Lung nodules found: I smoke and vape and I'm worried

@joyb1975 I am so sorry you are having these problems. I don't blame you for being scared. My husband had Stage 4 lung cancer and we both were scared at first. However, after we started seeing the doctor and praying we both calmed down. My husband lived for 14 years with lung cancer. He had smoked for over 50 years. He was able to do everything he always did such as making and repairing things with his power tools, driving the car, leaf blowing the yard etc. The last two years of his life he wasn't able to do that kind of physical activity but he was still active. He ate healthy and healthy for my husband was good quality steak and fruits and vegetables. He also refused any treatments because he reacted badly to them. We prayed together and read the Bible everyday. God was there for us. We stayed away from a lot of people so that my husband wouldn't catch anything. We actually had a good life even with lung cancer in it for 14 years. My husband died at age 83 in 2024. I think it was the prayers that helped him more than anything. I miss my husband terribly but I still pray and God has been there for me. He will be there for you also. Just talk to God like he's your best friend and he is! After all, he made you and he can fix you! You are still young at 51. Younger bodies heal easier than older ones. I will say a prayer for you. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. I have plenty of time.
I wish you the best.
PML

@kizzie62 I'm so sorry that you have lung cancer! My husband had Stage 4 lung cancer too. He lived 14 years with lung cancer. He died at age 83 in 2024. He smoked 50 years also. He did quit smoking but it was hard for him. I understand what you are going through by not being able to quit smoking. It's hard go quit! Besides my husband, my mother had pulmonary emphysema and she smoked about 50 years too. She really enjoyed smoking but had to quit when it became painful for her to smoke. She still loved the smell of a cigarette when someone nearby was smoking. I am almost 80 and have never smoked even though when I was young in the 1960's I was looked down on for not smoking! The smoke bothered my nose terribly so I never started.

What helped my husband with his cancer was eating healthy and for him that was a good steak, fruits and vegetables. Also we prayed together and read the Bible everyday. God was there for us. We had 14 wonderful years together despite the cancer. My husband reacted badly to the treatments so he refused them. Also we stayed away from crowds so he wouldn't catch anything.
I miss my husband terribly but I know he's up in Heaven and we'll be together eventually in God's time. I pray and read the Bible everyday and it helps. My prayers get answered and I'm not so lonely anymore.
If you have any questions, l have plenty of time. I'll say a prayer for you.
I wish you the best.
PML

@kizzie62
Long term smoking has not been good to my family members.

Had a little discussion with a younger sibling who has COPD pretty bad.

A few comments.

Can hardly walk anymore. Pulmonary testing next month at Gunderson. I would just as soon expire. I had a good life lol!

I gave up when I realized what I couldn't do anymore. It's a big blow to your frame of mind. Trust me. I have never felt so defeated. Been thru rough time before but this is it admit defeat. Lol. What I can't do with with the kids really hurts. You have no idea how it feels to fail like this. Never had to deal with this but the time comes to pay The Piper! Cash only please! LOL. BUT like I said I lived a good life. Great family thank God! Hope you are all doing well.

And fyi. I only have myself to blame. Sure wish I would have listened to Dad! He had it right.

FWIW our dad passed away from lung cancer due to smoking.

@kizzie62 contact the social worker at your hospital. They can help you find a quit program that works for you. If the first one doesn't work, try another one.

contact the social worker at your hospital. They can help you find a quit program that works for you. If the first one doesn't work, try another one.

Welcome to Mayo Connect @kizzie62. It's not an easy diagnosis to face. We can't change the past, so try not to dwell on the years of smoking. Try to focus on getting better; get help with treatment, and if you are able, get help with quitting. How recently were you diagnosed? What treatment have you had, or are you scheduled for?

@joyb1975 They are the best. It's totally worth it to go to Mayo.

@torracokat

Of course if they'll accept you. I like it because I have family nearby for one, but there are competent docs all over. If I can get suitable care here I would just as soon do it here if possible.
The grub was better at Mayo Methodist and they were generous with the heparin as opposed to here.

Once you get in it seems like you're a patient for life.

Thx everyone! Had the CT with contrast yesterday. Found out I have 5 other smaller nodules too. They talked about a biopsy for the 9mm nodule. Still waiting to get into the Pulmonary Clinic to discuss options.

@joyb1975, Thanks for sharing your update. Discussions with a pulmonologist is a good next step. Getting the pathology of the nodule is the only way to know for sure what these are. Here's a link to an explanation of the usual procedure that is used, bronchoscopy.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bronchoscopy/about/pac-20384746
I've had this procedure several times, and it is generally well tolerated.