Have I already been diagnosed

A week ago a lead clinical specialist respiratory nurse rang me to say a shadow on my left lower lung had been seen on a CT scan I had had for a stomach investigation. Aparenty this has already been discussed with a lung team. They have arranged a echo cardiogram pulmonary function tests and a PEP CT. separately I have also been told they found some hopefully cysts on my ovaries for which I have been sent a gynaecologist appointment looking up this doctor revealed his Speacilist is oncology. Given the fact that I have a nominated spealist nurse who I can ring anytime for anything does this mean they are pretty certain I have cancer? 
 

background was having diahorria and cramps bloating stomach pain fail fit test too frail because I have severe copd for colonoscopy so I had stomach CT and chest CTn

  • Sorry to hear your worry definitely one of the most difficult times waiting.

     

    idon't think they officially diagnose until they have taken biopsy and looked more in-depth at the pathology. If they did you would know they would have said. They often have a rough idea based on scans etc however my understanding is that's not the whole picture and they can't fully diagnose and offer prognosis and forward plan until that happens. 
    most oncologists are specialists also in the field in general so they would investigate many whom have suspected cancer or complex issues aswell

    as those who do have cancer.

    I know my gynae oncologist does both oncology surgery but also women who have gynae issues such as endometriosis. 

  • The clinical specialist nurse I've been assigned because of the shadow on my lung had to ask why I had received a gynaecologist appointment I had no details or gynaecology issues I've had my menopause. 
     

    yes it's frustrating because I don't understand why I have a named specialist nurse if things are still just exploration 

  • Yes frustrating. It may well be that they are assigned to support through the process answer questions etc as often consultants often available for appointments. 
    the referral could be that they need further investigation and the team that deal with it is gynae.

    what are your thought on phoning the nurse specialist and just asking outright the question. That's what I did with my oncologist. 
    I think until it's confirmed they will not say for definite but it's important you are able to understand the process and they may be able to help? 

  • I'm going for the pet scan on Wednesday it should have been today but because I need ambulance transport it has been rearranged. He has rung me every day to check on me. All the tests have been over a fortnight and I would have been discussed again on Wednesday if the pet scan had been done today. So everything has gone very fast. I think I will press him for more information next week