Second Appointment with the Lung Specialist

The lung doctor has my CT scan results on the screen. He points out how the solid mass fills the entire cavity of the mediastinal area. He also thinks now that the mass is not growing out of the lung, but out of the lymph node. "Maybe Hodgkin's" he mumbles. He points out the part that is pushing out from my chest, which is barely visible on the CT Scan. All I can think of is, "that's just the tip of the iceberg". A very big iceberg.

For the first time, I am realizing the gravity of the situation. It could be cancer, and the tumor will have to be shrunk via chemo. But even if it's not cancer -- even if it's a cyst or a benign tumor, I'd have to have major surgery to get rid of it.

The doctor wants me to get a biopsy. If I can't come back today, then he can schedule one for Monday. I decide that it's best to get the biopsy done as soon as possible and arrange to come back at noon.