Berry

@michellep I've continued my research, and came across (sorry, not sure where, now) someone who said that when multiple nodules are found it's usually consistent with an inflammatory process, rather than cancer. (This was from a doctor, not chatroom). I bet it's from your pneumonia, but {{hugs}} I know how scary that must be for you. @Fran, take them up on the offer to see the Oncologist. 1cm is the perfect size to get a diagnosis and begin treatment (if necessary). At the very least, "peace of mind" is invaluable

Thanks for all the positive thoughts. I'll let y'all know when we find out anything

Thanks for all the ideas. We do have a local Cancer Center at our hospital, and one of the oncologists there is even in-network with our insurance (this has been proving to be a difficult finding, we usually have to travel an hour or more to find in-network specialists). I'll run the idea by our primary care to just have him referred over there, bypassing the pulmonologist.

Our family Dr. was intent on describing just how SMALL 2-4mm is. I am familiar with metric #s, so it's not a problem for me to understand this nodule is pea-sized. The knowledge that every 10cm (4 inch) tumor was once a tiny nodule does nothing to make me feel better that this nodule is tiny What does make me feel better is hearing you say that nodules can both grow and shrink .. so it's not necessarily a one-way street. (Thank you!) We're trying to get a pulmonologist onboard so if this nodule continues growing, we'll already be in a doctor's system that can lead to more accurate tests (like the PET). If the current growth rate continues, this nodule will be 10mm (almost 1/2in) by next summer, large enough for accurate diagnostic tests. oh, and btw, I've learned that the initial radiologist review is worthless. When reading his 2nd scan, the radiologist was wrong about which lung.. saying the first nodule disappeared, and a second one popped up in the other lung.. and that this "new one" was too small to worry about (which still may be true, but it's the growth rate that is most concerning us!).

My husband (43, nonsmoker but raised in a smoking household) had a CT scan 9 months ago, looking for an abdominal hernia. A 2mm nodule was discovered in his lower lung. The doctor repeated the CT scan a couple weeks ago, just to recheck (knowing it was a very low-risk nodule), and it has grown to 4.6mm. Assuming the measurement is accurate, that shows a doubling growth rate of 70 or 80 days. I've looked around the web, and can't quite figure out if the growth rate (risky) is more important than the size (small, therefore less risky). Has anyone had a similar experience? They say catching cancer early is good, but it feels as though we've caught something that is TOO early!