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Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Mar 28 9:04am | Replies (1142)Comment receiving replies
Hi Colleen, you might remember me from a few years ago in the Ostomy group. This time I'm joining the Lung Cancer group as my husband has had a CT scan which showed a large ( a bit smaller than a baseball) mass in his lung and also in his liver. This was done over 2 wks ago and have been waiting to get on the schedule for biopsy of the liver. Yesterday we were contacted by an oncologist who, fortunately will see him on Christmas Eve at a Hospital clinic only 12 miles from us. The MRI and PET scans will also be done there in the first week of January. The liver biopsy can't be done until 1/5/26 and 50-60 miles away. We are in our mid-eighties and freeway travel has become daunting for us. He also has macular degeneration so is unable to drive. The MRI is being done on his brain...the oncology scheduler told me they do these on all their cancer patients since the route of lung metastasis can take that route as well as to the liver. I had scheduled him to see our PCP because he was falling asleep on the sofa several times a day, sometimes sitting up. He had also complained about having to stop and rest several times walking through the woods during deer hunting. He has always been active and very strong. He has had a cough ever since I've known him in the 70's but in the last few months seemed to me to be much worse. He refused to see the doctor about it. I am scared beyond words that this is small-cell and has spread to the point of being untreatable. I am scared beyond words. This site has been a daily visit for me since my health issues in 2021/22. Has anyone on this site had positive outcomes with late stage treatment?
Replies to "Hi Colleen, you might remember me from a few years ago in the Ostomy group. This..."
@blinken, I just saw your message today. You and your husband have been through a lot this past weeks. Today, I read that you are on the road to get the liver biopsy done. Sending you positive vibes and a virtual hug to let you know I'm thinking of you.
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@blinken, This is hard news to handle, but it's good that you saw a change in your husband and were able to get him into a doctor. It sounds like his medical team is jumping right into action. The appointment with the oncologist will help you to understand what may be next. A biopsy is helpful to identify the type of cancer, which can be matched to specific treatments. The MRI and PET scans will show where the cancer has spread.
Lung cancer treatments have improved in recent years. All treatments come with challenges, some more than others. Many of us with metastatic lung cancer are living longer 'normal' lives. There are many types of lung cancer, and even more treatments or combinations of treatments.
Try to take one day at a time and try not to get ahead things. Focus on what you know, not what might be. Do you have others that may be able to help with the longer drives? You may want to mention the help that you may need with the oncologist's office too. They may have support resources that they can offer.