Dazy

Reading your post, I think you should pursue a biopsy. Personally, if they could reach mine easily, I'd have them biopsied in a heartbeat! Especially if they can reach it via VATS, or needle. It is the ONLY way to know, positively, if it is LC, and what type/stage, etc. Once you know what you are dealing with, you can develop a plan of attack, and GO FOR IT!!! The important thing, is that it appears, at least from your PET, that if it's LC, they caught it early!! Wishing for quick (and encouraging ) answers for you, soon!!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey

Hi Karyn! Our stories are almost indentical, and do I ever understand the worry that goes along with watching these new li'l suckers develop. As you'll see from my profile, my "count" has gone from 3 in three lobes, to 7 in all lobes... Some are lobulated (the largest, for one), some are spiculated...most are tiny, and under 5mm. So we watch....every three months...and wait.... I, like you, struggle with finding a middle ground - I've almost become OCD-like in my quest for information but knowledge IS power, as long as we don't let the knowledge freak us out too much, huh? Feel free to PM if ya ever need more info - I have PLENTY Hang in there, and keep us posted!! Yours in HOPE! (& watch ) Stacey

I would go for a 2nd opinion - NEVER hurts - even a 3rd, if you don't feel quite comfortable... Nodules can light up on PET from inflammation, or infection, as well as malignancy. You didn't mention when the 1st CT in the ER was done. If your nodule grew/changed that much in a short (less than 30 day) period, it may be due to infection, rather than LC, as "volume doubling times" are usually at least 30 days in most LC's. A biopsy is the ONLY way to know for sure. Hoping and praying for the very BEST!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey

I had to copy this in its' entirety - this news is far too important!! I literally started crying when I read this!! Yours in HOPE!!! Stacey From the E.V. Tribune: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/84362 Mayo Clinic team in hunt for cancer vaccine Lindsay Butler, Tribune For years, the scientific community battled cancer through treatment — after diagnosis. Now, a team of Valley researchers is turning that concept on its head. Mac 5, a collaboration between Arizona State University and the Mayo Clinic, has begun work on a project that has thus far been unduplicated elsewhere in the world. The goal: a vaccine that could stop cancer before it starts. “It boils down to this,” said Dr. Stephen Johnston, director of the Center for Innovations in Medicine at ASU. “The therapeutic vaccine has largely been a failure so it has a bad rap. And giving a vaccine as a prophylactic is not generally thought of.” The project is high risk, and many senior scientists won’t touch it, Johnston said. Then there are those who see the “big picture,” and what a huge impact a cancer vaccine could have. “If it’s successful, it will be very good,” Johnston said. “No one has convinced me yet it’s a bad idea.” Mac 5 was created about a year ago. The name stands for the Mayo Clinic/ASU Center for Cancer-related Convergence, Cooperation and Collaboration. The cancer vaccine is the group’s fi rst project and brings together people from the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Scottsdale and the ASU Biodesign Institute in Tempe. Eventually, personnel from both centers will work together in a lab at the Mayo site. Johnston said they need to buy some equipment but should be moving in about two months. Although the group is very enthusiastic, finding a way to prevent cancer in everyone isn’t easy. “It’s thought that every tumor is personal, and that there won’t be something in common between two people,” said Kimberly Ovitt, communications director at the Biodesign Institute. But early tests show indications that there may be a commonality, Johnston said. As they begin the research, the group will focus on four types of cancer: lung, breast, prostate and colon. They will use 20 samples from cancer patients and analyze them in the lab, looking for a signature on the earliest number of cells. If all goes well, a vaccine would be ready for clinical trial in about four years. “That’s the big kahuna,” Johnston said. There has never been so much new technology and insight into the battle against cancer — much of which came from the Human Genome Project, which mapped human genes, said Laurence Miller, director of research at the Mayo Clinic. “We now are able to characterize large numbers of genes and gene products and proteins so we can understand those that are different in a cancer cell from a healthy cell,” he said. Because no one has tried this approach before, it will take a while for the project to garner traditional sources of funding, Ovitt said. Until then, it will be supported by the state, ASU and the Mayo Clinic. “The benefits of working with the Mayo Clinic is one. It’s the powerhouse in the area. And two, it’s great to have somebody very close to interact with,” Johnston said. And that kind of collaboration is unheard of. “We’re doing something different here in Arizona,” Ovitt said. Johnston, who came here 18 months ago from Southwestern University, even was able to recruit Doug Lake, an associate professor at the Biodesign Institute, from an institution not generally known for cooperating with ASU: the University of Arizona. “I still have boot marks on my rear end from when the ASU moving van pulled up,” Lake said. Word about the project is quickly getting out, and Johnston said they are receiving more applicants who want in. “That’s why I came here — to take some risks,” Johnston said. “Somebody ought to try it.”

