Lung Cancer - Improved Diagnosis and Prognosis

Posted by alvinw @alvinw, Oct 30, 2016

Two years ago, cancer was identified on a lobe of my left lung and the lobe was surgically removed. Now, a non-specific lesion has been identified on the remaining lobe of that lung (CT Scan). Is this new lesion likely to become malignant? The Mayo Clinic has developed a new analysis technique, based on CT Scans, for assessing the risk that one of these lesions will become malignant (the technique is referred to by the acronym "CANARY"). Supposedly, the new software that is the core of the CANARY technology is being commercialized by a firm called IMBIO. In the interest of getting the best possible diagnosis of my new lesion, I am interested in determining the availability of this new technology. However, attempts to contact the Mayo Clinic as well as IMBIO appear to have fallen upon deaf ears, as I have received no response after more than a month of inquiries at both institutions. If the CANARY technology is indeed now commercialized, why can't I simply find out where, and under what terms, it's available to cancer patients (including me)? I would appreciate a response and some appropriate guidance from a Mayo Clinic professional. Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

@colleenyoung

hi @alvinw. I can understand your frustration and am somewhat surprised that you haven't received a response. From my understanding, CANARY is still in the pilot phase and not yet universally available.
For anyone else reading this, here is more information about the testing Alvin is referring to:
http://mayocl.in/2e6Gz3v and audio http://mayocl.in/2eNUlvV

Alvin, as you may know, Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community where patients can share experiences and ask each other questions about any health issue. I wonder if @llwortman has further information about CANARY.

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Linda,

Your story is amazing and inspiring! My family and friends regard me as one who is emotionally very strong (I also survived prostate cancer 15 years ago, and afterwards counselled a number of other men who were facing similar challenges). However, no matter how emotionally balanced a person may be, there is no doubt that learning of the life experiences of people, such as yourself, is a tonic and means a great deal to those of us who are coping with a good deal of uncertainty. As I proceed along this journey, there are many things to think about (and think over). And certainly, among those things, I will be mindful of, and inspired by, the considerable challenges which confronted you and the way in which you have met and continue to meet them.
Thanks so much again for the gift of your good words!

Alvin

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@alvinw
Hi Alvin: we just returned home after being away for two weeks. I thought about your comments about post lung surgery pain. Have you noticed if limited activity makes your pain more noticeable?
Now, I'm getting g back into my daily exercise and breathing routine and acupuncture all which helps me physically & mentally? Your thoughts? Thanks.
Linda

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@llwortman

@alvinw
Hi Alvin: we just returned home after being away for two weeks. I thought about your comments about post lung surgery pain. Have you noticed if limited activity makes your pain more noticeable?
Now, I'm getting g back into my daily exercise and breathing routine and acupuncture all which helps me physically & mentally? Your thoughts? Thanks.
Linda

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Hi Linda,You have me at a disadvantage. Although I had a lobectomy for lung cancer some 2 1/2 years ago, and have been an interested participant in the Mayo Clinic Connect group in the past, I have not been part of any recent conversations. Furthermore, when I did have my lobectomy, which was done using the VATS procedure, the pain was very minimal during my hospital stay and has been basically non-existent ever since. There is an area of my rib-cage that has some numbness, which is probably a permanent condition. But, fortunately for me, there is no pain. So I'm not sure whether you contacted me in error, or whether you have a record of something I've discussed within Connect in the past, but am now failing to recall.Alvin

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@llwortman

@alvinw
Hi Alvin: we just returned home after being away for two weeks. I thought about your comments about post lung surgery pain. Have you noticed if limited activity makes your pain more noticeable?
Now, I'm getting g back into my daily exercise and breathing routine and acupuncture all which helps me physically & mentally? Your thoughts? Thanks.
Linda

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Dear Alvinw: Can you tell I'm a newby on Connect? I've been reading a lot of interesting cancer journeys and yours struck a nerve of understanding. It sound like you are doing well, if I may say so? I am always happy to hear about how surgeries have advanced along with all of the medical miracles often as a result of our brilliant Mayo doctors and their teams. Thank you fir your reply. The Lung Health and Lung Cancer site was just launched a few days ago, and I'm excited that people have a place to Connect. Perhaps you can check in time to time and share how & what you are doing.? You are an inspiration! Have a great evening. All my best,Linda 

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