A new challenge

Daisy,
I'm certain you are feeling very anxious and that's normal. I'm sorry you are going through all of this. My husband had lung cancer. He also had feelings of apprehensions regarding various things they wanted to do. He said no to procedures that he either had bad reactions to or had a negative feeling about doing. He also went along with other things the doctors suggested. What really helped my husband was eating good healthy food and for my husband that was a good healthy steak or roast beef, hamburger, vegetablesand fruit. Prayer also helped him. We prayed daily. My husband lived 14 years with lung cancer before he died at age 83 in 2024.

Pay attention to how you are feeling about the procedure they are suggesting. Remember it's your body and your money. You decide what is to be done to it and when. Take it all to God and he will direct you. I'll say a prayer for you also.
I wish you the best!
PML

Good Morning PML,
Thank you very much for your many kind words, as well your advice. Yes, I’ll be aware of how I’m feeling with what they feel is next… I’m glad you reminded me as I believe our instincts are valuable guidance.
I’ve fine tuned my diet to even healthier, and yes prayers have been offered up. Thank you very much for yours. You are appreciated.
Wow, your husband lived 14 years with lung cancer. Im glad he followed what he felt was best. I’m sorry about your loss of him. I can’t imagine.
Thank you PML 🤗

@daisydays I'm so sorry to hear you have a new serious health challenge. I'm thankful it was found and can be treated, but that doesn't take away from it being difficult and scary. sending lots of hugs your way!

@daisydays that sounds like alot for you. Its cruel that we are not goven time to recover from one situation/procedure before the next one comes. Its confronting and as you said so scary. I have bone cancer (sarcoma) ( which had metastasised to my lungs. We were treating well with chemo and my symptoms are inproving. Then a scan finds a tumour on C2 vertebrae which is extremely dangerous from a possible fracture point of view. I now have to start radiation again. I have shut down emotionally now. Its hard to talk about anything with my loved ones. I dont even want to tell them.
I hope you do get that clearer picture of what is ahead for you and that allows your mind to join the dots and move forward. Please let us know how you progress.
In my own way, I will pray for you from Australia.

@daisydays, I'm hoping that you get more info soon. It can be hard to live without knowing what to expect next. Was this a change from a previous scan? I have an ascending aorta that is described as enlarged for 'upper limit of normal for age'. My provider is monitoring it with an echocardiogram every year. When do you have an appointment next?

Hello @mamajite
Thank you and Yes, you described my thoughts exactly ! Thank you for your kindness and as well for all those hugs 🤗

Hello @tashmoon…
Thank you, yes, I’d prefer to be further out in my recovery as I feel I am still getting my stamina back. I am actively working on it though.
I’m sorry to hear all you have gone through, and are continuing to go through. Sounds difficult and like a lot for you too. I’m sorry you shut down emotionally and that it’s hard to talk to your loved ones. I’m hoping that improves for you.
Meanwhile I’m glad you found Mayo connect and all the way from Australia! It’s helpful beyond words.
Thank you for the well wishes, I wish the best for you too, and success with your upcoming radiation.
Hugs 🤗 positive thoughts

Hello Lisa @lls8000
Thank you, I’m sorry to hear you have experience with this. Thank you for sharing with me. I’m glad you are being monitored 😊
No, not a change from previous scan, just found incidental. I did though take a closer look back at other types of tests that just happen to include my aorta, which all mention various sizes. So, interesting as that all is, I’ve learned there can be many variables between these tests.
My appointment was scheduled for next week, but my insurance has denied it as of yesterday ! My cardiologist is on it, appealed etc and hoping to reschedule asap 🤞
Thank you very much Lisa, thinking positive for you 🤗

It def sounds scary and a lot to process. I understand your shutdown as well. I have news I'm just not ready to share with anyone, save my husband. I wonder if it's a way to protect ourselves from the many "it's probably just..", when I know exactly what the scan has shown. I hope you can gain comfort from this site, even if it's just reading the comments. I will keep you in my heart as you manage your way thru the next piece of your life.

@lls8000
@daisydays
@mamajite

I have a 4.4 cm ascending aorta too, other than my multifocal adenocarcinoma Lung cancer. These two health diseases were discovered by accident in an emergency visit in October 2024.

I had two VAT surgeries to remove 3 tumors within one year. The every 6 month CT scan showed the size of Aorta.
The Cardiologist can see the results of CT scan from My Chart.
He told me to control my blood pressure, do not need to do surgery until the size near 5.5 cm.
I am overwhelmed by the two serious diseases, but currently the lung cancer is more urgent to take care of.
I told my children my health status. I don’t tell my siblings (they live out of the state and we occasionally contact) and friends, because nothing they can do about it. I don’t want them to worry.
I tried to keep myself calm. It is good to find this Mayo group to talk about and to learn knowledges.
Helen