node and a few nodules in his chest. 
     

    He's going to be given tablets called Osimertinib which sound like they have good success rates. The doctor was very positive and said it works in 80% of cases and can take for years. So all in all positive but I guess it's never going to go now it's back and a case of keeping it under control:( 

     

    thanks for your well wishes xx

  • That's excellent news. What a roller coaster life with cancer is!

     

    Keeping everything crossed for you and for him.

     

    xx

  • Yes, that's good news. Hope you are all feeling more positive. Onwards and upwards.

    We are still self isolating (our choice) but on the whole hubby is fine. Has put on a bit of weight and is looking more and more like he did pre cancer.

    Take care of yourselves xx