1. < Lung Cancer

CT lung cancer screening

Posted by joelars @joelars, Jul 7, 2019

I listened to a discussion concerning cancer screening. It was the opinion of the oncologists that doctors continue screenings late into the patients life where the risks of radiation exposure outweigh any benefits because the patient doesn't have enough years, statistically, to live. Does anyone know about what age is the right age to discontinue cancer screenings?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 17, 2019
In reply to @joelars "@merpreb My scans are 4 months apart. I'm hoping it is unusual to find the tumor..." + (show)
@joelars

@merpreb My scans are 4 months apart. I'm hoping it is unusual to find the tumor in this shortest period? the problem is I told the doctor not to call me and instead I scheduled an appointment, because last time he called and told me to come in. I waited 1 week thinking I had cancer only to find out it was a residue of the infection. But the downside is I have to wait 4 days to see him on this recent test. I googled the symptoms of lung cancer and I don't have wheezing, blood, pain in arm or chest, cough, weakness but the article also said many people don't have any symptoms early on. I'm hoping if I do have a tumor, it could only be 4 months old and therefore small? so maybe they could successfully remove it?

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@joelars- If your doctor was concerned that you had lung cancer based on what he saw then he'd have you do a PE scan. Aren't you driving yourself nuts with all of this? I did and it really makes things worse- in your mind at least. I know that it's difficult to think about anything else right now but please try and get your mind on something else. Can you do that?

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 17, 2019
In reply to @alamogal635 "Had a CY scan to check heart health. Int hat can was found a mall spot..." + (show)
@alamogal635

Had a CY scan to check heart health. Int hat can was found a mall spot in my lower right lung. Had a biopsy done and it was early cancer. I could have waited and we could have watched to see what might happen. However, my doctor and I decided to get rid fo the thing and I had a lobectomy VATS surgery to remove it and the surrounding tissue. It was so small they think they got it before any spread happened. Tests show I am clear. My point is, if there is something suspicious, i'd have it taken out, especially while it is noticed early. With VATS surgery, the healing time was pretty fast and easy.I am due back after 6 moths for a CT scan to make sure all i clear. My doctor is pretty darned hopeful al is well. If you are comfortable with your doctor, see him about the results as soon as you and he are able to meet. It will reassure you. Hope this helps. I'm pulling for you!

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@alamogal635 Glad to hear that the early detection and removal made a difference for you. Good news!

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alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Jul 17, 2019

@hopeful33250 Thank you. Was simply trying to help the person who wrote above.

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joelars | @joelars | Jul 18, 2019

thank you . your reply was encouraging and kind.
Can I ask , how long were you unable to do regular physical activities after the surgery? How long were you in the hospital? My personality-type and life experiences make me consider refusing all treatment except palliative care and maybe euthanasia. But that's because I believe the docs will only cut me up, radiate me to prolong a low quality life. It means a lot to hear real stories where people do come through lung cancer, largely healthy.

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1 reply
joelars | @joelars | Jul 18, 2019

sorry, i was replying to alamoga635

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jo54 | @jo54 | Jul 18, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@joelars- You are one lucky person! I envy you. Because of the lung tissue that I've..." + (show)
@merpreb

@joelars- You are one lucky person! I envy you. Because of the lung tissue that I've lost due to lung cancer I do use an inhaler. There's a new one out that replaces QVAR and Spiriva called Trelegy. I only need to inhales a day, first thing in the AM! Even if there is nothing new that they might have for you, if it's been a while, I'd go for the check-up. If I've answered this post before I apologize. Have you called Mayo yet?

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Merry the doctor has given me trelegy and that could be the reason I am feeling better. Answers are hard to find come by but we try

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 18, 2019
In reply to @jo54 "Merry the doctor has given me trelegy and that could be the reason I am feeling..." + (show)
@jo54

Merry the doctor has given me trelegy and that could be the reason I am feeling better. Answers are hard to find come by but we try

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@jo54- I actually was very surprised that my breathing was better too! If you can get beyond the taste (I rinse my mouth) it's ok. It's also better than using 2 inhalers 2x a day! How does it make you feel better.

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jo54 | @jo54 | Jul 18, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@jo54- I actually was very surprised that my breathing was better too! If you can get..." + (show)
@merpreb

@jo54- I actually was very surprised that my breathing was better too! If you can get beyond the taste (I rinse my mouth) it's ok. It's also better than using 2 inhalers 2x a day! How does it make you feel better.

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Merry I am breathing easier and I find that I am not grabbing for my emergency inhaler. In fact I had a stupid idea that I didn’t need it any longer when I realized I felt good because of it. Once in the morning and then rinsing the mouth and I am good.

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alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Jul 18, 2019
In reply to @joelars "thank you . your reply was encouraging and kind. Can I ask , how long were..." + (show)
@joelars

thank you . your reply was encouraging and kind.
Can I ask , how long were you unable to do regular physical activities after the surgery? How long were you in the hospital? My personality-type and life experiences make me consider refusing all treatment except palliative care and maybe euthanasia. But that's because I believe the docs will only cut me up, radiate me to prolong a low quality life. It means a lot to hear real stories where people do come through lung cancer, largely healthy.

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@joelars Getting back to a semblance of doing most things took about a month int total. The main thing for me, was working on breathing so my right lung would learnt o compensate for its missing lobe. And it has! Yes, I was tired after the surgery, but I'd do things when I had energy--usually int he morning and then rest int he afternoon. I walked a lot around the back yard and slowly worked up to doing light gardening, etc. I was driving after two weeks and although came home on oxygen, was off it completely in about three weeks. It is doable and with the VATS surgery, the pain was tolerable at first and improved almost daily. I actually feel better than I did before the surgery. There were no symptoms prior tot he surgery and I would not have lucked out with doctors finding the carcinoma had I not gone for a heart CT scan. Hope this helps and I'll be glad to answer any other questions you might have.

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