1. < Lung Health

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

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pattymac | @pattymac | Mar 27, 2017

Ok I'm confused! I've been reading in other posts that folks can't wait till they get pet scan results so they know what stage lung cancer they have? I have to have a bronchoscope to find out what is going on? Someone please explain and why can't Dr just do Bronchoscope without an appt first? I'm worried nodules are growing during this time!

REPLY
jms7 | @jms7 | Mar 27, 2017
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @pattymac: I'm so sorry to hear of the stress you are experiencing as a result..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @pattymac: I'm so sorry to hear of the stress you are experiencing as a result of your test results. Sometimes we become our own worst enemy because we worry about things that haven't happened yet, don't we? I agree with much of what has been said so far. First, take a deep breath and don't jump to conclusions about your health or your future until you have spoken with the specialist which I believe will be Tuesday. Try to take care of yourself. Do those things that make you feel good, perhaps take a walk, meet a friend for lunch or see a movie. Don't assume any prognosis that hasn't yet been verified by a doctor and please don't believe that there is no cure for lung cancer. I have a friend at my church who had lung cancer treatment well over 5 years ago and is doing very well. It is good to follow a healthy diet, but try not to get pulled into a diet plan that will "cure what ails you" because it probably won't. Just eat healthy and keep your thoughts positive.I believe that positive thoughts can have a curative effect. I've had three occurrences of a rare type of cancer (carcinoid cancer, also known as neuroendocrine tumors) and I'm enjoying life and health and keeping positive regarding the future. Will you try to do the same? Best wishes and keep in touch with us. We are all pulling for you. Teresa

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Love your post Teresa! We have the choice to smile, thank God for all He has given us, enjoy a beautiful apple, our friends, the sunshine, a good movie, etc. Taking control in this lovely way gives us power over fear. Having others pray for us, keeping our social connections, even in our worst days, has power beyond measure. You've proven so much by your words. When we look past all of the particulars and choose to be hope-FULL, and set up things that make us happy, that is powerful healing right there; information and perfect medical help just comes to us. Be well and enjoy your day... I know you are : )

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marzz | @marzz | Mar 27, 2017
In reply to @marzz "Hello, I am sorry you are going through this right now. I am sending prayers your..." + (show)
@marzz

Hello, I am sorry you are going through this right now. I am sending prayers your way. Please keep in mind that PET SCANS contain Glucose to help detect the cancerous cells BUT THAT IS SUGAR which feeds the cancer and makes it grow aggressively. PLEASE CONSIDER LIMITING THESE PET SCANS IF AT ALL! My sisters lung cancer spread VERY VERY AGGRESSIVELY in one week through her entire body, lymph nodes, liver, spine, intestines, abdomen, neck. SUGAR FEEDS CANCER!

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I still believe that consuming sugar makes EVERYTHING GROW faster in general. That IS what sugar DOES.

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Linda | @llwortman | Mar 27, 2017

Dearest Pattymac:

Please think about focusing on paced breathing and calming your nervous system. You can be in control of this mentally, and this will help you physically and emotionally. I do understand Scared! This is a natural reaction. I also understand breathing deep, and helping myself when I am fearful. It works when I take a seat, close my eyes, and breath deep and focus on relaxing. Please try it again, and again.

There is a TED Talk by Dr. Burke Harris. Google her. I urge you to watch her talk. It helped me and it has helped others of all ages. I do not want you to live in the ScareD mode.

We are all so blessed to have this Mayo CONNECTion, Colleen, Moderators and Mentors...Please, know you are not alone. Lung Health has come such a long way. You will continue to be in my thoughts. I'm breathing with you to help you calm your fear. Big Hugs.
Linda

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Mentor
Scott, Volunteer Mentor | @IndianaScott | Mar 27, 2017

I will only add one small item here. From my wife's experiences with cancer I believe it is important for all of us to recognize cancer, how it consumes our thoughts, energy, and bodies is unique to each person. There simply isn't a one size fits all answer to how we formulate our battle plans in our individual wars.

