Hi 

Just an update for anyone following this. Mom has a PET scan on Wednesday and we are still waiting for the biopsy to be confirmed now. We have chased this with the nurse today. 

We are doing well after a few dark days. The constant roller coaster of emotions have hit hard but we are plodding through and trying to keep positive. 

Thanks ️

Hi Mel,

Many thanks for the update. I am so glad to hear that your Mom has now had her PET scan and I hope that it won't be too long before she gets her biopsy. Have you been given any idea when she might get this?

It is hard to keep positive all of the time, but I'm glad to hear that you are coping a little better. This really is a rollercoaster!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks so much ️. It's been a hell of a week that's for sure! 

No idea as yet in regards to the biopsy but we spoke with the nurse today and she is going to chase it so hoping to hear something Monday xx

Hi Mel,

The main thing to hold on to for the moment, is that they say that it is treatable. It is so hard for you having to be strong for your mum, but she will really appreciate all of your support.

Here's hoping that you hear something on Monday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

Mom had her PET scan and her biopsy is this coming Tuesday which she is dreading. Likely to be an all day thing according to the letter from the doctor. Honestly, these last few weeks have been so hard waiting. I feel like my life has stood still. We are still remaining positive and trying to keep her busy as much as we can. I'm going to all her appointments with her so she has extra support.

I always find the night is the worse. Lying in bed and can't stop thinking. Your mind can be your own worst enemy at times. Mom decided to hold off telling family (apart from my brother and a few close friends) and will tell them when we get all the results. She felt that was right for her so of course respected that. Sorry for the long post but sometimes you just need to get it off your chest. 

Mel x

Hi Mel,

I am sure that your mom is not looking forward to having her biopsy, but hopefully this is the last piece of the puzzle, before she can finally get a diagnosis and a treatment plan in place. Make sure to ask when the biopsy results should be back, before she leaves the hospital, after the procedure. It is so much easier when you have a date to work to, rather than waiting totally in limbo. 

I am glad to hear that you are going to her appointments with her, as none of us remember half of what we're told during a consultation, so, apart from the support, it is also so much more helpful to have an extra pair of ears on hand. You may also find it helpful to write down any questions which either of you have, for when she gets her results. It is all too easy to forget something important during a consultation. I still do this for every appointment, as questions will change along her journey.

Waiting for results is always one of the worst parts of our cancer journey and yours seems to have been quite prolonged. Night time is usually the worst, as our imaginations seem to go into overdrive. When I was waiting for results, I was told that no amount of worry would change the outcome. Although the sensible part of me knew that, my mind still played all sorts of tricks on me.

I am glad that you have told your brother and a few close friends already, but you are best going with what your mom feels is the right way for her to break the news. Most people prefer to wait until they have a definite diagnosis before telling people.

Don't worry about the length of your post - we've seen an awful lot longer on this forum! Besides, always remember that we are here for the bad days, as well as the good.

I shall be thinking of you both on Tuesday and I sincerely hope that all goes well - and that there won't be too long a wait for the results.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi All 

We have an update. 

We was called yesterday by the nurse to go into today to find out the results of all the scans and biopsy. Sadly, it is cancer. However, in the midst of sad news, there is poisitIve. It hasn't spread anywhere else and is not aggressive. She has non small cell lung cancer. They have found a lymph node in the chest that they are going to look into now. 

So next steps are a camera down the throat to take samples of the node and surgery to remove the cancer (and node if it comes back as cancerous). Possibility of chemo but that will be discussed with the surgeon. 

We was expecting it to be cancer and it is, but nothing can prepare you for those words. We are dealing with it well and staying poisitve. 

We have got this ️

HI Mel,

Many thanks for the update. This sounds a lot better than you were expecting. Nobody wants a cancer diagnosis, but if you have to have one, then it is good to have some positives. The fact that it is not aggressive, hasn't spread and is treatable are all points to hold on to. I expect that the possibilities of chemo will be discussed when the result comes back for the lymph node. 

Has your Mom been given a date for the camera yet? Itis always worth asking for a time frae for any procedure before you leave an appointment.

I am so sorry that this has turned out to be cancer and you're so right. No amount of preparation leaves you ready for this. how has Mom taken the news. So many thoughts go through your head at this time, but it is still easier to cope with than not knowing.

Please keep us informed about the node and, as you know, we are always here for both of you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

HI Mel,

I know exactly what you mean about it being a surreal 24 hours. It doesn't matter how well preparedyou think you are for this sort of news, it still comes as a great shock. You have a hard road ahead of you. When our backs are up against the wall, we seem to find hidden strengths from somewhere - you'll come out of this a much stronger person.

I am glad to hear that your Mom is being so positive about it all and hope that she won't have long to wait for the camera.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx