Guest hearrean Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Just joined & wanted to introduce myself & give some specifics of my situation. FYI: I'm a 58 year old male former smoker, but quit 5 years ago. I had a follow-up CT scan done 2 weeks ago and saw the Pulmonoligist last week. The Radiologist written findings were as follows: An irregular 20 X 19 X 18 mm medial right upper lobe mass has developed closely associated with the suprahilar region. This is highly suspicious for neoplastic disease. Associated with this lesion is a second mass which is suprahilar in location & does extend into the mediastinum, and again this is most likely a neoplasm & this component measures 33 X 24 X 24 mm & irregular. This most likely represents a malignant bronchogenic neoplasm, however a PET scan is recommended for further investigation. The Pulmonologist also looked at the CD of the CT scan & agreed with the Radiologist's findings. He sent me to a Thoracic Surgeon immediately the same day. After the surgeon reviewed the CD of the CT scan, he recommended a bone scan, PET scan & breathing function test be done first prior to any possible surgery. The breathing function test he says will determine how much of the lung can be removed safely if that is what is needed. I can say that I had a breathing function test done about a year ago & it only showed I had about 53% lung function. This was also when I was diagnosed with COPD. This is obviously due to my prior years of smoking. FYI: The Dr. did say it's slightly possible (20%) it's not cancer, but most likely is. Obviously I've been in a daze ever since & have hoped for words of encouragement from others? Right now this has hit me hard & quick & I don't mind saying I'm scared out of my mind. I have already decided to get another opinion & have already set up to go to MD Anderson in Houston this week & put myself in their hands. I'm set up for a PFT this Wednesday & on Thursday a PET scan. They didn't say anything about a bone scan, at least yet. I guess the Doctors will review the PET & then let me know from there. Again, I'm frightened but also trying to hold on to some hope & faith. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyr Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Welcome Ken: the initial news and diagnosis is shocking, mind numbing and terrifying. We've all been there and understand what you're feeling. The one thing you'll hear repeated here over and over is the importance of a second, and sometimes a third opinion. You have done the best possible thing by going to MD Anderson in Houston (my hubby goes to MD Anderson in Orlando) They will do all the tests that need to be done and work with you on a treatment plan. Once a treatment plan is in place, you'll start to feel a little better. Please continue to post and let us know how we can help you. There is a wealth of information and support here. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Welcome Ken, keep us posted on what they say at MD Anderson DonnaG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Hi Ken and welcome. I still remember that feeling of fear 12+ years ago. HOPE is a powerful word and it gets us through some VERY TOUGH TIMES. Never give up HOPE because there are a LOT of us LONG TERM LC SURVIVORS still here. It's that HOPE, SUPPORT, LOVE, and GOOD HUMOR that keeps us going. Keep us posted and hang in there, your in good company! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Welcome Ken. Going to MD Anderson is the best thing you can do at this time. Don m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Ken- Of course you're scared-- we've all been there. The second opinion at MD Anderson is a good idea. Gather all the information you can. I hope you are in that 20% that has something other than lung cancer. Welcome to the board. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbb Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 Ken, I just joined here too and the best thing I have read is "don't look at the stats", hopefully you will have no reason to worry anyway. Keep posting and I wish you the best. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Welcome Ken! I'm sorry that you needed to find us, but there is so much hope and help here. My fingers are crossed that you are in the 20%, but if it turns out otherwise, stay strong and fight....we'll be fighting right beside you! Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollfinn Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Ken~ The way I see it, you have good insight and a fighting spirit. You found us, good move. You have your facts organized, great move. It's a battle you can win! Many of us have. we all look foward to your postings. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 FREE BOOKLET ON statistics!! available and surviving!! "When people hear the words, 'You have lung cancer' their mind starts racing and they hear or remember very little of what comes next," said Joan Schiller, M.D., president, National Lung Cancer Partnership, and lead author of the booklet. "Even in this age of the Internet with information at your fingertips, patients and their families often don't know what to ask or are intimidated about doing so. This booklet was designed to be an easy-to-read resource for many of the initial questions people might have, from what kinds of doctors will be treating you to whether or not a clinical trial is right for you." The booklet is available at no charge by sending an email including your name and address to info@NationalLungCancerPartnership.org. An expanded version with more detailed information and links to additional resources can be accessed at http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/. "Living with a Diagnosis of Lung Cancer" explains what lung cancer is and how it affects the body. Standard treatments, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, are discussed in detail along with their possible side-effects. The booklet also includes an extensive resources section with contact information for the many organizations that support cancer patients in various ways. The booklet also outlines how to get a second (or third) opinion; how to be your own advocate and how to accept help from family, friends and support groups I am sorry you ahd to find us and hope the test shows that you enver have to get to know us. IF I am wrong though, HTis is the best place to be for help Love and support from MAny survivors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hearrean Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Thanks so much for everyones' words of encouragement & kindness. Well, one more day to go. I know I'll have a hard time sleeping tonight; I'll be going to MD Anderson (Houston) tomorrow morning for my initial consultation & the 1st test (PFT) & then returning the next day for the PET. I'll try my best to let everyone know what's up afterward although I wouldn't think I'd hear back from the docs on Friday (just one day after the PET). Again, thanks so much to everyone..... Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 I just wanted to let you know that what you're describing is pretty much the same course of events I had and the tests that were prescribed. I'd also like you to know that more than 4 years have passed since my treatment, and I'm alive and well and feel really great. It is entirely fitting for you to go into this with a lot of hope at this point. Easier said than done, I know that from my own experience with all this, but you can survive this. Good luck, keep us posted. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Ken, Welcome...you have come to a wonderful place of encouragement and hope. Blessings always, Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Hello Ken and welcome I hope you will be posting here again soon with good news! Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbara5452 Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 Ken welcome and just let me say once the shock and fear take a step back the fighting gloves go on. But lets hope your 20% not cancer is what we will hope and pray for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 Ken, Welcome to the site. It sounds like you have everything planned out pretty well. The second opinion is the right move. Keep us posted. Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherA Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Hi Ken, Hang in there and know that we're here for you. You'll be in good hands at MD Anderson. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Welcome Ken! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Hi, Ken, welcome to the group! Waiting for your update... Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy-OK Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Welcome Ken ... this is a great place with a lot of fantastic folks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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