1. < Lung Health

Margin of error??

Posted by lhatfield96 @lhatfield96, 4 days ago

Hi all. I received my follow up scan results and they were fairly positive but I am concerned as it said the previous finding of a sub solid GGO went from 8mmx7mm to 10mmx7mm. They made no mention of a sub solid component and said it was "stable". I do not know how to feel or what this means. They did not indicate that I need to be monitored either so I am assuming this is a good thing but I am still scared out of my wits. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thank you so much.

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denzie | @denzie | 2 days ago
In reply to @lhatfield96 "@denzie What exactly is a sub solid nodule? They called mine a sub solid ground glass..." + (show)
@lhatfield96

@denzie What exactly is a sub solid nodule? They called mine a sub solid ground glass opacity in my first screen. It's so confusing and my recent report just said it was a GGN and did not mention a sub solid part like my initial one did. I am making myself nuts and praying that it's not true growth but a margin of error. They did not recommend any follow up and said it was stable. Growth isn't stable to me!

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Subsolid nodule, ground glass nodule (GGN), and ground glass opacity (GGO) are three terms describing the same thing.

They're a bit like soft jello or an egg white, there's nothing solid to grab ahold of. They appear a little milky on the imaging.

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lhatfield96 | @lhatfield96 | 2 days ago
In reply to @sueinmn "I understand being nervous when you see something that appears to be growing, but let's try..." + (show)
@sueinmn

I understand being nervous when you see something that appears to be growing, but let's try to put it in perspective. First of all, nothing indicates the spot has increased in density and now appears to be a nodule.

As for size, we are talking about an increase of two millimeters - just over 1/16th of an inch. At its largest point, what is being observed is 4/10 inch long and less than 3/10 inch in width, about the size of a sunflower kernel.

Since it is not solid, it can look different depending on the angle of the image, whether you are inhaling or exhaling, if you have mucus in your lungs and a lot of other variables.

Between Radiology and the pulmonologist, the scan is read by at least 3 doctors accustomed to looking at lungs.

I know it is harder to do than to say, but I think you need to arrange to talk to the doctor, listen carefully to their explanation, then try to quit worrying.

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Thank you Sue for helping put this in perspective for me. I have an appt at 9:30a with my doctor today so I hope I get some assurance here.

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abob | @abob | 1 day ago
In reply to @frouke "I know what you’re talking about and I am dealing with the same situation, I get..." + (show)
@frouke

I know what you’re talking about and I am dealing with the same situation, I get the results from the ct scan and it sounds like things are going on but they deemed it as stable. I’m still not sure what they are doing and getting more information isn’t easy to get, most of my questions are just not answered and if I were able to get new doctors to help me I would but doctors are hard to find where I live, sometimes I just feel like a trapped person when it comes to my health and also my world. I think that you should keep asking questions to get better understanding of your scans, if you’re not satisfied then find another doctor, I’m assuming that you can do that where you’re located, if not then I’m sorry, welcome to my world, best wishes.

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I feel your displeasure. At the start of our journey, we waited 2 weeks for my husband’s results. Then bc we strongly asked for them, we were handed results print out with no clinician to discuss. They were not critical for the cancer center , but we had no idea if ok or not.

Now we know where to get our own results. Treatment at cancer center is great, but communication is poor.

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carculmer | @carculmer | 15 hours ago
In reply to @crystalena "That world is larger than you might think . I get 15 minutes with my primary..." + (show)
@crystalena

That world is larger than you might think . I get 15 minutes with my primary Doctor today. An hour to get there , to have weight , BP , temp and oxy check. My doctor hesitates to speak about my COPD. Tells me I need to talk to my pulmonologist . They do the same thing at his office . No new ideas or treatments . I have asked for a bipap . Wants me to spend the night in a sleep center . ( His sleep center) That I will not do. They do have self adjusting bipap machines. I guess he does’t know that. We do the best we can where we are . Blessed Be, Crystalina

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Why do you think you want/need a bipap machine? Do you have, or think you have sleep apnea? If that is the case, you really need to have a sleep study (it doesn't matter whether it's done in "his" sleep center or not). Sleep apnea is serious and can cause you lots of problems if not treated so you are only hurting yourself by refusing. Without a sleep study they wouldn't be able to set the machine at the proper pressure, or you may only need a Cpap instead. (I know, I have one). If you're a Medicare recipient, Medicare pays for it.

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1 reply
bsi15 | @bsi15 | 10 hours ago

looking it up ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilevel_positive_airway_pressure
CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure",
PAP = Positive airway pressure
BPAP = Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
BPAP machines have two pressure settings: the prescribed pressure
for inhalation (ipap), and a lower pressure for exhalation (epap).
There is some evidence of benefit for those with hypoxia and community acquired pneumonia
2010,Helmet continuous positive airway pressure vs oxygen therapy to improve
oxygenation in community-acquired pneumonia
2016,Helmet CPAP Versus Oxygen Therapy in Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure:
A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials"

I had O2 without pressure for
CAP = community acquired pneumonia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_concentrator

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crystalena | @crystalena | 2 hours ago
In reply to @carculmer "Why do you think you want/need a bipap machine? Do you have, or think you have..." + (show)
@carculmer

Why do you think you want/need a bipap machine? Do you have, or think you have sleep apnea? If that is the case, you really need to have a sleep study (it doesn't matter whether it's done in "his" sleep center or not). Sleep apnea is serious and can cause you lots of problems if not treated so you are only hurting yourself by refusing. Without a sleep study they wouldn't be able to set the machine at the proper pressure, or you may only need a Cpap instead. (I know, I have one). If you're a Medicare recipient, Medicare pays for it.

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You have a very explicit way of putting things . I appreciate that. I find myself being a bit flippant with my post. I have taken a different view after reading your message . Thank you for the “heads up”. Blessed Be all. Crystalina
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