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Possible 2 different cancers in lungs?
On 5/1/25 I had an ION CT Scan and then a Pet Scan of my lungs. On the CT Scan it showed a 6mm node that was a 5mm node 1 month ago and it also showed the 1 cm node that was new 1 month ago and unchanged now. The PET Scan showed two and possibly 3 areas that lit up. The first area was the 1cm node in my right upper lobe and the 2nd was a new 5mm node in my left upper lobe. There was one other area that my doctor showed me that looked like a cloud and in the center there was something that lit up dimly. My question is about something my Pulmonologist said. he said " We are going to do a robotic CT guided biopsy of the node in my right lobe and the one in my left lobe. He said he hoped they were the same cancer and they caught it early. The best case scenario is that both nodes are the same type of cancer, but they developed separately in each lobe and if they are different cancers, that would be Bad." I asked him to elaborate on "Bad," but he didn't. Is it common to have two different types of cancers in your lungs? Also, what makes that a worse case scenario? Thank you for any responses to my query.
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Patty, so happy to hear of yout results and hope your Oct test results are a good outcome too. Keep us posted ...Glor
@pattythompson, that's great news! Proof that these nodules can be mysterious. It's still good to keep an eye on them. We're happy to have you here, stay in touch.
Today Dr called and said I have stage 4 lung cancer with 12 months.. I never had my lung removed... I've never had a biopsy and I feel great . Still bike riding , swimming, doing aerobics and weights.. I'm scared to death that they will just. leave me to die
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2 ReactionsOh @pattythompson I'm so sorry to hear this. It is scary news to receive, and can take some time to sink in, especially if you are feeling that great. Doctors don't know how long we have, none of us has an expiration date. Each of us are unique and we are not statistics.
Without the biopsy, how were you diagnosed? Did they do a blood biopsy (sometimes called a liquid biopsy)? Do they know what type of lung cancer?
Knowing the type of lung cancer, can help match treatments to the specific type. When is your next appointment?
Sending hugs.
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4 Reactions@pattythompson that must have been a complete shock - I'm so sorry that happened. I agree with @lls8000 - we don't have expiration dates. my advice - see another doctor asap! I understand you may have some health care system differences, but go to the best teaching/academic cancer hospital that's accessible to you and see the best doctor you can.
As Lisa said, stage 4 isn't an automatic death sentence, but you need to know exactly what kind of cancer you have, which means having it biopsied. once you know the genetic profile of your tumor they can match the best possible treatment(s). don't settle for a lazy doctor - your life is precious. sending lots of moral support and hugs your way!
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2 ReactionsThank You so much for reaching out.. I will try and get a second opinion... I feel your hug and believe me it means the world to me to know people care.. I'm not sleeping or doing my normal stuff.. just depressed and in despare
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2 Reactions@pattythompson this is exactly why oncologists should be careful with their words. frankly, I don't think that person has enough information to make that kind of prognosis.
here's what you need in short order:
a biopsy (with biomarker testing)
a full body PET scan
a brain MRI
when you have those 3 things, the oncologist can diagnose and stage your cancer properly. many kinds of lung cancer will respond well to treatment - and there are soooo many more options today. please advocate for yourself - we're here to support you!
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3 ReactionsThank You so much for the info.. and for the support, I don't feel as alone and frightened as I was.. this is such a safe place for me and I feel the love and support ❤️
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6 ReactionsHello @pattythompson,
How awful that must have been for you to get that call. I’m so sorry you went through that.
@mamajite and @lls8000 gave you such great advice and thoughts.
All the best as you navigate for yourself, you’ve got this !
Huge hugs ! 🤗 and then some more hugs ! 🤗
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2 Reactions@pattythompson
I am so sorry you have to go through this. Please ask for a second opinion as it has been suggested. I read so many inspirational stories of people dealing with stage 4 and still living long and meaningful lives. Please keep us updated.
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3 Reactions