Bob G Posted March 21 Share Posted March 21 Hello, I have had Lung nodules going on 8 years since I had bowel surgery and when coming out of surgery had to be kept on a ventilator for 2 weeks due to raspatory failure (30 years of smoking) . I have COPD consisting of emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. I quit smoking when in the hospital in 2016 with the above mentioned surgery. I had 2 small nodules due to scar tissue that have been stable in size and shape. in a recent CT scan (12-2023) another nodule showed and was solid and spiculated. I since have had two other CT scans and it has tripled in size in 3 months to 7.7mm. I have a 4th CT scan on the 1st of April as they want it to be 8mm before they decide to biopsy or next course of action. At this point its like a roller coaster waiting then thinking you are getting somewhere just to go up another hill and I just want to level out and get on with what needs to be done. TJM, Tom Galli, LouT and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 Bob, Sorry to hear about the recurrence but glad you found us. Nodules that grow are definitely worth getting a biopsy and I understand that they want more mass so they can do a better job of getting the sample they need to test properly. The waiting is terrible and I remember feeling great anxiety during my initial diagnosis and especially when I was told to "wait 3 months" before the next scan. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I'm so glad that you gave up the smoking. Regardless of the COPD I'm sure that your breathing is most likely better now than when you were active in the habit. That will be a help through this. Please keep us updated and feel free to ask any questions you want. We have a pretty large base of survivors on this site with a great variety of diagnosis and treatments so there is a lot of experience to share. You won't need to go through this alone. Lou Livin Life, Tom Galli and TJM 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob G Posted March 28 Author Share Posted March 28 21 hours ago, LouT said: Bob, Sorry to hear about the recurrence but glad you found us. Nodules that grow are definitely worth getting a biopsy and I understand that they want more mass so they can do a better job of getting the sample they need to test properly. The waiting is terrible and I remember feeling great anxiety during my initial diagnosis and especially when I was told to "wait 3 months" before the next scan. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I'm so glad that you gave up the smoking. Regardless of the COPD I'm sure that your breathing is most likely better now than when you were active in the habit. That will be a help through this. Please keep us updated and feel free to ask any questions you want. We have a pretty large base of survivors on this site with a great variety of diagnosis and treatments so there is a lot of experience to share. You won't need to go through this alone. Lou Lou, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob G Posted March 28 Author Share Posted March 28 Thank you Lou, I will remember that. I go for another CT Monday so we shall see. LouT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen_L Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Hi Bob, and welcome. The waiting is just awful. It made my head spin. Hang in and keep us posted. LouT and Bob G 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob G Posted March 29 Author Share Posted March 29 19 hours ago, Karen_L said: Hi Bob, and welcome. The waiting is just awful. It made my head spin. Hang in and keep us posted. Thank you Karen, Monday is almost here but I figure it would be a couple days after to get results from the fourth CT scan. LouT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livin Life Posted March 30 Share Posted March 30 Welcome, Bob! I'm new here too and awaiting my 3rd scan in July so we're in somewhat similar "waiting patterns." I can't imagine how you're feeling today with your scan Monday. I find I'm wound tighter the week or so before a scan and then until I have results then it's a deep exhale. Wishing you the best with the scan Monday! Hope you get results, a call from your provider and then direction timely - that waiting is a different kind of hard. LouT and TJM 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob G Posted April 18 Author Share Posted April 18 Thank you to all the good thoughts. i had the CT on the 1st of April and waited a week for the doctor to call. Nothing, I already saw the results on my Advanced Radiology portal. it Grew to the 8mm as they wanted so i called the doctor's office and they set an appointment for May 29th. Two months after the CT scan and then they may eithe schedule a biopsy or a PET scan. 2 months not knowing what the next action is can drive someone insane. I am looking things up and everything says to get these things as early as possible. That is hard to do with waiting 2 months for a doctor's visit. Livin Life 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted April 18 Share Posted April 18 Bob, The waiting is one of the worst things about this disease. Hang in there. Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livin Life Posted April 20 Share Posted April 20 I understand your frustration with the not hearing and the waiting. Yours led to even more delays when you know biopsy is warranted now, let along next steps....About 7 weeks went by before I heard from my pulm after my December 2023 scan! I met with local onc in mid Feb who told me she believed I had a slow growing lung cancer. Heard from pulm by portal that evening (mid Feb-first time since Dec 2023 scan) - assuming onc contacted pulm? though could've been coincidence.... I already decided to wait for a 6 month scan so and pulm was ok with that.... Wishing you the best waiting for that appointment - surprised they wouldn't have just set that appointment AND also either referred you for biopsy or meeting with that expert (unless that is the May 29 appointment) or PET/CT if that's the route they end up going. LIkely what you all will talk about in May. Keep in mind calling for a cancelation prior to 5/29.... Hang in there. LouT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJM Posted Tuesday at 09:14 PM Share Posted Tuesday at 09:14 PM What a crappy situation! I am really surprised no one has suggested a PET scan now, rather than wait. You might suggest that to your pulm doc. Especially since you had existing nodules. Best wishes Tom LouT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen_L Posted Wednesday at 06:11 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 06:11 PM I've been away from the discussion and this may have resolved itself, but, frankly, I think your situation is completely unacceptable. I would strongly suggest you get yourself to a facility specializing in lung cancer. I see you're in Maryland-- you have to be near a reputable cancer center specializing in lung cancer. Yes, I'm emphasizing a place with a specialty in lung cancer. That's because our cancer field is exploding with new research and a generalist cannot stay on top of the new developments. All you need is a starting place. It's kind of like being a detective and may take a little effort on your part. I don't have any comments pro or con the following places, but they may be good first steps. Potential resources: two NCI-designated cancer centers in MD. You can find them here:https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find I also found a lung nodule clinic affiliated with U of MD, which may be worth checking out. https://www.umms.org/uch/health-services/cancer/cancer-services-and-treatment/lung Keep at this. Keep us posted! TJM and LouT 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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