My mom is a 73 years old smoker (for many, many years). She was admited into the hospital for pnemonia. (Please excuse all spellings...I am upset and don't really care)
They just told me that they now think it's lung cancer and have given me two options...
#1 - Biopsy - to determine 100% if it is truly lung cancer. BUT...risks for her lung collapsing because she also has emphzeyma. If it does collapse she will have to be on a ventalator.
#2 - PET Scan - which will not guaranty 100% if it is cancer...but can be almost certain it is.
They said that I will have to do the biopsy if I want to do the chemo/radiology treatment path. But I should can do the PET Scan if I choose to "let the cancer run it's course". My mom also has early Alzherimers (mild/moderate dementia), emphyzemia, & osterioposis. She is very weak.
I am confused and need some other advise outside of my family. I am asking the hospital for a second opinion also.