Shoo2 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 I feel like I'm dipping my toe in the water to test the temperature. I will be a caregiver soon, and I've just barely managed to keep breathing since my husband's suspected lung cancer biopsy results 2 weeks ago. He is having a PET scan done today, and we will be meeting with his new doctor next week for the results........GULP. I think that if we just face this monster heard on, and not bury my head in the sand (I've never been that type, though) then we'll get through this. I wanted to thank everyone who has posted, and who keep this site up and running, because while I can surf and surf the web for info, there is sadly a short supply of true support groups for lung cancer. Thanks again for this site and support. Shoo2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CIndy0121 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Welcome, Shoo2! This is the place for getting your feet wet, because you already know and are prepared to do, there's no alternative to diving in to the testing and waiting and appointments. I gather your husband had an inconclusive biopsy. Was it by needle or bronchoscopy? I don't want to get ahead of what you already know for sure, but I did want to affirm that you have dipped your toe in the right place, so "come on in; the water's fine". (Seriously, I don't always post in complete cliches.) I'll be watching for you post when you get your PET results next week. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 And thanks for joining us Shoo2! What can I say? Just two things at this juncture: lung cancer sucks, and my wife's resolve is the reason I'm alive today. I pray the biopsy is negative, and I hope you have only one more post -- announcing the biopsy is negative. You are right about the web. There is lots of information but little insight. We have insight. It comes from actual experience with the beast, or alternatively and just as importantly, actual experience in caring for those who have the beast. Here is a little essay that originates largely from my lessons learned during three years of treatment. Questions? Don't hesitate; we have insightful answers. Stay the course. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoo2 Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 16 hours ago, CIndy0121 said: Welcome, Shoo2! This is the place for getting your feet wet, because you already know and are prepared to do, there's no alternative to diving in to the testing and waiting and appointments. I gather your husband had an inconclusive biopsy. Was it by needle or bronchoscopy? I don't want to get ahead of what you already know for sure, but I did want to affirm that you have dipped your toe in the right place, so "come on in; the water's fine". (Seriously, I don't always post in complete cliches.) I'll be watching for you post when you get your PET results next week. Cindy Thank you Tom and Cindy for your replies. There wasn't enough tissue taken by needle biopsy to complete the histological and DNA tests, so I am assuming that another one will need to be done. The pathology report just stated that due to the location (outer left lobe) and size (4 cm) they assume at this point this is adenocarcinoma, but that doesn't mean anything yet. Once the results of the PET scan are given on 9/11, we'll really know what we are facing. My husband had neck fusion done on 6/7/17, and 2 months prior, his neurosurgeon needed a chest Xray. The new oncologist was interested in getting a copy of that xray to see the comparison. I don't know what to feel about that.........was there something already there that no one noticed back in April, or has this grown so fast that it's 4 cm large. I also am freaked out about our insurance to cover all of this. As this open enrollment season here in California, our benefit review is 2 days after we get the PET results, so I can go in armed with some information. It gets worse in that we have a new union which has changed our medical coverage as of January......no more HMO. Plus the oncologist that my husband has been referred to is not Board Certified. I have checked Cancer.net to search for Board Certified Oncologists in our area, and there are a few. I don't know if this non-certified oncologist can may a new referral to a lung cancer specialist, which hopefully our insurance will pay for. This is all such a shock, and I still find it hard to breath. I'm just kinda numb. Thanks for listening. Shoo2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Shoo2, Unfortunately, PET scans (click on the > Positron Emission Tomography) have been known to be inconclusive. I've had many that were and the resulting wait for retest was maddening. So you've got a tough call given your insurance open enrollment. If it were me, I'd presume worst case and take the coverage that includes substantial cancer treatment. I don't know enough about California medical practice laws and regulations to have an opinion over a non-board certified oncologist, presuming of course that the doctor has a license to practice medicine. I well remember the numbness you are experiencing. I've been in wartime shock and awe. That's a piece of cake compared to lung cancer shock. Stay the course. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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