They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?

Love this, YOU are in charge of YOU! Taking back some control is so important for some of us. Thanks.

@loula; @lls8000- One of the scariest things about having cancer is thinking that you are no longer in control of yourself or your life. Right now you are in control of the decisions that you make from options that you have. Instead of letting your mind take off in different directions make a list of what you think that you have control of and stick with it until you have more. You will be surprised by how much control you do have. Take it a step at a time and yes, breathe! Slow down what you can and be open to help and asking for it. Eat cleanly and rest when you need it.

Does this make sense to you?

said I have non-small cell lung cancer squamous cell T4N2, said I need to have a pet scan done and a mri of the brain next week then see the hemo doctor after and they will then tell me the stage of cancer and the treatment. I don't quit understand why I am talking to a hemo doctor rather than the pulmonary doctor. had to call the pulmonary doctor office to find out if it is a 3 cm mass (that is what they told me at first) but the lady at the hemo place said no she thinks it is 4 but once I have these tests done they will know for sure, that does not make sense. they should know what size the mass is now. I would think the pulmonary doctor should of told me these results . this lady is a nurse practitioner at the hematologist office is she qualified to tell me this?not the news I was wanting but get these tests done and know what I am facing sure hope it hasn't spread to the brain or other places but we will find out.

@loula Hi Loula. It can be so unnerving when you have information spread out with different providers in different disciplines, and you still don’t have all the information you want. It sounds to me like there is a real coordinated effort going on and it’s all on your behalf. Hematologists are often oncologists and that could explain that referral. But until you know what they’re doing and talking about it is difficult to relax. There is one thing you asked about and I would like to reassure you, and that is about a nurse practitioner. They have a lot of education and when they are working in one particular medical area they get a lot of experience and additional training as they go along. Over the years I have gained a lot of respect for those I work with. There are still many questions that you have unanswered, but keep track of those questions, and who will bring the answers. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and will be here if you later want to share what you learned. Peace, Nancy

My hemo dr. Is a Hematologist Oncologist
Blood work will help decide what course of treatment that will be presented
Check if there Is an Oncologist social worker to talk to to help with anxiety
Are there volunteers that help navigate your choices?
Try to have compassion for yourself. This is all so hard to go thru!
Waiting for all the tests!!
Sending prayers

thank you for the info on nurse practitioner. I will be glad to see Monday come and get the pet scan then Thursday I have the mri, the 3rd I am back to hemo doctor to get results . One thing I have learned in to reading this post and other people's views are it doesn't make it any better to get nervous about something you know nothing about until the time comes and I know the results and the options I have I am going to enjoy my life and try to make the negative thoughts positive ones and thank god I am still here. big hugs to all for being so caring.

thank you dutchw kudos to you for not accepting that, I have to go for a pet scan Monday and a mri Thursday, to see if the cancer has spread from lungs, said biopsy showed in one lymph node. then they will advise me of treatment so I am hoping that chemo is not one of them, everyone I know that has been on it says it is horrible. I will never give up and you also keep well and never give up, praying for you to always be well. my cancer is T4N2 non small cell lung cancer squamous cell.

Good for you Lola, positive attitude, attitude, attitude. 15 years ago my wife was diagnosed with non-Hoskins lymphoma cancer and put on chemo. Her attitude was amazing, always had a smile and her philosophy was “so what, I got this”.. For her, chemo was a walk in the park, one morning she thought she might be sick but wasn’t sure. We shaved her head because she didn’t want it falling out in clumps. She was disappointed because she had several cute caps she wanted to wear, instead her hair grew back nice and wavy. Her cancer came back 7 years ago under her left eye, went back on chemo, same reaction and is still in remission. She instilled the same attitude in me, will not let me give up even though my chemo experience was the exact opposite as hers. Do you have the results of your CT and MRI yet?

Hello, on my test results I see the Hemo.Doctor March 3 for results and then figure out what treatment will be right for me. did you get a second opinion before going on treatment? you and your wife are so lucky to have each other and you both are very positive hope that rubs off on me! I have had my down falls and thought well you can sit around and cry or get up and move, so I started doing the dancing with the oldies tapes we became a daily thing to do everyday. Keep strong the both of you and you are in my prayers.

Always hated waiting, so learned not to dwell on it. At this point its counterproductive. No, I didn’t seek a 2nd opinion.. I was fortunate enough to get the same oncologist that my wife has and we have full confidence in him, he’s our primary. He referred me to a thoracic surgeon and she verified the oncologists diagnosis, plus it was to advanced for surgery. We have a unusual situation, being snowbirds, we have and get treatments by two separate Drs with opposing philosophies. I have chronic fluid on my left lung and the winter Dr wants me to see a thoracic surgeon down here for treatment. We see them next Tue, 23rd, for a consult. Am a little apprehensive about that and will not consent to any treatment unless first approved by our primary oncologist and thoracic surgeon. It’s necessary you remain proactive with your own care Loula and not afraid to question your Dr... Dancing with the oldies, Eh!! That sounds like fun, keep it up. Hang in there, your doing fine, ditto on the prayers and please keep us posted..