LouT

I just want to ask if the Xray was a chest xray or xray of your foot/ankle?  I'm hoping chest xray otherwise I would ask for that just to be on the safe side given your history of DVT....

I love you all. Even tho you called me a hypochondriac!
Just kidding. I keep my good eye on the road. Always 

TJM, you’re absolutely right! I’ll feel much better when whatever it is is gone. Knowing that it will be caught early is the only reason I’m not hitting the panic button for sure. I appreciate your encouragement, it does help!

Thank you Karen L, I appreciate it! I’m anxious to get it over with. I find my mind wondering to it what seems to be all the time. I listen to books on my daily walk and seem to miss most of what’s said LOL.

Congratulations Rikke...what excellent news.
Lou

Tom,
I agree with Rikke.  Don't panic as all critical tests are coming out well.  On the other hand you should still seek answers as to why it's happening and how to reduce it.  Please keep us updated on this.
Lou

My surgery was done robotic VATS (Visually Assisted Thoracic Surgery) so it was more endoscopic.  In my case I was told I was under for about 6 hours.  I know of others who have been under less and more.  It will really depend on what they find and what is being excised, and anything else that they want to check out during the procedure.  The good news is I wasn't aware of any of it.  

After my surgery I was able to raise my arms, but my right-side (the side of my surgery) was sore for a while.  In the beginning I'd get up, walk around the house for 10 minutes and then sleep for an hour.  Over time the walks became longer and the sleep shorter.  That will depend on how you prepare yourself for the surgery.  I normally do 5 miles a day and then weights (not a body builder, just trying to keep everything working) but it took me a few weeks to get my first 10k steps (~1 mile).  My advice is; take care of yourself before the surgery (food, sleep, and moving), and after; use the spirometer, move as much as possible (don't overdo it), eat healthy and get good rest.  Over time you'll be surprised quickly you'll recover strength.  Right after surgery I spent time being breathless after any exertion but over time that improved so don't be frightened by it unless it is serious then speak with your doctor.

Feel free to ask any additional questions you've got friends here and you won't go through this alone.
Lou

Thanks for the update on your scans.  I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing growth, but it's not unusual.  My nodule was discovered in Jan. '19 and was so small they waited three months to see what might happen.  Three months later it had grown but after an inconclusive PET Scan and failed CT-guided Biopsy they opted for surgery.  Prior to the operation I asked the surgeon what the chance was that it was not malignant and he told me "about 10%".  He went on to explain that while most nodules are benign the malignant ones are more apt to grow.  I had my surgery in May '19 and it resulted in a lower-right lobectomy.  Since that time I've been NED and leading a full life.  My prayers are that if it is malignant you'll have the same kind of outcome.
In the meantime you may want to take a look at a blog I wrote titles "Thoracic Surgery Tips & Tricks".  It will cover pre-surgery prep, the hospital stay, and post-surgery recovery.  In the meantime please ask any questions that you may have.
Lou

Congratulations Rikke...what excellent news.
Lou

Tom,
I agree with Rikke.  Don't panic as all critical tests are coming out well.  On the other hand you should still seek answers as to why it's happening and how to reduce it.  Please keep us updated on this.
Lou

I'm always envious when surgery is an option for someone. It offers such a measurable outcome.
For myself, starting into year 4 of this nonsense, I will will act aggressively and decisively the moment there is a change in the status of my scans. YMMV-- we all have different approaches and priorities. Best of luck. 

I posted my scan waa clear, that the lesion I was concerned about was nothing and my weight loss stabilized. To top it off I actually feel pretty decent for my new normal 
Then last week I noticed my right foot was swollen up pretty good. Not the left. Concerned my wife enough to call the advice nurse. They advised a trip to the ER. I waited till the next day and went into urgent care. Results were:
CBC and other tests fantastic. Ultra sound showed no DVT. X ray nrgative.
Then I went home. My foot is still swollen. Doc only gave me vague instructions. FWIW, I did have a PE several years ago and am on blood thinners.
I have a note into my primary but do not have high hopes. Anyone else experience Endema (sp) so long after treatment (3.5 years) and totally out of the blue?
I guess I cannot accept exceptionally good results without a fight!
Tom
 

I came across a column a few days ago from a self-proscribed hypochondriac. Turns out it was someone with a history of hodgkin’s. I was thinking that it really is a side-effects of cancer recovery. Even if all goes to plan, you will always be extra wary of any physical symptoms. I get a bit worried if I have the tiniest cough. Just spoke to someone who is convinced her dodgy hip is bone metastasis, rather than the logical conclusion that carrying around her toddler grandkids might be to blame. But better safe than sorry - so good to get it checked. And when that is done, celebrate your clear scan again!

