I am so sorry to hear about your mom. This must be so scary for all of you. However, don't assume it's cancer just yet.

It is very possible that it is an infection or something else. It could even be a scar on her lung from a previous illness, like pneumonia.

I know it seems like your mom is keeping things from you, but she's only trying to protect you. Unfortunately, if she tells the doctor to give you no information, he can't tell you anything. He could speak in hypotheticals, though, if he's sympathetic. Try phrasing it as "So in cases *similar* to this, hypothetically speaking, what are the chances it is something serious? What kinds of things could this be?" That may not work, but you could try.

The biopsy results can take as long as they take. Could be a week, could be three weeks, depending on where it's sent, how busy that place is, not always because of what they find or don't find.

Once you know more information, I would do some research on your own and make a list of questions you have and at least give them to your mother to ask the doctor, if she won't let you be there to ask yourself.

Your mom may not want you in the doctor's office, but tell her that you want to be there to support her. She shouldn't have to go through this alone. She would want to be there if it were you in this situation, wouldn't she? So ask her why she won't let you be there for her in the same way. I know you are her daughter and she feels like she needs to protect you, but you sound like you can handle this, maybe more than she gives you credit for.

The main thing is not to freak out just yet. You don't know what it is, so don't assume the worst. Please write back and let us know how things go. I wish you all the best.

Thanks so much for your reply. I have a little more information. Mom told me that the doctor found a spot on her lung, which in itself wasn't the red flag as far as a cancer diagnosis--he said that the cat scan showed that the mediastinum looked to be involved as well. Apparently he went on to say that she was not a candidate for surgery due to extreme weight loss and being unable to breathe... They are looking into having a biopsy in Edmonton or Calgary hopefully sometime this week...
I appreciate having some support here as I almost feel as if I need to "be strong" for Mom and my other family, when all I want to do is cry....

I hope the biopsy turns out okay and they find out what is wrong. It's the not knowing part that can be the hardest. If you know, even if it's something bad, you can start to deal with it. When everything is still up in the air, it can be so much worse.

Your mom is very lucky to have a daughter like you to be there and look out for her.

Just remember to take time out for yourself. Confide in people, friends and family about how you feel. Don't bottle it all up inside. Ask for help when you need it. Stay busy to help keep your mind off things, but don't push yourself too hard. Know when it's time to rest.