I went online to charting from Drs appt today and two points were in charting for diagnosis:
1. Hilary Mass
2. Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy
Not sure what that means?
He asked if I had any chest pain or breathing issues and nope! Also he looked at his schedule while I sat there but he said no openings and apologized.I think it's good that it's in one place that lit up but also said inflammation as well as other illnesses can present in that way. He asked if I've had the flu or been around anyone who was sick. I told him I drive for uber when not in school so who knows

HI Patty yes do stay on! Declare the Victory in God's name - sometimes He will give us so much to bear because He wishes to see us become all we are meant to be, including health-wise. He can't do that if we are not challenged! This is a "chapter" you are going through. Please do not decide you have lung cancer, since as others have pointed out, drs. are not showing alarm, and plenty of us have endured severe and life-threatening lung issues. Trust in God's timing. Go one step at a time, and give yourself what you need in each moment.
This is a wonderful chance to improve diet that supports lung health and healing, meditate, breathe, walk in the sunshine. There is nothing like serious health issues to make us more grateful. We each have a choice in what to do in every single moment. The opportunity to decide what we wish to cut out of our lives and what to bring in is a powerful opportunity to create the next chapter. Do you keep a healing/medical journal? It is a fascinating record of all you learn, feel, and are grateful for. It is powerful to write your thoughts and experiences in your own hand. Slow breathing and essential oils are a wonderful way to relax and gain control. Read some new material on home air quality and ways to improve lung health in your environment. Also, eastern/alternative medicine says we hold grief in our lungs. This makes so much sense, so healing ourselves can involve deep levels of self-care and expression. Most churches have fellowship and prayer groups - if you are not in one I urge you to consider joining one! Prayers from others are powerful. Loving support from sisters-in Christ is powerful. just some ideas you might like : )

If you don't have chest pain or breathing issues, consider how lucky this is. Any of us who have had numerous life-threatening experiences with both know the terror of feeling like one is drowning and suffocating at the same time.

Those are all wonderful ideas and thank you. I definitely need to move out of this apt bc I still see some black mold in bathroom which landlord isn't concerned with and I pointed out awhile ago. I'm trying to decide where I'm going to work on my bachelors at and may move out of state but it all depends on my health findings. Mayo Clinic called me back this am and sadly do not take my insurance as I thought but was surprised to hear they accept Minnesota and 2 other state programs? I would need 5,000 to just have appt & some testing done. So disappointed bc they are supposed to be the best.

Patty I'm so so sorry to hear this all, and extremely alarmed at the black mold issue!!! This is so alarming, and really should be mentioned to your Drs., in my humble opinion. Make sure you have proper health masks when you clean and vacuum, and research ways to remove the mold immediately. Don't go near it without a mask on if at all possible. It may or may not be directly related to your lung issues. Either way it is a health risk! Then be careful of any chemicals used to clean or seal it, including bleach. I would pursue some information through your health provider re removing the mold and how unhealthy it is. You can look online but your health team will better advise you - I would contact someone ASAP. Mayo is great, but there are plenty of Drs.and hospitals with outstanding quality. Get some information through your docs/nurses on home air quality ASAP!

Ok lots of great ways to remove black mold in bathroom, search online. The deeper issue is why it is forming; ventilation issue, no fan? It can be easily cleaned, just wear a mask. Whatever it takes to keep that bathroom dry is better for your health!

@pattymac, Patty, one of our community was in a similar situation .. lived on the East coast .. put a gofund.me on her Facebook page .. received enough donations to come to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Mn from family and friends! Just an idea/thought.

Also don't know if this would be helpful or not on the financial?: *From Colleen: Here is information about Mayo Clinic's Billing and Insurance http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance which includes information about Charitable Care and Financial Assistance at Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/financial-assistance

Just some thoughts .. don't know if it would help or not .. Hugs! Katherine

@jms7, I have been pondering this but decided to just mention my thoughts .. you have such a positive attitude .. such a way with words ..just love how you put your thoughts down in a post .. such wise words of wisdom .. great advise. You are a wonderful addition to our group!

But I was thinking .. we just have to remember that as the USA was based on "separation of church and state" .. we must be respectful of the various spiritual values or lack thereof for members of Mayo Clinic Connect .. AND have the same "separate of church and Mayo Clinic Connect". All members have a right to their own spiritual beliefs or lack thereof on our Connect Forum. Just thought I'd mention this because I KNOW your spirituality means a great deal to you and has been a source of great comfort .. I respect that. I also know that you mean well and want ONLY the best for our community. PLEASE keep up the good supportive help! Sending you a Hug! Katherine

Any notes to Patty are to and for her only - they are written lovingly and specifically to her and for her. Anyone else who wishes to enjoy them in whatever way is meaningful to them is absolutely free to do so. She writes specifically of her priest, God, and of church, so I joyfully meet her on that level. This country was built on "In God We Trust," thus many Jews and Muslims who know God's love express it to others; if one of them mentions God in their fears or concerns here, I will also, period.
My understanding is that this incredible forum is for everyone, and that is what makes it what it is.
Of note is the topic of this incredible hospital, National Jewish, vs. National Atheist, that likely does not turn away anyone. How wonderful of Terri to share this! I will not cease my prayers, privately or publicly that Patty will excitedly go there, at no cost to her. She shared her situation, fears, and circumstances. She is all I need to remember in her needs. If one reads closely, she also mentions her son who has served 3x in Iraq. If there is some law in the Forum regarding 'Patty or anyone mentioning church or God, or accepting or needing prayer, then it would be a dark day indeed, as many of those who are scared, rejoice at healing, value prayer by TOTAL loving strangers, mention church, or lung cancer survivors at their church, or suddenly request prayer would be silenced.
Interesting that any posts in this thread by Patty, me, or others mentioning God, have plenty of likes.
Now, back to my loving concern for Patty, who has shown such courage at baring so much vulnerability, and received a flood of powerful advisement, support, encouragement, as well as raised wonderful education from so many. I am awed at what I have learned.
As a retired veteran who presented, spoke for, and served this country, and who would die in a heartbeat for the freedom of this country, Semper Fi, God Bless America, and may God Bless and Protect Patty's son, all who have served, and everyone here who wishes it.
Patty is welcome to email me privately anytime, and I will lovingly respond in any Christian way she needs or asks.

Dear @katemn and @jms7,
Let me start by saying thank you to both of you. You are respected members of the Connect community, who have shared your personal medical experiences and reached out to help others on this public forum.

It is our goal to keep the Mayo Clinic Connect community safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful as stated in the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/ First and foremost, Connect is a place to share your patient and caregiver experiences, your health goals, to ask questions, and to give and get support from others. For some members, faith is a part of health and healing. For others, this may not be the case.

@jms7, thank you for bringing your faith into the conversation only when the person you are supporting expressed their beliefs. I appreciate your sensitivity around expression of religious beliefs.
@katemn, I appreciate your pointing out the need for balance. In providing support for one person, we must keep in mind that each message is read by many. To benefit the maximum number of people, messages should be inclusive.

If you wish to discuss this matter further, please contact me privately by private message or by using this form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

In the meantime, let us all continue to provide our experiences, information and support and to all members.

Thank you
Colleen
Community Director