@Scruboak, your simple statement, "I struggle with this," spoke volumes to me. And, I cracked up because letting go of my agenda is not one of my strong points. 🤪

I may be wrong but I am going to go out on a limb and predict that you will feel much better cutting that vile thing out! I did!
Glad you caught it early. You got this

@Blossomsmom May 6th probably can't come soon enough. I'll be thinking of you as the date approaches.

@Anthony, a friend of mine has an Exon 19 mutation, with lots of mets to the bones. He was diagnosed 16 years ago. 16  Don't quit before the miracle....

Edivebuddy, thank you for your reply!  Yes, the surgeon said they will do the rapid on site evaluation. Sounded like the results of that will dictate how much of my lung she’ll remove. Guess I’ll find that out when I wake up.
I will definitely do what they tell me to do. I really want to be back on my feet as quickly as reasonably possible.

Ask if they will be performing a Rapid On Site Evaluation.   They look at the tissue right there in the operating room.  (Some have separate rooms but close)   
You've already started the rehab and it is going to go a long way towards your recovery.  Follow their plan and move as much as possible.   

My surgery was done robotic VATS (Visually Assisted Thoracic Surgery) so it was more endoscopic.  In my case I was told I was under for about 6 hours.  I know of others who have been under less and more.  It will really depend on what they find and what is being excised, and anything else that they want to check out during the procedure.  The good news is I wasn't aware of any of it.  

After my surgery I was able to raise my arms, but my right-side (the side of my surgery) was sore for a while.  In the beginning I'd get up, walk around the house for 10 minutes and then sleep for an hour.  Over time the walks became longer and the sleep shorter.  That will depend on how you prepare yourself for the surgery.  I normally do 5 miles a day and then weights (not a body builder, just trying to keep everything working) but it took me a few weeks to get my first 10k steps (~1 mile).  My advice is; take care of yourself before the surgery (food, sleep, and moving), and after; use the spirometer, move as much as possible (don't overdo it), eat healthy and get good rest.  Over time you'll be surprised quickly you'll recover strength.  Right after surgery I spent time being breathless after any exertion but over time that improved so don't be frightened by it unless it is serious then speak with your doctor.

Feel free to ask any additional questions you've got friends here and you won't go through this alone.
Lou

@Karen_L I understand what you’re saying. Joy can be elusive in a way that happiness is not. If joy is the fruit of the Spirit I can only hope to experience it when I let go of my own agenda. I struggle with this.

Thank you Lou! My journey is starting out just like yours did and I hope to have the same good results you’ve had. I will definitely look at the blog and appreciate the recommendation. 
The one question neither my husband or I thought to ask is, how long does surgery take? I know it probably depends on what they do once they get into the lung but are we talking an hour, 3 hours or ?
Just read the blog. Thank you, it’s very helpful! One (other) question. Are you able to lift your arms over your head after surgery? The answer will dictate what I take to the hospital to wear home.

Thanks for the update on your scans.  I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing growth, but it's not unusual.  My nodule was discovered in Jan. '19 and was so small they waited three months to see what might happen.  Three months later it had grown but after an inconclusive PET Scan and failed CT-guided Biopsy they opted for surgery.  Prior to the operation I asked the surgeon what the chance was that it was not malignant and he told me "about 10%".  He went on to explain that while most nodules are benign the malignant ones are more apt to grow.  I had my surgery in May '19 and it resulted in a lower-right lobectomy.  Since that time I've been NED and leading a full life.  My prayers are that if it is malignant you'll have the same kind of outcome.
In the meantime you may want to take a look at a blog I wrote titles "Thoracic Surgery Tips & Tricks".  It will cover pre-surgery prep, the hospital stay, and post-surgery recovery.  In the meantime please ask any questions that you may have.
Lou

Hello. I had a 1.2 cm round nodule in my RLL discovered in 2006. Had annual scans for 5 years and then forgot about it.
Fast forward to 2020 (early) and that nodule had grown to the size of a lime. Upon reviewing my past surveillance scans I found that it had indeed been growing very slowly, but growing. No alarms were set off. Also the SUV uptake wasn't high but wasn't  nothing at 1.8
My message is to not forget about it if you go the surveillance route. I ended up with 3 nodes involved and staged 3. Had a RLL VATs, chemo and radiation. Turned out to be Large cell NET (rare for LC) so the stats were scarce. They treated it as if it was small cell. I feel lucky to have had surgery because if it was known to be large cell protocol for surgery is sketchy.
I would have it removed. I wish I had in 2006 (was given the option but doc suggesr a PET scan instead). Suffice it to say I was not a happy camper and made them very aware of that fact.
Best of luck. Probably ok to go either way...if you keep cognizant it is there.
 

These are tough decisions!  It is important whatever you decide you are comfortable with it... wishing you the best as you decide.