Lung scan and 2nd sniff test tomorrow

[Maryloumoo]

My CT / lung scan is tomorrow. I will also have a sniff test - back story: phrenic nerve was damaged during lobectomy causing a lot of breathing issues - the hope is that it’s getting better-  we shall see but my breathing isn’t better.  It’s been a very, stressful and long road since my surgery in May.  I do not see an oncologist for the lung cancer, should I? I see one of the doctors in the thoracic surgery practice that did my surgery. The actual surgeon left the practice.  I feel so lost. I looked at the biopsy results and there’s so much I don’t know lots of tests / results that I don’t understand. I am not even sure what stage. Anyway. I had some other nodules that were too small to deal with at the time so I sure am hoping they’re gone. Hope all of you are doing well. 

[Susan Cornett]

Hi  - 

Your surgeon or family physician should be able to refer you to an oncologist. You definitely need an oncologist because they will have the most knowledge to share regarding your diagnosis and treatment options. 

[Maryloumoo]

Thanks, Susan. I’m not sure why the surgeon wouldn’t have referred me to an oncologist for this cancer. I have an onc. For another cancer and thankfully I am on my year five of NED come May.  I haven’t had an appt with her since they found the lung nodule.  I’m making a list of questions for this surgeon, hope he can help me feel a bit more at ease. 

[Tom Galli]

Maryloumoo,

I'll reinforce Susan's suggestion. You have lung cancer, and the branch of medicine that treats our disease is a medical oncologist. Thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and pulmonologists are on the team but the medical oncologist is the quarterback. You ought to be able to choose one and self-refer if your surgeon is not cooperative. 

Stay the course.

Tom

[Karen_L]

I’ll add one thing to Tom’s comment. Be sure to get an oncologist who is a lung cancer specialist. The field is changing so fast that a general oncologist won’t have the latest research-based knowledge, or rapid access to it. Hang in. We’ll be here and eager to hear from you.