new stage 1 diagnosis

Hi my mom has tentetively been diagnosed with stage 1 non-small cell. This is what her spiral ct says "A nodular lesion measuring 2.3 cm x 1.3 cm is now demonstrated in the lateral segment of the right middle lobe. This has lobulated contours and appears related to a bronchus along its hilar aspect. The imaging features are highly suspicious for a malignancy."

She had the biopsy Tuesday and is having a pet scan today. Her main doc told her it was 90% lung cancer based on the shape and other factors in the CT report. He said she would not need chemo (although we are going to explore that after her operation which will be scheduled for next week).

My question is does it make it worse that it is "related to a bronchus along its hilar aspect"?

When she had the biopsy tuesday they had to move the needle around a lot the 1st try to try and get it and then had to take the needle out and try once more for the biopsy. The dr. doing this said that because it was so close to the ribs he was getting caught on a rib and couldn't initially get the biopsy and had to reinsert the needle at which time he was successful and he also said it was hard to get because it was so small.

My mother is 67 was a previous smoker and the cancer was found because she's in the national study where you get an x-ray or spiral ct scan annually.

Also, I think she thinks it will be kind of easy to recuperate from this and from what I read here it can take a very long time. Her rotator cuff on the side she has the lung cancer on already bothers her and I think this surgery and the recovery will be hampered by that.

Thanks in advance for any replies

Linda in Rhode Island