Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

We had a pretty good doctor, now retired. I did not care for the other doctors in that group. Went to see a Specialist at Sutter Gould and kind of gravitated over there. I have other health issues they can't figure out, GI, mouth and throat, Osteo, neuropathy, MGUS,. I also have had to go to Stanford who hasn't been much help. We have few good doctors here and, the ones people seem to like, are not taking new patients. I am so tired of doctors and don't know what to do. I guess I have to wait for these test results. That is why I came here as I don't have much information.

Margot- This is a great place to come to connect with people and get the information that you want/need. What information are you looking for?

I wish I knew what info I need. Without having test results, just not sure but the compassionate Pulmonologist inferred it is cancer and aggressive, gave me two pamphlets to read, ordered the tests and that was about it. All I heard was Cancer and aggressive and gave me the impression I would not be around long. I just want to have some ducks in a row and have some info. Since I am in the Central Valley, Ca, I am particularly interested in knowing if anyone has gone to Stanford or UCSF. UC Davis is about the same distance but I have never really heard of anyone being treated there aside from a friend who had her Stanfird treatment plan transferred there as it was closer tomHome. She had lung cancer and passed 8 months later. I think she did Chemo and got into a trial. I woukd like to know if anyone is a survivor of Stage III or IV and what treatment they received. Seems like most posts are from people back East. Know if any groups in n the West Coast? Admittedly, it is Christmas so I will have to find the time later to try and sort this all out. Thanks

Margot I think you will have to wait for results. Then we'll know more about the next step. Most likely you'll have a biopsy, to confirm what kind of cancer and stage. Why did you mention stage 3 or 4?

Because the CT showed a nodule into the lung and 3 spots on my liver. Add the doctor saying it is most limely aggressive.

Mayo Clinic AZ is amazing with doctors who are very well connected to Rochester MN Mayo Clinic. Have you researched your specific health concern along with the research center you would prefer to be at? I hope you feel better,

I don't have a definite diagnosis, just what the doctor said looking at the CT. I still need a biopsy done. The only doctor I trust here is my GI Doctor. I asked him to look at the CT. He called me at home as other people can see messages sent. He said wait to see what the PET and biopsy show. He also said to get a second opinion and Stanford has a Cancer satellite in a town close by and, if it goes that way, Imcoukd get treatment there and stay home. I am aware of Mayo in AZ but, also due to my husband needing to stay near his Cardiologist, at least for a while, it would be difficult to gave to travel and stay somewhere. I don't know how people do that then have no bs Kip when they return home. Thanks!

margot- wait and let the tests tell the story! I had a spot on my liver and it turned out to be nothing. Spots come and go.

Margot- what is a bs Kip?

@sltrail - A warm welcome. I am sorry about your mom's diagnosis. I am a twenty-one year lung cancer survivor. It's so important to trust your doctors and medical facilities to do the best they can for you. I would definitely look into Mayo Clinic for help. There are many people on here who go to Mayo and I'm sure that they will jump in. And it has a wonderful reputation. I go to MGH on the east coast in Boston.
Until there is more information by a reputable thoracic specialists try not to jump the gun about what's in the future. Although there is never a best time or good time to learn that you have cancer the holidays certainly is about the worst. Try and take one day at a time now. Make a priority list so that you gain some sense of control about what is coming up and what you might expect.
So I'll leave it to someone else to talk about Mayo and I'll keep in contact. I'm here for you. Perhaps your mom would like to chat too?