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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alancady | @alancady | Oct 3, 2017
In reply to @mayflower25 "I ran across your discussion while looking up pulmonary fibrosis, signs and symptoms, regarding problems my..." + (show)
@mayflower25

I ran across your discussion while looking up pulmonary fibrosis, signs and symptoms, regarding problems my Dad is experiencing. Not that the problems you're having are related to his. Nevertheless, I'm sorry to see of the health issues you're having to deal with. I can and do, hope and pray they are short lived and go away! If you don't mind me asking, how are you doing? And feeling? I'm not trying to be nosy. Just a concerned and caring nurse. You will be in my thoughts and my prayers. Please keep us posted on You and how everything is going.

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Who were you referring to in your post? I am married to a wonderful RN myself and I know you truly care about whom you were posting to.

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alancady | @alancady | Oct 3, 2017

I read the rest of the replies and now know it was Psttmac you posted to sorry for my goof up

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pattymac | @pattymac | Oct 3, 2017

Hello Everyone!! I am sorry but I haven't had the internet in some time and for some reason its been an issue on my phone.Ahh, I dont know how I did it but I finally got the hot spot on my iPhone to connect to my laptop:) It has been very stressful but I am here! I went to the new ID Dr and she too wanted to put me back on the med for Histoplasmosis but I talked to my Pulmonologist and we decided to wait and see what my new CT will show on Friday.Iam not really sure what he is looking for but if he thinks I am better off to take the meds for the 6 or 8 months then I will.They are so harsh and I have to be carefully monitored. As far as my voice its not back and I get so irritated bc its not there! I called the IU Medical School in Indianapolis and was able to get an awesome ENT Specialist whom Ive already seen and he doesn't think my voice will come back.I was supposed to have a vocal cord injection tomorrow at Methodist in Indy but have to cancel bc its outpatient and everyone works so I have no driver! It can be done in his office and I said no put me under but now I will have to do it that way.I am afraid to go under again after losing my voice already but idk. I called his office and he was already gone for the day(forgot they're an hour ahead of me) and left msg, then called the hospital and operator actually paged Dr on call and told him everything and he called me and I repeated all and he was going to call ENT and see what can be done!Whew that's a lot of typing! So I don't take anything now but BP meds and may be going back on itraconazole? I think that's it and I get tired but ENT said its bc of my vocal cord making it so I don't get enough air in?

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 3, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "Hello Everyone!! I am sorry but I haven't had the internet in some time and for..." + (show)
@pattymac

Hello Everyone!! I am sorry but I haven't had the internet in some time and for some reason its been an issue on my phone.Ahh, I dont know how I did it but I finally got the hot spot on my iPhone to connect to my laptop:) It has been very stressful but I am here! I went to the new ID Dr and she too wanted to put me back on the med for Histoplasmosis but I talked to my Pulmonologist and we decided to wait and see what my new CT will show on Friday.Iam not really sure what he is looking for but if he thinks I am better off to take the meds for the 6 or 8 months then I will.They are so harsh and I have to be carefully monitored. As far as my voice its not back and I get so irritated bc its not there! I called the IU Medical School in Indianapolis and was able to get an awesome ENT Specialist whom Ive already seen and he doesn't think my voice will come back.I was supposed to have a vocal cord injection tomorrow at Methodist in Indy but have to cancel bc its outpatient and everyone works so I have no driver! It can be done in his office and I said no put me under but now I will have to do it that way.I am afraid to go under again after losing my voice already but idk. I called his office and he was already gone for the day(forgot they're an hour ahead of me) and left msg, then called the hospital and operator actually paged Dr on call and told him everything and he called me and I repeated all and he was going to call ENT and see what can be done!Whew that's a lot of typing! So I don't take anything now but BP meds and may be going back on itraconazole? I think that's it and I get tired but ENT said its bc of my vocal cord making it so I don't get enough air in?

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Hi @pattymac

Thanks so much for checking in with us - having both internet and voice problems really does make it hard to communicate, doesn't it?

Previous to having my vocal cord surgery, I also had the injection. I was not "put under" as the doctor said you have to be awake and aware and talk as he needs to know if it is working. I'll have to say that it wasn't very pleasant, but it was bearable - so if you have to do it without being put out, I'm sure you will survive.

Yes, vocal cord problems are very, very, fatiguing. You have to work really hard to talk and that takes up a lot of energy. After my surgery, I felt so much more energetic and had a stronger voice, so it was really worth all of the trauma involved.

As you get your internet working, please keep in touch with us - we really care about how you are doing.