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Linda | @llwortman | Mar 27, 2017

Brilliantly stated...You are so insightful, kind & compassionate. As a lung cancer patient and survivor x3...Thank you for your words! Wow
you are special!
linda

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Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Mar 27, 2017
In reply to @marzz "Hello, I am sorry you are going through this right now. I am sending prayers your..." + (show)
@marzz

Hello, I am sorry you are going through this right now. I am sending prayers your way. Please keep in mind that PET SCANS contain Glucose to help detect the cancerous cells BUT THAT IS SUGAR which feeds the cancer and makes it grow aggressively. PLEASE CONSIDER LIMITING THESE PET SCANS IF AT ALL! My sisters lung cancer spread VERY VERY AGGRESSIVELY in one week through her entire body, lymph nodes, liver, spine, intestines, abdomen, neck. SUGAR FEEDS CANCER!

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@marzz, can you cite any evidence for your dogmatic declaration about sugar?

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pattymac | @pattymac | Mar 28, 2017

I went to my appointment today which turned out ok. He was very nice and so happy I had brought pet Scan disk with me. He needed it he said that the other Pulmonologist and he had talked but needed to see Scan. When I asked if he thought it was cancer, he said as of now it's undefined? He thought we needed to do scope which he got me in next Wednesday. He didn't have any earlier. But he also told me we'll know what we're dealing with when he's done bc he has a pathologist that works with him right there @ hospital. I also lost 6 pounds ( which I need to), but I worry that it's the cancer although I am sticking with my calories via MyFitnessPal and stressed? Prayers

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6 replies
Kay Strand | @kaystrand | Mar 28, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "I went to my appointment today which turned out ok. He was very nice and so..." + (show)
@pattymac

I went to my appointment today which turned out ok. He was very nice and so happy I had brought pet Scan disk with me. He needed it he said that the other Pulmonologist and he had talked but needed to see Scan. When I asked if he thought it was cancer, he said as of now it's undefined? He thought we needed to do scope which he got me in next Wednesday. He didn't have any earlier. But he also told me we'll know what we're dealing with when he's done bc he has a pathologist that works with him right there @ hospital. I also lost 6 pounds ( which I need to), but I worry that it's the cancer although I am sticking with my calories via MyFitnessPal and stressed? Prayers

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Patty
I'm not a doctor but I would think if it looked terribly serious he'd have found a way to schedule you earlier than 8 days off. I think many times they are almost sure from the Ct when it's cancer so undefined sounds like they really aren't sure and it could be very early if it is and it could be very curable. I am connected to 2 lung cancer survivors.

So, I'm praying for you to stay calm and for a good outcome. Very nice he won't have you wait but tell you right away. I had to wait on mine for 24 hours. I was petrified and it turned out to be MAC. I'm 8 months into drugs. Everyone on this website has had scary moments so we can all relate to your anxiety and also to your hope.

We will all be waiting to hear how you do next week. Do you live in the Twin Cities? I live in Eden Prairie and am so grateful for Mayo.

Regards and take care,
Kay S.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 28, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "I went to my appointment today which turned out ok. He was very nice and so..." + (show)
@pattymac

I went to my appointment today which turned out ok. He was very nice and so happy I had brought pet Scan disk with me. He needed it he said that the other Pulmonologist and he had talked but needed to see Scan. When I asked if he thought it was cancer, he said as of now it's undefined? He thought we needed to do scope which he got me in next Wednesday. He didn't have any earlier. But he also told me we'll know what we're dealing with when he's done bc he has a pathologist that works with him right there @ hospital. I also lost 6 pounds ( which I need to), but I worry that it's the cancer although I am sticking with my calories via MyFitnessPal and stressed? Prayers

Jump to this post

Good for you for bring the disc with you! I'm thrilled that the appointment went well and the doctor was nice. The scope together with your other tests will give a more complete picture of what's going on. It's good that they're being thorough. One step at a time. Remember to breathe. We're here beside you.

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