Bronchoscopy

Hit with a Curve Ball

3 rounds of chemo and a CT scan later and I find myself in my Oncologist’s office waiting on some news. I had a feeling it was bad news when he asked me to come to the hospital instead of speaking to me over the phone.

We’d planned 6 rounds of chemo with surgery after the 3rd round. This is the half way point of my treatment. Surgery time!

Mum, boyfriend and I were huddled in the consultation room waiting in silence for the Oncologist. He hurried in with my medical file in hand and asked me how I’m doing, how the last round of chemo went, how the symptoms are. The usual stuff.

Then he gave me some good news, my blood count has dropped by almost 90 points (Hurray!), quickly followed by a curve ball… “your CT scans show no change in the size of your tumours and although the cancer hasn’t grown it hasn’t shrunk either” the doctor said.

Then he dropped a bombshell. “They’ve also noted a change in the size of the lymph nodes in your lung and the surgeon doesn’t want to operate until he’s sure that there’s no cancer in your lung.” I’d been coping up until then.

Every time he delivered a piece of news I responded by saying “cool” until he responded “actually it’s not cool” and of course he’s right. I guess that was just a nervous reaction, there was just so much to take in.

Since this appointment I’ve been to see a lung specialist who thinks the change in my lymph nodes is either an autoimmune disease called Sarcoidosis or secondary lung cancer. I’m rooting for a bit of Sarcoidosis to be honest. Sarcoidosis would be swell.

Yesterday I had a Bronchoscopy to get a biopsy. During this procedure they put a very long tube with a camera on the end of it down your throat and into your lung whilst you’re wide awake. This makes for an awful lot of coughing and gagging. Then they put a needle down the big tube and take a biopsy. 

It was all very phlegmy and surreal. I was drugged up to the eyeballs but still conscious enough to hear the conversations of the 5 people standing over me. I remember thinking, all these people doing all this work just to help me, wow. And that’s just for this one procedure, not to mention the other numerous treatments and scans yet to come.

I don’t know the outcome of my lung biopsy yet and I still have a PET scan and an MRI to go before the surgeon has enough information. If  the surgery does go ahead the procedure will be much bigger than initially thought because the chemo didn’t blast all the little tumours on my abdomen like we’d hoped it would.

On the plus side my oncology surgeon has been running all around the hospital talking to specialists’ trying to figure out how best to treat me. The surgeon is like the king of the jungle at the hospital and if there’s anyone you want fighting your corner this is your guy. Now I’m just sitting tight waiting on results to find out if/when I can have surgery and whether or not I have cancer in my lung.  

 

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

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16 Responses

  1. My mum’s had sarcoidosis for 6 years, Jen. It’s not fun but it’s manageable. Fingers crossed for you. X

  2. Jenny, you are an amazing young lady and so brave. Thank you for sharing what you are going through.

  3. Jen, you’re an inspiration. Thank you for writing and sharing about your experience. Sending you lots of love and positivity xxx

  4. The team looking after you sound amazing, your wonderful family and the medical team. I am cheering for you as you fight one of the toughest rounds yet. Kick that cancers arse!
    Sending you love , hope and positive vibes.

  5. Your bravery is astonishing, Jen. Sending so much love and strength to you. I bet the waiting is tough. Hang in there xxx

  6. Hi Jen your mum is a regular reader of our blog and she has been telling me all about your journey and sent me the link to your blog. I just want to say from what she has told me you are a fighter and a bit like my own daughter you never give up. Keep knocking those curve balls out of the park you’ve got this girl ❤️

  7. Hi Jen. You are strong and no doubt have good determination. Keep pressing onward. I pray for special guidance to the medical folks to develop the right treatment and for God’s miraculous work.

  8. I’m sorry for the huge challenges you face. Through it all keep your mind strong, and keep writing your story, because it helps others, and because you are precious. Sending you healing hugs 💕

  9. I was recommended this blog through my cousin. I’m no longer certain whether or not this publish is written by way of him as no one else understand such precise about my problem. You are incredible! Thank you!


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