Question:
Can anyone help, my Mum has been ill for some time now with chest pain, back pain, fatigue, she was sent to hospital for an X-Ray which showed she has a shadow on her lungs and fluid, then she was sent for a bronchoscopy and a biopsy at the same time, then 2 days later was sent for a CT scan. Is it usual to have to wait a week for the results of the CT Scan? as she is now convinced she has cancer, as are the rest of the family. As lung cancer runs in our family.
Thanks.
Any information that you think could help us with this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Kindest Regards
Carol
Answer:
Carol-
The CT scan is intended to give a more accurate picture, especially the shadow revealed in the x-ray. My wife had a chest x-ray which proved her lung had colapsed, then hours later had a CT done from the ER. With a couple hours we were told she had an obstructive mass which was later proved to be cancer from a bronchosocpy/biopsy. So to answer your question, the CT results can be determined rather quickly. However, it is the biopsy results that might take a few days due to the lab schedules. They obviously want to determine if it is cancer and if so, what type.
My wife went back for addition CT scans including the head, which revealed her cancer had spread to the liver and bone. So she has been diagnosed stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. However, she is only 43 and never smoked so she has responded fairly well to the treatment she has recieved so far (radiation ...chemo ...and just started a drug called Tarceva 3 weeks ago).
Lung cancer runs in her family as well. I know it is tough waiting on results. The best advice I could offer you at this time would be for the family to rally around mom assuring her that she has the total support of the family. I have have the old phrase "hope for the best -prepare for the worst" to be the most pragmatic attitude to adopt. I certianly hope it is not cancer, but if it is, know that this online community welcomes you. God bless and take care.
conan
Answer:
Thankyou very much for taking the time to reply. The waiting is very hard for all of the family, especially my Mum. I am very grateful for the information you have given me.
Thanks again
Carol -
Answer:
my mom got her results of the ct scan and biopsy they said she has a growth in her lung and they found a lump in her throat whilst she was at hospital they drew fluid from her neck we are very scared and worried wy dont they just tell her its cancer we all know it is this waiting is horrid it has made the whole family ill first it was fluid on her lungs then it was a shadow on her lungs now its a growth she has to wait till thursday for results of the fluid thing then another biopsy its all very confusing any com ents pleeeeeese
Answer:
Caza,
We have just had the whole waiting thing from 20th Dec till last Tuesday. Its the worst feeling in the world. I sympathis with you cos sometimes you feel so confused and useless. I still do. I cant help you but it kinda helped to know that there are people out here that dont think your mad and we understand how this thing becomes your life even when you want your life back. i hope you know what i mean. Maybe i am mad! try to smile and be strong for those who love and rely on you. my prayers are with you and your family. just talking helps.
lisa