Hi Everyone,

I find it very difficult to come here today. I don't know what to say or how to say it. Yesterday I spent the day at OHSU in Portland. I had a coughing spell and up came blood again. So hubby took me down to the emergency at OHSU I spent most of the day there. We explained the last 2 months of bronchitis and pnemonia and all the meds. I told them that I had lapband surgery and maybe something was wrong with the band. They assured me that the band was not involved in this problem.

They imediately started testing, CT scan, blood work, chest xray and at one point I thought we had some pretty good news. From the first looks at the scan it didn't look like there was any cancer. Then the senior radioligist read the test and said that cancer can not be ruled out yet. I do have Pneumonia and wether it is a tumor or abcess is the question. I will have to have a biopsy. They sent me home and I await a call today or tomorrow from their Pulmonary clinic to schedule the biopsy.

The waiting is awful, I don't know what to do with myself. I am really trying to be optomistic I know that what ever will be will be. But the things that go through your head. Oh my gosh!!! My husband and I cried in each others arms last night. We are both so frightened. I don't think this day could be any longer. How do you get through the waiting and wondering??

I just wanted to update you all on my situation. I had been so worried that the band may have been involved.

Thank you all for advise and concerns, Penni thank you for your kindness!!

I will keep everyone updated as things evolve.

Thanks again for all the support here!!!

(((Kathy)))

I hope it's just pneumonia, and that all is resolved soon. So glad it's not your band!!!

Kathy: I am so floored by your post. I will be keeping you in my prayers and know that you are going to get through this no matter what happens. You are a strong person and there is a reason for everything. I truly believe that. I am sure I gave you my numbers but if I didn't I will PM them to you now. I get home tomorrow morning so call me anytime after that if you wanna talk.

HUGS darlin

Kathy, First of all *big warm encouraging hugs*

Now, just last fall one of my mom's dearest friends and her family were put through bloody hell because the docotors told her she "might" have cancer. They all fell apart. The fear was overwhelming. But after a few more tests, they found she was just fine.

Please, please, please understand that just because they say the dreaded "C" word it doesn't mean you are likely to have it. They are just being thorough, which is good. I choose to believe you are raw from the bronchitis and thus the blood.

My prayers and firm beliefs that you are fine go out to you and your family.

*more hugs*

Kathy

We're here to support you, Thanks for letting us know...

I can just imagine the waiting is hell.

They sent me home and I await a call today or tomorrow from their Pulmonary clinic to schedule the biopsy.

I would think if they thought it was serious they would get you in ASAP

Keep us updated and know your in my thoughts and prayers

Oh Kathy, I wish the medical community would refrain from spitting out the C word until there is an actual test result with some certainty. It's horrible how scary it is when it's just one of MANY possibilities.

BIG hugs to you, sweetie. Did they give you meds for the pneumonia? You'll be feeling better soon, if they did. Rest up and be good to yourself, you deserve it!

Kathy, First of all *big warm encouraging hugs*

Now, just last fall one of my mom's dearest friends and her family were put through bloody hell because the docotors told her she "might" have cancer. They all fell apart. The fear was overwhelming. But after a few more tests, they found she was just fine.

Please, please, please understand that just because they say the dreaded "C" word it doesn't mean you are likely to have it. They are just being thorough, which is good. I choose to believe you are raw from the bronchitis and thus the blood.

My prayers and firm beliefs that you are fine go out to you and your family.

*more hugs*

I agree! Our minds always make us think the worst. We imagine all kinds of things and usually everything is fine.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope it is just a minor thing. Please keep up posted.

In the meantime, just keep busy, read, come here and post, go shopping, call a friend. Just keep your mind occupied.

Big hugs, and good luck!

I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I am saying prayers and more prayers that you will have the answer soon, and that it's something very benign and easily treated.

Kathy

Hang in there! ((((hug))))

It may take them a while to figure it out, but you will get your answer, and then you will deal with the results. One step at a time. Thanks for letting us know! Cindy

I agree that doctors put people through alot of unnecessary stress by using the "C" word too often. I know they probably feel that they need to tell you what it is they are looking for, but at the same time, it might be better just to say "We need to test this, we'll let you know what we find."

(((((HUGS)))))

I hope you feel better soon. I wish there was something more I could say to help take away the worry.

Kathy...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. **huugs*

FWIW, I have seen a lot of my family go through the scares of cancer. Literally everyone older than me on my maternal grandfather's side of the family has had some form of cancer. I know it's little comfort, but it was always, "You're going there now, why haven't you left yet?" when they truly thought it might be cancer, and never "we'll call you for an appointment." Case in point - my mother was diagnosed with melanoma about 4 years ago. She went in to have her PCP look at it, and within the hour she had been sent to the hospital for a biopsy and was on her way to the plastic surgeon (he did the actual removal).

It really is a good sign that there doesn't appear to be any cancer. They can never rule it out until they have done whatever specific tests are needed because - well, CTs are preliminary, and you can imagine what would happen if they said, "No cancer" only to have a biopsy show otherwise. It's the same thing for a broken foot. But IMO a lot of medical professionals understand what you're going through and will try to give you some indication, even if it's not so nice to hear.

:hug:

My heart is breaking for you. I do know from personal experience how difficult it is to sit and wait for the phone to ring with your test results. I am also an oncology nurse and really want you to know that though some do, most people never get cancer. The waiting is the hardest part. I hope you are able to surround yourself with love and support now. I am sending you hugs and prayers.

Hi Kathy,

My warm thoughts and hugs are being sent to you. I responded to your thread in the complications forum. I hope everything comes out negative and am praying for you. You still should get an endo if at all possible just to make sure the band is fine but otherwise keep in touch and let us know what you hear. Teresa XOXOXO

I'm thinking of you and your family and hoping for the best...

You've got my prayers too!! I know it's easier said than done, but don't worry till you have to!! I hope you get better soon!!!