Okay...I'm really embarrassed to admit this, but for the sake of helping you back on track, here goes... Last weekend, after having a couple of beers, I decided I would have "just one" smoke....AFTER OVER 4 YEARS of being "basically" a non-smoker (I've had spills off the wagon perhaps 10 times, or so in the past 4+ years ) Anyway, "just one" became 4 before I knew it!!! YUCK! But ya know what? Next day I quit again, and I haven't had one since. Moral to the story - dunno - I shouldn't drink beer... . Just kidding...really, you just have to keep on trying. DON'T GIVE UP!!! Eventually, it will stick. Hang in there! P.S. I don't spank...so I guess you'll have to go hang out in the naughty spot instead... Yours in HOPE! Stacey

YAY for SHRINKAGE!!!!! May the great results continue!! Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Ah, Bill....LOVE your attitude!!!

I tend to believe there MUST be a genetic predisposition, in some cases. LC (specifically, adeno, or adeno w/BAC) struck my father, my paternal uncle, and my maternal great-uncle. My paternal grandmother succumbed to larygneal (sp?) cancer. My maternal great-grandmother to breast cancer. Many studies are being conducted in this area. In time, I believe a link will be discovered. Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Hi there, bbear! Welcome to "Nodule Watch"... My good buddy, Deb, (aka, Snow) has already given you the scoop on the nodules - and she sure has done her homework! (Luv ya Deb! ) I'm sorry to hear how this has affected your life, and that of your family's. It BITES! I will include your brother in my prayers - May he find a full recovery! The fear you are experiencing sounds all too familiar. I think Don hit it right on the head - that is the downside of CT scanning. We've been watching mine for almost 2 years now - and while it gets a little easier, I still freak out EVERY time I go... Whatever it turns out to be (and it may be nothing!!! Recent Mayo Clinic studies show that as many as 90% of subcentimeter nodules are benign!!!) you and your docs will be keeping a good eye on it. Just keep up with your scans - and yes, insurance will cover them now, as that is the standard protocol for "nodule watch". We've had some people come here with nodules, and have had them disappear when they go back for follow-up 3 months later! In the meantime, we will hold your hand, and help chase the scaries away when they start getting to you. Hang in there, okay? Yours in HOPE!! (and watch...) Stacey P.S. GOOD LUCK, Debbie & Hubby!!!!

Hi Beth ~ I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's diagnosis. She will be in my prayers, as will your family. LOTS of excellent advice (as ALWAYS) here. But I'll chime in on Mayo... (The following is NOT an advertisment - simply my own assesment ) You don't mention what part of the country you are in, but as for visiting Mayo? Sure, she could go there. I live near the Scottsdale, AZ facility. (My son works there, as well ) There is a link on this site for Mayo. You may contact them at the location of your choice. They'll ask for her reports, scans, etc. and usually provide some sort of preliminary assessment prior to scheduling her for an appointment. I really like their integrative approach - VERY impressive facility! PM me if you'd like further info. Wherever your Mom seeks treatment - I wish her the very BEST outcome!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey

Hmmm...didn't know that. I will certainly jump on this bandwagon. Here in AZ, we have very little support for the cause (as I sadly discovered last Nov. ) Surprisingly, even with Mayo Clinic in the area, as well as some other fairly comprehensive cancer centers, we have NO real support/advocacy groups for LC, here in the Phoenix area. The only LC resources in the state are out of UofA in Tucson... Thanks for the info. Let me see what I can do... Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Okay...here's my two cents... Have the CT. Radiation received in a spiral CT is pretty minimal - equal to approx. 2 yrs. normal background radiation, I believe. You do NOT need contrast for a screening scan. I have been scanned every three months for 2 years, now. I do not have contrast because I am allergic, as well. IF there are abnormal findings on CT, they can be followed up with PET, instead of contrast CT. I have read that in many cases, use of contrast interferes with the ability to detect calcification in a nodule, anyway. My N.P. encouraged me to have a CT done, even after an x-ray performed 2 weeks prior showed NOTHING! She asked me to "humor" her. I did, and guess what? Yup, it was abnormal. (Details below, in my VERY lengthy profile ) Moral to the story: Get the CT. It's better to know, and really the rads aren't too serious considering what we are exposed to daily, just walking outside... Wishing you ALL the best, whatever you decide! Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Ooops! I'm a little late for the party Hope it was wonderful!!! HAPPY 41st BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! And, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, (could go on forever.............. ) MORE!!!!!!! Yours in HOPE!!! Stacey P.S. You are an awesome son!!! What a lucky Mama!

