DanielleJW Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Hi All, I hope I am in the right place ?? If not pls let me know. Is there a group on here dealing with lung nodules?? My name is Danielle and I am currently waiting to be rescanned (in 2 weeks) time to see whether these nodules have changed. I’ve been pretty good living in the moment and not worrying too much over the last few months but now I’m getting very very anxious as it gets closer. I’m definitely in the high risk group at 47 and with a smoking history ... even though I gave up 12 yrs ago. I have MPN 🙄.... largest one is 8mm with no mention of size of others. Anyway happy to share more but just trying to find others going through the same thing if anyone is on here? Thank you 😊  Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Danielle, I think almost every lung cancer survivor has dealt with lung nodules. Fortunately, many more people have lung nodules that turn out to not be cancer. Here is my go to resource for explaining lung (pulmonary) nodules. An 8mm nodule is pretty small. For comparison, it is just a little bigger than an eraser on a wood lead pencil. Welcome here. You will find this is a good place for questions. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Yep, as Tom says, we've all been through the nodule thing, and many of us (including me)Â have been through scan, wait, and rescan. Sometimes waiting is the hardest part. Hang in there. Anxiety is normal. You will get through it. Bridget O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted October 1, 2018 Author Share Posted October 1, 2018 Thank you for taking the time to respond ... I realise I am only at the beginning of what may or may not turn out to be a lung cancer journey and I’m trying to get educated because either way it won’t hurt to learn. Im having trouble finding some other people at this is it ? isn’t it? stage to share with... feel like it would help somewhat to connect with others. Just I am a single parent with 10yr old daughter and I’m supporting my mother with dementia and no one to just share with IYKWIM. Ill keep reading on here maybe some others will find there way here? Thank you 😊  Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted October 1, 2018 Share Posted October 1, 2018 Â Others will probably find there way here! Many come here in the "is it or isn't it" stage. I suggest that you look at Lung Cancer 101 on the main Lungevity web site, if you haven't already. Here's a link:Â https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/lung-cancer-101. There's a lot of reliable information there about lung cancer including how it's diagnosed. Â Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellepowell Posted October 1, 2018 Share Posted October 1, 2018 Praying for you it's hard not to over stress rescan I always do even though mine has been shrinking there is still the chance you just have to try to stay positive and do things to distract you hope all goes well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwroam Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 My last CT scan found a nodule . My next scan is in 6 weeks so I'll cool my heels until then. In the world of Colon Cancer, they are referred to as "lung thingies" and back in 2008 I had a couple that never amounted to anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted October 2, 2018 Author Share Posted October 2, 2018 Hi 👋 wwroam ..  Yes they recommend I be rescanned 3-6mths ... I said 3 please as being the first rescan I’d rather know sooner than later if they are growing... anyway I was able to get in a space of well that’s 3 months away so just get on with it ... but getting myself very anxious now ... If I wasnt so high risk I’d probably not be as concerned. They found these incidentally when I was scanned for something else and caught the bottom on lungs on scan. Anyway nought to do but wait ... 👋👋 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 Mine was also found in a scan for something else. The "something else" was a prior advanced and aggressive non-lung cancer that could metastasize to lung (it didn't, it turned out to be a primary lung cancer. One thing that was reassuring to me in the scan-wait-rescan process: When I was being diagnosed with the earlier cancer they moved VERY quickly. At my first mention of a problem to my primary care doctor, I was sent for biopsy and ultrasound and  I was in surgery a week after getting results. So I knew that my medical system could move fast when necessary and I trusted that they knew when it was necessary. So if they thought waiting and rescanning was the thing to do, I felt OK with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexieCat Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 My first nodules were found when I went for a low-dose screening CT. Â I was told to come back in three months, and since there were no changes, was told to come back in a year. Â At the next scan, a year later, one of the nodules had grown a bit and had a suspicious appearance (spiculated). Â I had a lobectomy via VATS (laparoscopic) surgery. Â It turned out to be adenocarcinoma, Stage Ib. Â I don't even have to have chemo or anything, just return for scans twice a year. Â I have several nodules that they are watching but not especially concerned about. Â Nodules are common, and most of the time they are not cancer. Â Still, it pays to keep an eye on them. I know how nerve-wracking those scans are, but you can at least rest assured that if any of them do turn out to have grown or be otherwise suspicious, at least it will be a very early "catch" and should be easily treated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted October 11, 2018 Author Share Posted October 11, 2018 Hi Booked my scan in for next week ... I really appreciate you telling me your story Lexie ...it does ease my mind somewhat knowing at least if there’s change it would most likely be early on. It’s amazing how a few words from a stranger who has been there can be so helpful like you have no idea how much ... so thank you 😊. How are you going now Bridget? Dxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexieCat Posted October 11, 2018 Share Posted October 11, 2018 Keep us posted, Danielle.  