Narrowdog, being on O2 24/7 doesn't preclude surgery at all. Other conditions might, but people who are on O2 24/7 have surgery all the time. You need a surgeon and, more importantly, an anesthesiologist who has worked with people with COPD before. Think about lung transplants.......
Biopsies are quite common and most people get through them just fine. I'm sure there are horror stories, too, but remember that the vast majority of people do just fine.
Thanks @A MyCOPDTeam Member, however, my pulmonary doc says no to surgery. And I'm now 75, am still having a good life with my O2 and, while I have said I'd never say this again, I'm at "end stage" with 33% lung capacity. I'm content with an ongoing learning about copd and attended another class yesterday - learned another new thing! I'm also very fortunate to live in an area where there are great resources for "copders" in addition to pulmonary rehab. I'm sorry there are so many folks in areas with limited resources or experienced doctors. My heart goes out to them.
Thank you!
I had the CAT scan and 2 small masses were identified. This was followed by an MRI. They were, fotunately, very small and could have been treated with a few doses of radiation. The procedures were performed again about 6 months later and they remained very small. Will have another next year but have been told that with copd very small "things" can develop that don't require any action - for which I'm thankful. If one is on O2 24/7 biopsy and surgery is not always possible. Good luck! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.