I can only echo what others here have said - please don't beat yourself up with regret. You were THERE for your Mom - loving her, supporting her, and doing ALL you could for her - AND SHE KNEW IT!!! And STILL does. I am so sorry for the horrible sense of loss you are experiencing. I have a feeling that if your Mom could, she would tell you to find a warm, cuddly blanket, and feel her spirit in that blanket, as you wrap it around yourself. Feel her comforting you, holding you, and know that even if you can't see her, she is ALWAYS that close...looking out for you, and holding you close in her love. I hope & pray that time will bring you the peace, and comfort you so deserve. (((((((HUGS))))))) ~ Stacey

WOOOOHOOOOO!!! You go Girl!!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey

YAY!!! I'm glad your Mom is doing better & that the xray was clear!!! As for that noise...? I had that, too, once. Barb was right...they called it pleural friction. Felt/sounded weird, but was of no significance! Here's to continued improvement!!! Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Hi Gayle ~ That IS a beautiful pic!! I just wanted to add my prayers, and healing wishes for your family. ((((HUGS)))) Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Hi Traci! I'm glad you posted, but SO sorry you find yourself in need of this site. OF COURSE you are welcome here! Family members are victims, too. The site has an area especially for family members/caregivers - you've probably seen it by now. I just wanted to welcome you. MANY here will help you (and your Mom) to navigate this difficult journey...and I expect they'll be along any time, now. As for symptoms, I can't help with your questions. But, I CAN send prayers, hugs, and BEST healing wishes your way!!! So, I am! Hang in there!!! Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Whew!!! I must admit, you had me on pins & needles, this time around, too. And I have to echo the others' sentiments ~ Don't you DARE feel guilty for your good news!! You see, I believe the inspiration you bring to so MANY has become your new "purpose/mission" in this life. You simply MUST remain NED because you have a VERY important job 'round here!! SO, good news for Fred, Tracy & Kasey!!! The angels are looking out for your family!! 2007 is gonna be a great year ~ I can feel it! Love ya, Kasey! Meet ya guys at the Pub? I'm buying! HUGS!!!! Stacey P.S. I got a "stable" on my report, too! No change to lymph nodes OR nodules since PET/CT in October! We "peek" again in March. I have to see an ENT for a bony tumor on my palate, but other than that.... BTW, what is your fav flower? Think you may have mentioned it, but...???? Hugs, Again!!!

WOOOOHOOOO!!!!! What a wonderful gift to give yourself!!! It's been over 4 years for me...sometimes it is STILL hard! But, oh so worth it!!!! Keep chalking up those days!!! You can do it!!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey

TONS of hugs, Kasey! Here's to NOTHING but GOOD results, and answers, and better days ahead in the New Year, huh? We must've been hit around the same time...I've been on Prednisone, again, for the past week, and a half...STILL can hear me wheezing from across the room... When are your scans? I go for mine on the 8th. Holding you close in prayer, my friend!!! Feel better, soon!!!!! Yours in HOPE!!! Stacey

Joe, I am pleased to hear that your recovery is going well. I pray that the Tarceva will keep those li'l suckers quiet, or better yet, chase 'em away!!! Happy Holidays to you & your family, Joe! Yours in HOPE! Stacey

Tracy, this news has made my day!!! Heck...it's made my MONTH!!!! I am SO HAPPY for you!! Everyone join me at Cindi's for a round!! Tracy, we toast your excellent results, & your 40th, and wish you MANY, MANY, MANY, (MANY x 100) more!!!!! Thanks for putting a smile on my face!!! Yours in HOPE!! Stacey

Mine were not seen on chest xray, taken only two weeks prior to my CT scan, which showed, at the time, 4 nodules. The largest was 1 x .7 cm. You may opt for CT w/o contrast. I have allergies to the iodinated contrast, so mine are done without. Personally, I wouldn't trust chest xray for lesions smaller than 1cm. Good Luck! Insist on what you KNOW is best for you! Yours in HOPE!!! Stacey

Hi Jillie! Just wanted to add my welcome, and positive thoughts to the others! Sounds like your Mom has a very loving, and strong support system at home, too!! I'm sure with so many loved ones helping her kick booty - she will soon be hanging out with NED, too!! Keeping you & your in my prayers! Yours in HOPE! Stacey