So yesterday I had the bronchioscope and it took longer than expected. I love when I know doctors are thorough!! This team at Cleveland Clinic are amazing, talented, gifted (and at times hysterically funny) surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, etc. I am so thankful for all of them.

On the larger mass, the doctor stated that this did not drain like a cyst as he had hoped.  He scraped some cells off and those were examined.  The cells seem to be abnormal and unlike the tissue surrounding the mass.  There was nothing definitive found with this mass.  He then moved onto the small mass.  This also did not drain like a cyst and was found to be consistent with a carcinoid which is a cancerous tumor that has a slow growth. It’s a NO chemo or radiation type and only 1-6% are this type so that is great news!!  If there was one lung cancer that you would want, this is the one.  There are various levels of carcinoids and this is a “typical” variety.  This tends to be a better type. Because this is apparently a carcinoid, it is likely that the large mass is as well.  Both areas will be confirmed in the histology report due mid to late next week.

The doctor stated that even though there was a pathologist and a histologist present during the biopsy, the results are preliminary and will be confirmed within the week. Ron and I decided we’ll hear the report when he is home on Friday.

Also, as a complete surprise, while descending down the trachea, an irritation was found.  This did not look like either mass and is inconsistent with cancer, but cells were scraped  and will be looked at as well.  This, of course has caused a severe sore throat and desire to cough which, at times, brings up small amounts of blood due to the scraping and poking of the areas.  The doctor stated that this area almost looked like an irritation from a chronic cough where the trachea collapses on itself and rubs against the other side. This may be from when I had the real bad cough late last year and earlier this year.

I’ll schedule the surgery sometime early October. Probably a 4-5 day hospital stay and a 3 month recovery. My goal of course is to feel good enough to cook Thanksgiving dinner!! 😉 Please pray for not only myself but my family, the doctors and staff at CCF. I know many of you that have walked down similar roads and even much worse. Know that your faith, courage and strength are helping me every step of the way!!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 91: 1-3 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

Please share with me any healing scriptures in the comments!

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