home from biopsy consultation

cinnabon64 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject: home from biopsy consultation

Just when I thought things could get any worse....

Mom has to have a Bronchoscopy and a Mediastinoscopy. With the tumor surrounding the vena cava, it is partially compressed if not fully compressed. She is at a very high risk of bleeding or for the vein to fully collapsed. If this happens she is in BIG TROUBLE. This procedure would normally take 20 minutes, but in her case about 2 hrs. Apparently she is even at high risk for anesthetic as well. Normally this is supposed to be a day thing, and she will probably be in 1-2days, if all goes well.

This compression of the ven cava is what is causing the puffiness in her neck and face, as the fluids can't drain.

I just told mom yesterday that the biopsy was no big deal as we already know that she has cancer. I was trying to keep her calm etc. Man, was I unprepared for this! Its just a biopsy! Come on!

Now I am really scared. We managed to get her EKG and blood work in there and don't have to worry about trying to get it set up at home here. Thursday she has her CT of brain and stomach. And we are seeing our GP for a family debriefing session.

Now I wish we would of gone on the rollercoasters at Valley Fair in preparation of the one we are about to ride now.

Please! And words and prayers please!

Bonnie
_________________
Cinnabon

My Mom diagnosed with Lung Cancer
tumor surrounding Superior Vena Cava
on July 18/08
died July 30/08

testing never completed, many questions unanswered

onecoyote · Experienced user Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 67

Hi Bonnie,
I am sorry to hear of your mom's troubles. My husband was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his right middle lobe. When he was told he needed a bronchoscopy he freaked out. Let me tell you that it sounds worse than it ends up being. My husband flew through the procedure and kicked himself after for all the anxiety he created. Most doctors have years of experience doing these and they take lots of precautions to minimize discomfort.
I can't speak for the mediastinoscopy as my husband did not have one however, I am sure someone here can address that.
Many prayers go to you and your mom to ease this tough diagnostic time.
Peace,
Onecoyote
PS. The bronchoscopy took 1 hour for my husband so doing both the procedures would normally take the 2 hours you were told.

dano · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:25 am Post subject: Re: home from biopsy consultation

Hi Bonnie;
I've been there, no one had said much but inside I was wondering and over all when it was all done it seemed simpler than most tests.
It seems like with your Mom's age and overall health, that the doctors are being cautious, sounds like good doctors. Get her to relax, the doctor's have it handled. Well easier said than done.
God Bless
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993

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