Hi @csherry06. Congrats on quitting smoking. That's a huge accomplishment. You mentioned that they diagnosed you as stage IV, did you have an earlier biopsy? Scans are certainly helpful in diagnosing lung cancer, as they are pieces of the puzzle. A biopsy tells us what specific type of cancer it is, or if it is something else altogether. Our lungs are very sensitive and can react to many things.
As a stage IV lung cancer patient myself, I have had a few bronchoscopies. Generally, the procedure is well tolerated, with some coughing and throat irritation after the procedure. Will you have a light anesthesia for the procedure? I've had light and a general anesthesia when they were going after a nodule deeper into the lung and using a robotic procedure.
You posted in the Breast Cancer group. Did/Do you also have breast cancer?

You can find the lung cancer group with many helpful members here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/