Lung nodules & scared!

Posted by pattymac @pattymac, Mar 19, 2017

March 1, 2017 at 7:44 pm
I had a Ct in December 2016,showed 3 nodules 6mm,5mm&4mm in right upper lobe! Last week I had a Ct bc of a different issue and ER Dr told me I had 1 nodule in my right upper lobe that was 8mm and subpleural and a tiny subleural nodule in my left lower lone and small scattered lymph nodes throughout the paratracheal region? What does this mean?Pulmononlogist called finally after a few weeks and finally radiology compared both Cts and was told I need Pet Scan which is next Tuesday. I feel frozen and numb! He said it was triangular in shape and something about right hiler? Gosh I can't even think. Advice please

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

@pattymac

I picked up report today to read myself and it's a mass that is" There is a hypermetobolic right hiler/Supra hiler mass present, which appears to partially encase the superior margin of the right bronchus at its lateral margin.The most hypermetobolic focus is seen along the posterior margin of the distal trachea where there is a peak of 13.9 present. There is also a hypermetobolic lower right paratracheal lymph node present measuring 9.2 peak SUV."
I'm not sure how bad this is but in December it was a 3.5 cm nodule so will I die fast from this?

Jump to this post

Patty, it is always frightening to read a report, especially when you don't have all the pieces of the picture together. When you see your doctor, s/he will take the time to explain the details of this report along with the results of the other tests you've had. S/He will discuss what it all means and then work with you to decide on a treatment plan and next steps.

When is your next appointment?

REPLY

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

Hi Patty,
It is common for hospital networks to share expensive equipment. Some equipment is very expensive, so a PET scanner may only be purchased by one hospital in an affiliated hospital network and all patients of the hospital network needing a PET scan would be sent to that location. Perhaps this is the situation for your hospital.

It sounds like you're doing a lot of research about various treatment options before knowing exactly what your diagnosis is and before you've heard the treatment options that would be best for your diagnosis. I caution about making yourself crazy and adding more stress to an already stressful situation. As fellow member, KateMN, always says, "Don't put the cart before the horse." This is the time when you really understand why we're called "patients". The waiting part is very hard on our patience.

What type of biopsy are you getting on Tuesday?

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

I thought since my pet Scan said malignancy that it would be lung cancer? I'm going to appt to discuss Bronchoscope on Tuesday and set up test time as well. Both Pulmonologist have already talked about my results and that's when my Pulmonologist here told me about the Dr in Munster where I'm going on Tuesday.

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

I didn't see the word "malignancy" in the report you shared above. Keep in mind that even IF it is cancer, there are different types of lung cancer, and the treatment will be different for each type and depending on many other contributing factors. I know it is easier said than done, but I strongly urge you not to turn yourself into knots about the "what ifs" and reading too much. Having said all that, I also want you to know that this is a place that you can express your fears freely. Sometimes we have to stay brave for the people around us and Connect is the only place that we can talk about the tough stuff.

While you wait to find out what your facing, I might suggest that you concentrate on being as healthy as you can be for what may come. Eat well. Exercise if you can and do everything that will help you sleep well. @sandytoes14 shares some tips for good sleep hygiene in this discussion on Connect. http://mayocl.in/2nV1XSL

REPLY

The report said,"highly suspicious for malignancy ". I tried to copy that part but for some reason I couldn't.

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

I'm going to start the healthy eating plan I've been planning instead of on the go junk! Even salads on the go aren't good for you. I'm not sure yet about the plant based protein powder though?

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

Hi Patty you might enjoy transitioning to a mostly-organic, low inflammatory diet. Filling your body with powerful micronutrients and all that your lungs need will put you in strong shape. The lungs must have loads of natural beta carotene from organic carrots, org, peppers, and other red-orange-yellow organic vegetables. The more raw, unprocessed, low-sugar foods you consume, the greater oxygenation your body, blood, and lungs will have. The difference in how a person feels is amazing, and gives much greater control over health. Stick with the raw, organic salad greens, organic fresh basil torn into your salads is a powerful lung herb. There is much we can do for our own health, and any health challenge gives us the opportunity and sometimes., forces an evaluation of how much self-love and self-respect we have. This is a gift! Keep lots of organic extra virgin olive oil on hand, and eat as much wild-caught salmon as you can, as the vitamin D and Omega oils are life-giving, and life-saving. Take control and trust that God has a wonderful plan for you! To be at the whim and mercy of a medical report places undue stress, which does not heal us. It says we have given in to fear. God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love and Victory! Breathe deeply and rest sweet friend, and know that you are not alone here. Smile at every joy in your life, because when we do that, we are already getting stronger! Envision the life you wish, and arrange your health and life accordingly, and wonderful things will come to pass; wonderful doctors and new friends on your journey, new information, and ultimately, the ability to help and support others when they go through exactly what you are going through!

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

Thank you. Do you have any options other than fish, I'm allergic to any fish:( So just raw foods which is fine?

REPLY
@pattymac

My Pulmonoligist here is referring me to one in Munster Indiana bc he said he doesn't have equipment to do bronchoscopy here which is weird bc it's same hospital affiliation? So Tuesday is my appt with him to set appt for biopsy and this is all frustrating and scary but I will also get a second opinion as well. I'm reading more about how chemo is very bad and really good nutrition is better too.Why would radiation be a choice if it only kills the good cells?

Jump to this post

Hmm yes you can add olive oil to as much as possible, and look into Chia seeds! They contain Omega 3s. Are you certain you are allergic to fish? I ask because the lungs must have Omega 3s and Vitamin D! Some people are only allergic to shellfish, so I'm just lovingly checking! It's the Omega 3s and EHA/DPA from oily fish like salmon that is so incredibly powerful for the lungs! Often, we can have cancer cells in our body, but high states of nutrition and fortification from power foods can slow down or diminish the severity. Personally, I love sautéing organic spinach with olive oil, fresh basil, and fresh lemon, all organic, and enjoying all the flavors and aromas. This is a good power food for the lungs, but it really must be organic, as spinach is a highly sprayed food!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.