Many blessings,

Teresa

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pattymac | @pattymac | Oct 15, 2017

Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and i was sooo sick from that! I go back to Indianapolis on the 24th for a post appt.Dr said that when these injections wear off I will need an implant?I pray it just comes back soon.I also had a Ct w/o dye and the Infectious disease Dr hasn't called me about it.I have an appt end of month with her too.When I did see her she wanted me to go back on fungus meds bc she agreed with previous Dr that I had Histoplasmosis and needed to be on them for about 8 months. She ordered the ct and in between I went to see the pulmonologist that did the first scope.I told him I wanted to wait to see what ct said before starting those meds again and he agreed.Now I looked at my online chart and Ct says that the 2 nodules have gone from 4 & 5 mm respectively to 7mm?I'm starting to panics too.This is since last December too. I thought they told me NO Cancer and now they've grown? The lung biopsy with lymph node taken out in 3 sections means what now? I went and got a copy of ct and had an appt with the thoracic surgeon for a few months now and that's tomorrow,so I wonder what he will say.He is still upset about my voice not coming back. Any ideas? Thank god your responses go to my email bc I never know if I can use hotspot to connect on my laptop.I need to go back to work and finish my 2nd degree so prayers please.

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4 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 16, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and..." + (show)
@pattymac

Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and i was sooo sick from that! I go back to Indianapolis on the 24th for a post appt.Dr said that when these injections wear off I will need an implant?I pray it just comes back soon.I also had a Ct w/o dye and the Infectious disease Dr hasn't called me about it.I have an appt end of month with her too.When I did see her she wanted me to go back on fungus meds bc she agreed with previous Dr that I had Histoplasmosis and needed to be on them for about 8 months. She ordered the ct and in between I went to see the pulmonologist that did the first scope.I told him I wanted to wait to see what ct said before starting those meds again and he agreed.Now I looked at my online chart and Ct says that the 2 nodules have gone from 4 & 5 mm respectively to 7mm?I'm starting to panics too.This is since last December too. I thought they told me NO Cancer and now they've grown? The lung biopsy with lymph node taken out in 3 sections means what now? I went and got a copy of ct and had an appt with the thoracic surgeon for a few months now and that's tomorrow,so I wonder what he will say.He is still upset about my voice not coming back. Any ideas? Thank god your responses go to my email bc I never know if I can use hotspot to connect on my laptop.I need to go back to work and finish my 2nd degree so prayers please.

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Hello @pattymac

It sounds as if you have a lot to be concerned about. Regarding the growth of the lung nodules - you definitely need to address that with your doctor. There are probably reasons, not related to cancer, that might cause them to increase in size, but only your doctor can answer that question.

Regarding the implant to help your voice - as I mentioned before, I had that surgery. I was SO pleased with the results! I live in SE Michigan, but went to Cleveland Clinic for that surgery (they have a very good ENT department there). If your insurance won't allow you to go to Cleveland, you might inquire if there are doctors in your health system who have been trained at Cleveland or Mayo Clinic for this procedure. That would give you the benefit of good training, but keep you in your insurance network.

Here is some information from Mayo's website regarding the structural implant that I had, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vocal-cord-paralysis/basics/treatment/con-20026357. Here is another website that gives more specific information about this surgery, http://professionalvoice.org/paralysis.aspx.

Take heart! Talk to your doctor about the reason for the increase in the size of the nodules - so that you can put your mind at ease.

Will you let us know how you are doing after your appointment on the 24th?

Teresa

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buttons | @buttons | Oct 16, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and..." + (show)
@pattymac

Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and i was sooo sick from that! I go back to Indianapolis on the 24th for a post appt.Dr said that when these injections wear off I will need an implant?I pray it just comes back soon.I also had a Ct w/o dye and the Infectious disease Dr hasn't called me about it.I have an appt end of month with her too.When I did see her she wanted me to go back on fungus meds bc she agreed with previous Dr that I had Histoplasmosis and needed to be on them for about 8 months. She ordered the ct and in between I went to see the pulmonologist that did the first scope.I told him I wanted to wait to see what ct said before starting those meds again and he agreed.Now I looked at my online chart and Ct says that the 2 nodules have gone from 4 & 5 mm respectively to 7mm?I'm starting to panics too.This is since last December too. I thought they told me NO Cancer and now they've grown? The lung biopsy with lymph node taken out in 3 sections means what now? I went and got a copy of ct and had an appt with the thoracic surgeon for a few months now and that's tomorrow,so I wonder what he will say.He is still upset about my voice not coming back. Any ideas? Thank god your responses go to my email bc I never know if I can use hotspot to connect on my laptop.I need to go back to work and finish my 2nd degree so prayers please.

