GP Receptionist gave me some comments on ct scanPLEASE HELP.

Public Archive
1

Hi Everyone,
My MIL was diagnosed on 20th July with breast cancer. Due to her status (she has alzheimers disease), we were told they will not operate but she was started on Tamoxifen to try to keep it at bay. CT scan carried out on 12th August as she had lost lots of weight - specialist said doing ct as precaution to make sure disease wasnt elsewhere. We have appt for results on Tuesday. However, I popped into her GP surgery today and couldn’t help myself asking the receptionist if they had heard anything following the scan. She told me that there is a “large ground glass nodule” in the lung. Have any of you heard of this before? I am concerned as she had a ct scan 3 years ago following a blood clot in her leg, and at that time they found a “spiculated nodule” in her lung, but it didnt grow for 3 months so no further follow ups were done. This ground glass nodule is in the same lung.
I am supposed to be taking her to the hospital on Tuesday on my own, but I am thinking if its bad news maybe my husband should come with me? ALthough she has Alzheimers, she would know what they are saying, even if she would forget by the next day. IF it has spread, will they tell her? Or would they just tell us?
Sorry if I’m rambling-just need to get my head right and get some ideaof what questions I should be asking on her behalf. I dont want to let her down.

Thanks Guys,

Tricia x

2

Hi

You’ve come to the right place for support as the many informed users of this site have a wealth of information and experience between them.

While you are waiting for replies could I suggest that you give our free helpline a ring on 0808 800 6000 and have a confidential chat with one of the breast care nurses, lines are open to Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00.

regards
June, moderator

3

Hi Tricia

Don’t know anything about the nodule but wanted to wish you well. As to whether they tell your mum, there is no reason why they wouldn’t unless she does not have mental capacity and this is official/legal and you are her appointed representative. I think given the whole circumstances it may be worth having your husband’s support if possible. Good news or bad it is a very emotional experience.

Hopefully others will be able to advise more on this but I would suggest trying the helpline as it’s run by nurses and they offer great advice.

take care, Elinda x