PET SCAN + Biopsy
I just received the results of my recent CT scan. The good news is my bronchiectasis is stable. The bad news is that they found a 2.4 cm cavitary nodule in the spur segment of the left lower lobe. The cavitary portion appears larger and the nodule has increased in size when compared with studies dating back to 2021. My dr is recommending a PET scan and, depending upon the finding, a lung biopsy. To make matters worse, I just lost a dear friend to lung cancer last week. So this is quite scary for me.
I have never had a PET scan or a lung biopsy. I am very claustrophobic. The thought of these things is very anxiety provoking.
If anyone has had experience with these procedures, I would appreciate any words of wisdom. Thanks!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
@equanimous Oh Arlo, sorry for the loss of your friend, and for the scare you are having right now.
If you are worried about the scan, or claustrophobic, the radiology labs are used to it, and they can give you something to relax. If they do, you will need a driver.
Hopefully the PET scan findings will indicate this is related to an infection - @scope and a few others have had this experience, it is not uncommon with long-term bronchiectasis.
Hugs as you grieve the loss of your friend and await yet another test. Do you have a good support system besides your friends here?
@arlo So sorry to read this. Checking in for moral support. I hope you will receive some reassurances from others who have been through these various tests. In case it helps with upcoming procedures, I've used Peggy Huddleston's method of reducing anxiety before various procedures and surgery. Check your library as it might be available there. https://healfaster.com
Thanks so very much, Scoop. I really appreciate your support and recommendation.
Yes, my husband is very supportive. I share health concerns only with a very small group of my closest friends. I tend to be private about things like this. Hence the value of this group which I trust and value highly. Thanks, Sue, for your supportive kindness.
There are so called open mri so may be there are open pet scan machines. I don’t know but my husband is claustrophobic and had an “open” mri test. I am also sorry for your loss. I understand what it is to wait for the tests and then for the results. We can only hope it’s not the worst and you will deal with it step by step with your husbands help and good word from people here,
Arlo, I’m so sorry for your loss and understand perfectly your anxiety. Regarding the pet scan, I had one several years ago on recommendation from the radiologist who read my CT scan. I’m very claustrophobic and If I remember correctly it was very much like a CT scan in that it was pretty much open. I think you’ll be able to handle it. Hopefully this is all related to the infection as mine was and it’s nothing to worry about. I don’t think this is uncommon. Wishing you all the best that the pet scan is good and and the biopsy unnecessary.
Thank you so very much, Lvalenti. Your thoughtful note really helped ease my mind. My dr. also mentioned it may be the MAC. Never thought I'd be hoping for MAC but, in this instance, it would be a blessing! Lol.
This is the first time I have written on the site. Since joining been reading all suggestions and experiences of everyone.
Arlo, I have had 2 Pet Scans. I also am a little claustrophobic but find them to be much like a CT scan. I was not enclosed in a tube, it is very open and I did not have a problem with it at all. I have also had a lung biopsy. My experience with this was very positive. They did give me some relaxation medications and although it is scary I felt it was quite tolerable and I ended up being diagnosed with a granuloma. These tests and procedures are scary when you are first told and of course worried what they will find. But I wish you a positive outcome and hopefully an as easy experience as I have had.
Sheila
Keep your eyes closed the entire time. Relax like you want to sleep. I think I'd wear a sleep mask if they would let me.
Thanks, Rick. I do that for my CT scans and will definitely do it for the PET. It definitely helps.