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Praying God will watch over you and know that are a lot of people who care!

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pattymac | @pattymac | Oct 16, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and..." + (show)
@pattymac

Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and i was sooo sick from that! I go back to Indianapolis on the 24th for a post appt.Dr said that when these injections wear off I will need an implant?I pray it just comes back soon.I also had a Ct w/o dye and the Infectious disease Dr hasn't called me about it.I have an appt end of month with her too.When I did see her she wanted me to go back on fungus meds bc she agreed with previous Dr that I had Histoplasmosis and needed to be on them for about 8 months. She ordered the ct and in between I went to see the pulmonologist that did the first scope.I told him I wanted to wait to see what ct said before starting those meds again and he agreed.Now I looked at my online chart and Ct says that the 2 nodules have gone from 4 & 5 mm respectively to 7mm?I'm starting to panics too.This is since last December too. I thought they told me NO Cancer and now they've grown? The lung biopsy with lymph node taken out in 3 sections means what now? I went and got a copy of ct and had an appt with the thoracic surgeon for a few months now and that's tomorrow,so I wonder what he will say.He is still upset about my voice not coming back. Any ideas? Thank god your responses go to my email bc I never know if I can use hotspot to connect on my laptop.I need to go back to work and finish my 2nd degree so prayers please.

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yes, of course! Thoracic surgeon looked at ct today and didn't know what to think?He said I will order a ct for March and we can see what is going on then.He also told me he was going back to Chicago to practice and that I could still keep in touch with him,he will still review my tests and talk to Dr that is replacing him which is his long time friend and associate. He even gave me his cell phone number. His nurse said that I was the first patient he told about his leaving and never gives out his private number so that should show he really cares about your health and likes you as a person.He advised me to take the itraconazole for histoplasmosis and that may make a difference in my next Ct. He said they were really small and showed me.I wish I knew someone that had Histo so I could get some better understanding other than it usually only occurs in Ohio valley area?Really because we have birds,bats and mold here too?

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pattymac | @pattymac | Oct 16, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "I went to Infectious Diseases Dr. yesterday and he has started me on a fungus med..." + (show)
@pattymac

I went to Infectious Diseases Dr. yesterday and he has started me on a fungus med for several months and repeated blood work during time.I am starting to feel like a pin cushion.I am still coughing but not as much, its a deeper cough? He is thinking that I have Histoplasmosis? I haven't researched yet.I'm kind of afraid to but still will. I will come back and see later if any of you wonderful folks know anything about this or have any advice.I am so blessed to have you all on my side.I hope I can help someone else in the future.

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Hello John, I just looked at this link again since my second opinion agrees that I have this Histoplasmosis and I still cant understand how I got it?Anyway it looks like its curable so I am going to listen to Dr and take this fungus med for several months.Thanks for the info and pray your doing well.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 17, 2017
In reply to @pattymac "Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and..." + (show)
@pattymac

Hello, I had vocal cord injections on October 4th and it was done under anesthesia and i was sooo sick from that! I go back to Indianapolis on the 24th for a post appt.Dr said that when these injections wear off I will need an implant?I pray it just comes back soon.I also had a Ct w/o dye and the Infectious disease Dr hasn't called me about it.I have an appt end of month with her too.When I did see her she wanted me to go back on fungus meds bc she agreed with previous Dr that I had Histoplasmosis and needed to be on them for about 8 months. She ordered the ct and in between I went to see the pulmonologist that did the first scope.I told him I wanted to wait to see what ct said before starting those meds again and he agreed.Now I looked at my online chart and Ct says that the 2 nodules have gone from 4 & 5 mm respectively to 7mm?I'm starting to panics too.This is since last December too. I thought they told me NO Cancer and now they've grown? The lung biopsy with lymph node taken out in 3 sections means what now? I went and got a copy of ct and had an appt with the thoracic surgeon for a few months now and that's tomorrow,so I wonder what he will say.He is still upset about my voice not coming back. Any ideas? Thank god your responses go to my email bc I never know if I can use hotspot to connect on my laptop.I need to go back to work and finish my 2nd degree so prayers please.

Jump to this post

@pattymac

Here is a Mayo website about Histoplasmosis that might be helpful to you in understanding this, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/histoplasmosis/basics/definition/CON-20026585

It appears as if it is most common in Ohio and Mississippi but can occur anywhere - especially near bird droppings, bats, etc. It is probably wise to keep up with the medication that your doctor suggested until you hear otherwise.

Please keep us posted as to how you are doing.

Teresa

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