Good news sort of.

[Blossomsmom]

Met with the Thoracic surgeon last Friday to discuss the results of my ct scan and biopsy. The ct scan shows no change from the one that was done in October. The biopsy didn’t show any malignancy or infection which is a relief. However, she said that the fact remains that there is something there that isn’t normal. She recommends removing it. She said it’s the only way to be 100% sure of what it is, or isn’t. We discussed waiting until early April and doing another CT scan and if there’s any change then go ahead with the surgery. I feel comfortable with that. She did say if I changed my mind and want to go ahead with the surgery sooner to just call her and she’ll get it scheduled. My husband would like me to have the surgery sooner rather than later but is going along with my decision to wait until April.  So that’s where I’m at for now. 
Hope everyone has a good New Year’s and that 2024 bring good things to all.

[LouT]

I'm glad to hear that there are no signs of malignancy.  Since you have some time before the surgery how do you feel about going to get a second opinion?  Having had cancer-related surgery twice I don't take any surgery lightly and it might be good to have another review of the data and confirm that your surgeon is on the best course for your situation.

Whatever you decide I wish you a great New Year and continued good news from any tests you have.

Lou

[Blossomsmom]

Thank you for your reply Lou, I do appreciate it! I have considered getting a second opinion. Who would I see, a oncologist or pulmonologist? Thoracic surgeon seems to feel that surgery is inevitable. I just want to make sure that that’s the right thing to do.

[LouT]

For my part I would consult with an Oncologist.  Surgeons do surgery.  I'm not saying that a surgeon would recommend something without thinking, but their natural predilection would to seek surgery as a response.  I personally depend a lot on my Oncologist (someone I added to my team after receiving coaching from others on these forums) and I feel better in doing so.  Please let us know what you decide.

Lou

[TJM]

Not to disagree with Lou, but in my case it was my pulmonary doc (she was an angle) who coordinated treatment with the surgeon. No oncologist was involved until the biopsy after surgery showed it was Large Cell so protocol indicated adjunctive Chemo after surgery.

I'd ask the one you have a relationship with?

Tom

[Karen_L]

I was first referred to a thoracic surgeon at the cancer center near me and her office set up all the testing, etc. Then the results were brought to the center's tumor board, which determined I was not a candidate for surgery (due to tumor location). Then they passed me to the oncologist I currently have. But they are all part of the same cancer center and have a seamless way of passing us to where we need to be. 

I would not be comfortable sitting with an unknown thing sitting in my lung. I would suggest getting to a lung cancer specialist for a consult ASAP. Lung cancer research is moving so fast that we must work with docs who keep up with the field-- no way a general oncologist can do this. 

Fingers crossed for you.

K