I'm really glad I was in the screening program--very grateful my doctor told me about it, since I'd never even heard of screening for lung cancer.  Your age and smoking history would take you out of the running for routine screening (have to be over 55, with 30 "pack years" of smoking and have quit less than 15 years ago), but certainly other people can get lung cancer and you KNOW about your nodules and can follow them.  Hopefully they will continue just to exist peacefully in your lungs.  But if not, you'll be ready for them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted October 11, 2018 Author Share Posted October 11, 2018 Yep! The screening programme will likely save many lives. I was actually CT scanned for something else which turned out to be nothing however they caught the bottom of lung on screen and saw a nodule ... then had rescan lungs entirely ... seems to be a few. So an incidental finding as I believe is common. Dx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted October 24, 2018 Author Share Posted October 24, 2018 Hi 👋 Just touching base ... had the follow up scan one week ago and just been called by doctors to make appt to come back in and discuss results... I had already made an appt for next week so I asked is it urgent and they said next week is fine. On one hand I’m glad it’s not urgent  but the fact I’ve been called back in usually means there is something in the report that needs attention ... 😫 the waiting uggh!!!! Will update on a week I guess when I know. Dx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Danielle, Uh - a week on pins and needles. Keep yourself occupied and... Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Macaulay Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Danielle That is the problem with all doctors they have no concept of time as they do not wear watches. lol. Scheduling and waiting all part of the treatment. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted October 31, 2018 Author Share Posted October 31, 2018 Hi 👋 Finally after two weeks received my follow up CT scan results. There has been no change in size or number of nodules. They checked my oxygen levels and they are perfect,  checked airways and sound good ... anyway GP is now sending me off to Respiratory specialist ... she said best to see if the specialist wants to take tissue samples or wether they just want to rescan intermittently ... I thought they would just rescan day in 6 months but she says since they don’t know what it is at this stage it’s best to go see the specialist and let them decide to be on safe side. Anyway I will be sure to update throughout this ordeal in case others going through similar or following. Dx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Waitiing....and the unknown are so tough.  I hope you get some clarity soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexieCat Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 I strongly suspect your pulmonologist is going to suggest a re-scan in 6 months to a year. Â Your GP is just being responsible by having the nodules followed by a pulmonologist--they are the experts at dealing with nodules. Â So I don't think you have anything to worry about based on the fact that you're being referred. Â I have nodules that are followed but no one is especially concerned about them. Â Lots of people have them and they are simply scar tissue or similar--they sit there and do no harm. Â Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Danielle, I have pulmonary nodules that wax and wane for no particular reason. I also have hypodense cysts in the liver and a whole host of abnormalities that are common for a gentleman (questionable) of my age and distinction (very questionable...). I think the pulmonologist referral is also a good strategy and I know waiting can be maddening but with the "no change" CT, I see no alternative. So... Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seventhson Posted November 11, 2018 Share Posted November 11, 2018 I just went through the same thing. Cough led to xray to CTScan then to a pulmonologist and now waiting to see thoracic surgeon. At first I told no one. My oldest brother passed of lung cancer and mom is 83. After C.T.Scan I had given it a ton of thought. For some reason I was no longer nervous. Had decided to only deal parts I thought I could control or influence. Not many. The other steps have been much easier. Everyone knows . I will deal with each step as they come and pray for God to have his angles walk with me. Worrying has no benefit and changes nothing. So I did research but made sure to take days off to have a break from the cancer. Do something fun. Visit a friend. Watch TV. Anything to take the mind just a little while off the worry. You know you got this. You will face anything and fight like pro. Don't try to win a war just win each battle. Over all you will be victorious. Strength and love to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielleJW Posted November 14, 2018 Author Share Posted November 14, 2018 Thank you 😊 I have appt with lung specialist a week from now. Anyway there is so much waiting, in the end you really just end up getting on with life because there’s nothing else to do about it yet Have to cross bridges as they come. I will keep updating as I get any new info. love and light to you all Dx       Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwroam Posted November 20, 2018 Share Posted November 20, 2018 I had another CT scan Monday last week and followed up with a meeting with my Oncologist yesterday ( port flush day). The nodule showed no sign of progression. According to Dr. Jain I'm still in remission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted November 20, 2018 Share Posted November 20, 2018 Yay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel Posted November 20, 2018 Share Posted November 20, 2018 Bless you! Â That's wonderful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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