Scared to Death

Hello 

I'm new

My mother has been unwell with colds and continuous chest infections from November 22. Prior to that she has had a cough for about 2 years and nail clubbing for 1 year. She has been asthmatic all her life. She ended up in A&E in Dec 22, took bloods and was on a nebutraliser and the Dr's said it was a severe chest infection and was put on another round of antibiotics. She saw a GP in Jan 23 for a review on inhalers and the Dr was very concerned about her nails and asked lots of questions. She then went for an X-ray. She was called up by the hospital that afternoon to say she needed an urgent CT Scan as a growth had been found on the left lung and booked it in for the next day. A few hours later her GP called her to check this had been done. After speaking with the doctor, he seemed to suggest they were leaning to lung cancer which obviously sent her into a panic. She has had her scan and now we await for the appointment which is tomorrow for another test ans results of the scan. We are all going out of our minds with worry. Has anyone been in a similar situation? I just need some reassurance  

  • Hello mel21

    I'm sorry to hear about all that your Mum has been through particularly over the past few months. 

    I wanted to post to ask how she got on at her appointment today. I hope that the Consultant was able to give you all some answers about her diagnosis and what the next steps will be for her. 

    If there's anything you'd like to talk through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Jenn 

    Thanks for ur message. We have seen a consultant today and she has said they have found a 4.3cm mass on the top of the left lung. She now needs to have a PET scan and a biopsy to confirm cancer but the consultant is sure it is lung cancer, just needs to be confirmed. Once everything is back then discussions will be held in terms of courses of treatment. My worst fear is happening and I'm beside myself with worry now. 

  • Ah Mel I'm so sorry to hear the news. 

    This phase of waiting now for more information is difficult for everyone and your emotions will naturally be all over the place. 

    I'd really recommend that you give our nurses a call either tomorrow or later this week. They'll be happy to chat things through with you and hopefully give you some advice and information to help ahead of your Mum's next appointments. They'll also be able to help you think about some of the questions that you might want to ask at the appointment. The nurse team is available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Be kind to yourself Mel. This is a difficult time for you all but we're here to support you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 


  • Hi Mel,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I went down the same route with my Mum and we found the not really knowing what was happening, was the hardest part to deal with. Once you know the diagnosis and start to treat it, you will feel more positive about everything.

    Has your Mum got a date for the PET scan or biopsy yet? I hope that she doen't have long to wait for them.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. We are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Thanks both. 

    Not a date yet but the consultant said between 2-3 weeks for the scan and biopsy. I just don't know how to feel about it. In a sense it's bad news as they are going down the cancer route but they are poisitve it is treatable. Its like a confusion of feelings. 

    Jolamine, sorry to hear you have been through this also. You are right, the waiting in between is the worst. How is your Mum doing? X

  •  

    Hi Mel,

    Sadly, we lost Mum 25 years ago. Her's was more advanced than your Mum's. She initially had breast cancer, which metastasised into her lungs, liver, brain and bone. One good thing about having cancer today is that diagnosis, treatments and after care have all advanced tremendously, in the past few years.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 13 years and there is just no comparison between the experience which we both had. Nobody wants a cancer diagnosis, but we have to take the positives from this and the fact that it is treatable is a good place to start. You are bound to feel scared, as will your Mum. She is fortunate to have you for support and will need this over the coming months. I hope that the news from her PET scan and biopsy continue to bring hope. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • So very sorry to hear that. I hope you are doing well after your diagnosis.

    I'm thinking about the positives as much as I can, it's the hope I think. Either way we know what road we are about to go down and it's got to be done as much as its scary. We are in the process of starting to tell family as we didn't want to until we kind of knew what we are dealing with so that will be a few upsetting days ahead. Thank you for your kind messages and will keep you updated on here xx

  •  

    Hi Mel,

    We all need hope in our lives, so try not to lose sign of that! This is what has got me through and I'm very fortunate to be able to say that I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    None of us like having to tell family and friends. Most leave it until they know exactly what they are dealing with. You will find that the more positive you can seem to be about the outcome, when you tell them, the better everyone will cope.

    Do please keep us updated and I sincerely hope that it won't be too long before your Mum gets a definite diagnosis.


    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thanks so much, really appreciate you reaching out. I'm in a mindset of just telling them then it's over and done with then. You never know if you are doing the right thing but I think people will start to notice something is wrong. 

    Thanks again x

  •  Hi Mel,

    When you tell them is totally your and your Mum's decision. It is very hard to hide how anxious you are feeling, so you may feel better once you've told them. There are no hard and fast rules about this.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx