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Hoping for some advice - 8mm nodule - now pain in my upper back

Posted by js @jstarkman, Jul 22 10:55am

I have an 8mm nodule in my lower left lobe that my dr has been monitoring for about 2 years. I have had 3 CT scans since and it appears to be stable. They cannot do a biopsy given the location and my thoracic surgeon said that if it grows he will remove it. My last CT was 4 1/2 months ago and the next is scheduled in another 3 months. For the last week or 10 days, I have had pain below my left shoulder blade when sleeping on my left side and it has been concerning me - I do not want to be an alarmist and as such, I am a bit reluctant to call my thoracic surgeon (who is monitoring me) but I also don't want to ignore something that shouldn't be.

Should I try and have a follow-up CT scan sooner or simply wait and see if the pain gets worse or subsides as perhaps it may be due to something else entirely?

Thoughts would be appreciated.

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denzie | @denzie | Jul 25 8:45pm

I'm sorry no one answered yet. If this was my body, I would let the doctor know. If it's growing and they are concerned about a tissue biopsy ask for a blood biopsy )aka like quid biopsy).

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1 reply
js | @jstarkman | Jul 25 9:10pm
In reply to @denzie "I'm sorry no one answered yet. If this was my body, I would let the doctor..." + (show)
@denzie

I'm sorry no one answered yet. If this was my body, I would let the doctor know. If it's growing and they are concerned about a tissue biopsy ask for a blood biopsy )aka like quid biopsy).

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Thank you very much for your response and suggestion – I truly do appreciate it.

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annbosley | @annbosley | Jul 26 8:47am

I had half of my right lung removed a year ago. I continue to cough - some days are worse than others. On the bad days I get a pain on the left side of my back just below my shoulder blade. This has been the case before and after the op. My surgeon does not seems overly concerned but referred me to a respirologist who thought it might be acid reflux and gave me some dietary restrictions and pills - doesn’t seem to help. If that’s all that bothers me - so be it - it doesn’t stop me from doing anything so life goes on!😅

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Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Jul 30 4:20pm

Hi JS @jstarkman, It's so hard to know what to do when we experience new pains and something that just doesn't feel right. My oncologist always tells me to call if I have questions, but I'm like you, I teeter back and forth on when to call. Did you call your doc? Has your pain subsided or become worse?

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1 reply
js | @jstarkman | Jul 30 4:43pm
In reply to @lls8000 "Hi JS @jstarkman, It's so hard to know what to do when we experience new pains..." + (show)
@lls8000

Hi JS @jstarkman, It's so hard to know what to do when we experience new pains and something that just doesn't feel right. My oncologist always tells me to call if I have questions, but I'm like you, I teeter back and forth on when to call. Did you call your doc? Has your pain subsided or become worse?

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Thank you for checking in. I did call but unfortunately, my Dr. is out of the country and I may be overreacting. I left a message with his assistant to see if he thinks I should have a follow-up CT sooner.

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