1 cm lung cancer tumor with COPD & emphysema: Anxious

Posted by franki24 @franki24, Jan 11 6:26pm

Hi: I am 75 years old and recently diagnosed with emphysema copd and 1 cm nodule that grew 1mm since last year and solidified. I had a pet scan that proved positive for cancer.
My pcp is optimistic that a VATS will take care of the growth as he has determined the copd and emphysema are mild. I typically walk 2 miles mostly up hill almost everyday and am able to breathe quite easily and do all that I need to do.
I am hopefully having a video visit with UPMC surgeon who is highly respected

I am experiencing extreme general anxiety and have been reading many of the comments on here and so appreciate all of you writing about your concerns,success and troubles.

Thank you

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franki24 | @franki24 | 6 days ago

Hi Everyone and Anyone;

They have scheduled a surgery to remove the 1cm (beleived tp be cancerous) nodule in my right upper lobe. The surgery is Fenruary 11th at upmc.shadyside in pitsburgjh by Neil Chrisite.

It will be a VATS unless there are complications which would require a larger incision.

I am and have always been an anxious Nellie. I have no cancer symptoms. I do have at the moment inconvenient feelings of COPD and emphysema. They do not interrupt my life or my ability to do things. Just knowing they are there causes me to feel uncomfortable.
I am doing my best to not be so consumed by the idea of these illnesses. So consumed by the prospect of surgery, recovery, complications, dependency and pain.

Just thought I would let you lovely people know what is going on with me. I fervently hope you are all well and thriving and if not I cry with you.

franki24 | @franki24 | 6 days ago

Thank you, my friend.

denzie | @denzie | 6 days ago

In reply to @franki24 "Hi Everyone and Anyone; They have scheduled a surgery to remove the 1cm (beleived tp be..." + (show)

Sending hope that this is fine with the VATS. Between now and the surgery walk as much as you can. It will promote faster fuller recovery despite the COPD and the emphysema.

Please let us know how you do.

franki24 | @franki24 | 6 days ago

In reply to @denzie "Sending hope that this is fine with the VATS. Between now and the surgery walk as..." + (show)

Thank you so much for your kind words.

I have been walking 2 miles per day up hill as well as exercising. I hope it all helps. Hopefully the VATS will do it.

Take care

carolman210 | @carolman210 | 5 days ago

In reply to @franki24 "Hi Everyone and Anyone; They have scheduled a surgery to remove the 1cm (beleived tp be..." + (show)

I also been diagnosed with a 1.5 cm mass in my upper left lung. I am meeting with the oncologist and surgeon next week and really scared after reading all the comments made by people who have gone through treatment after the tumor is removed. I am an avid bike rider and I am hoping the surgery/treatment won’t interfere with my riding. I will be praying for you.

franki24 | @franki24 | 5 days ago

In reply to @carolman210 "I also been diagnosed with a 1.5 cm mass in my upper left lung. I am..." + (show)

Hi Carol:

I am saddened to read about your diagnosis. The whole experience is frightening. I am scared and anxious also.

I run walk up hill each day. I do exercises physical and breathing. I am 75 years old and have other issues after smoking for many years. I haven't smoked in several years.

There is nothing simple or easy about this from my perspective. As far as the stories are concerned, Mayo Connect is a small group of people who have had unfortunate experiences. There are several i have read which were trouble free.

I have no advice just a perspective and that is, whatever happens is what happens and chances are it will be more positive than not.

I am with you in spirit and will let you know what is happening with me.

In the meantime, keep riding that bike. Ride everyday. Get your rest and if you need to chat just drop me a note.

We will get through this.

Frank

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | 5 days ago

In reply to @franki24 "Hi Everyone and Anyone; They have scheduled a surgery to remove the 1cm (beleived tp be..." + (show)

Hi @franki24, I'm glad that you have a surgery date. Having a plan in place usually helps me to feel better. Of course, the waiting is never easy, but at least you have a date to look forward to.
Keep walking, it will help physically and mentally too. Thanks for sharing your update, I look forward to hearing more.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | 5 days ago

In reply to @carolman210 "I also been diagnosed with a 1.5 cm mass in my upper left lung. I am..." + (show)

Hello @carolman210, welcome. I'm sorry to hear that you're facing this diagnosis. Please know that lung cancer treatments have advanced significantly recent years. There are options now that didn't even exist just 10 years ago. There is hope here, and we'll help you through this. Keep biking as long as you can (of course as long as your doctors approve), as it can be great for your mental health too.
Have you had a PET scan yet, or a biopsy?

franki24 | @franki24 | 5 days ago

In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @franki24, I'm glad that you have a surgery date. Having a plan in place usually..." + (show)

Hi Lisa: it is so sweet of you to take the time to write.
I am pleased to have a plan and a date but it is not the reason why my perspective has changed. I am happy you wrote to me as it inspired me to write this long reply about life and my life experience which had helped me to shift my perspective. I copied it and then erased it thinking it might be inappropriate or unhelpful to others. But the interesting thing is it is perhaps the most engaging and thoughtful piece i have ever written.

Anyway, thank you again for your caring and support.

Frank

carolman210 | @carolman210 | 4 days ago

In reply to @franki24 "Hi Carol: I am saddened to read about your diagnosis. The whole experience is frightening. I..." + (show)

Thank you!

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