Afraid

By longlegdog

1 min read

I have never forgotten what an older man said to me fifteen years ago: He noticed I was smoking and he said, “you know it’s not that smoking WILL KILL YOU, it’s that smoking takes ITS TIME killing you”. I’ve never forgotten those words and now they mean something to me.

I am 60, been smoking since 16. I have now contracted pneumonia and have had it for close to two months. COPD (un-staged) and bronchi infection of some sort. I had been short of breath for a few months but didn’t want to go to the dr. He told me last year I had COPD and needed to stop smoking. I didn’t.
Now they want to do a lung biopsy Friday. I am afraid.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi longlegdog and thanks for your post and for sharing so candidly your history and current situation. It's perfectly understandable the anxiety you're feeling about going to see your physician. We are here should you need our assistance and/or support. This sounds like it should be the logical next step to determine what is going on now and then set up suitable treatment. We wish you luck. Please do check back and let us know how you're doing. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
willdoe Member
The best in your biopsy results, longlegdog, that is something that I have yet to face. I was smoking since I was 13. I am now 62 and just quit last March. And the best against the pneumonia as well! willdoe
1. longlegdog Member
 Thanks for all the support I’ve receivef. You guys are awesome and I surely need your encouragement
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, longlegdog and thanks for your post. We're happy to be of assistance - it's one of the main reasons we're here. Wishing you well. Leon (site moderator)
phylissd Member
longlegdog, most smokers had attempted to quit multiple times before succeeding. Don't be so hard on yourself. Every attempt brings you one step closer to success. I once thought I would not be able to quit, but it has been a little over 2 years since my last cigarette and smoking is the last thing I want to do now. I know being newly diagnosed is scary. But there is support out there for you - like right here! Good luck with the biopsy and stay in touch.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Thanks for your comment, PhylissD, we appreciate your input. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
longlegdog Member
PhylisD. Thank you so very much for your support
luvmylife1948 Member
I felt the same way when my husband had to have a biopsy. AFRAID. My husband was a heavy smoker for 28yrs. and then gave up SUDDENLY. He went on to be diagnosed with MESOTHELIOMA. Lung cancer in the lining of the lung caused by inhaling Asbestos in the workplace as a carpenter. The disease takes 40yrs. to develop and is incurable. The Oncologist said my husband did not get cancer from smoking. It was the asbestos that caused him to be terminal. To anyone going through this FEAR It is not easy. IT HURTS. but in time you recover one day at a time.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi luvmylife1948 and thanks for sharing your experience with your husband, mesothelioma and fear. It's very helpful to learn about what others in our community are going through, how to handle it, and the suggestions being made. We appreciate what you have to say. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
longlegdog Member
I went to the pulmonary doctor and I’m going to have to call them Monday to find out what exactly he said I had. It was a three letter thing and he said it’s like TB but it’s NOT. He also said it’s not contagious. He gave me an antibiotic to take for 20 days and is making an appt for me with an Infectious Disease Dr. He has a very thick accent and I didn’t really understand what the three letters are. He also said something is “spongy” and I had cells that can turn into cancer. While I’m short of breath sometimes but I don’t have a cough. Does anyone have any idea what he could have been talking about?
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi longlegdog and thanks for sharing your situation with the community. We cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concerns certainly warrant a reply. The three-letter acronym you're looking for could be anything based on the symptoms you described (pre-cancerous cells, shortness of breath, absence of coughing and a 'spongyness&#39😉. It's very prudent for you to return to the doctor for more of an explanation - please do check back and let us know how you're doing. The infectious disease physician may also be able to shed more light on your present condition. Wishing you the best, Leon (site moderator)
longlegdog Member
Well it seems I have AFB, non-TB. My pulmonologist has an Infectious Disease Doctor calling me to make an appt. Of course I googled AFB and saw it linked to NTM. I’ve been trying to get over pneumonia for a couple of months and had been told I had COPD. Now this from a lung biopsy. I am worried and wish I knew what was next. My doctor has me on an antibiotic. Can anyone suggest additional information?
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again longlegdog and thanks for the update. When you use the acronym NTM - are you referring to nontuberculous mycobacteria? You may realize we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet - this is for your own safety. Although it's good to familiarize yourself with these conditions from 'Dr. Internet", I would caution you against using the internet as a 'fill-in' for your physician. You will definitely want to spend as much time as possible with your pulmonologist and infectious disease physician. They will be your best resource to learn all about the condition and the prospective treatment. We are always here for you and will look forward to hearing more about your progress. Hang in there! Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)