Lung nodules and MAC

Hi @taya, the NIH has some information on what occurs during a bronchoscopy: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bronchoscopy

Here is a discussion in the Lung Health group that may be helpful: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lungs/

@ginak has mentioned lung nodules in the past and may be able to offer you support.

How long until your bronchoscope?

Thank you Ethan. That was very helpful info. (Irene5)

@taya Good morning. When are you scheduled for the bronchioscope? Have they tried
just testing your sputem first? If you go ahead with the bronchioscope, make sure they DO use a twilight anesthesia. I had one done by a sadistic doctor years ago that did not use it. It was not good......You should be fine though.

My bronch. Is 10/11. I had one two years ago. No problem. I read too much. It seems that anything over 4mm is considered a mass. I’m in pulmonary rehab which I attend 3 days a week, a fellow rehaber had chemo and radiation for her nodles. I’m hoping it’s just an infection.

@taya Hi, I was diagnosed with lung nodules from a CT scan back in 2013. At the time, I was never really given an answer to what would cause nodules. I've never had a bronchoscopy, but others on this forum have and say its not so bad. My pulmonary Dr at the time just had me go for a CT scan every year to "watch it". The nodules never fully disappeared, but would "wax and wane". In 2016, when I started coughing up blood, the CT scan showed a nodule that was slightly over 1cm. It was a concern since it was not very large the previous year and then had gotten so big so quickly. I had surgery to have it removed and biopsied. That's when they diagnosed me with MAI/MAC. I started seeing an NTM specialist, who also thinks its best to take a wait and see approach. He also diagnosed me with bronchiectasis. I have not been put on any antibiotics but I do lung clearance exercises, nebulize with saline and sleep on a wedge. I have now been told nodules are also caused by acid reflux, or silent aspiration due to acid reflux. So I try to manage that as best I can; no eating past 6:00 PM, (or wait at least 5 hours after eating to lay down), sleep on a wedge, TRY to avoid foods that cause reflux. I've never heard of having chemo or radiation for nodules. After having radiation for endometrial cancer, I think I would prefer NOT to have radiation on my lungs. Has your Dr given you a reason for the nodules?
Good luck. I hope my long story put you a little bit at ease. LOL.

I've had nodules off and on for a long time. One doctor told me they call any unusual lump, mass, etc. that shows up on a ct scan a nodule.

My first bronchoscopy was in 2011 shortly after I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. It was horrible. The scope was inserted through my nose and I think I may have been awake for the whole thing. The purpose was a "lavage" which is a saline wash to obtain mucus. I don't know why we needed this to obtain mucus because the main reason the diseases were found was because of excess mucus.

There was no bacteria in the lavage result or in the sample I brought in a year later.

Over the years, nodules which appeared in my lungs from time to time were followed with ct scans but my pulmonologist did not do regular sputum sampling. In November 2018, my new pulmonologist had me bring in a sputum sample and I tested positive for MAC. I began treatment in March. I brought in monthly sputum samples and the June sample showed a fungus along with other new bacteria. A nodule in the upper right lobe was suspicious for the fungus. (Btw I learned in August that no MAC had grown from the June sample).

Sorry for the length but we're finally at my second bronchoscopy which I had on July 1, 2019. This time, the scope went through my mouth ane I was given the same drugs as for a colonoscopy. I slept through the whole thing. I was intubated and the scope went through the intubation tube. Five biopsies and a lavage were done while I snoozed.

I think because you are having the bronchoscppy to look at your nodules, your dr is planning on doing biopsies and you will sleep through the procedure.

I hope you have good results.

@irene5 Hi Irene! How are you doing these days? I pray that you have been improving. Just want you to know that I think of you often.

Thank you for all the replies. My 0 was dropping to 88 so I am now on supplemental 0. I’m attending pulmonary rehab 3 days a week for 12 weeks and have just cancelled a trip to Nashville, didn’t take out insurance 😪. I just hope the nodles are not malignant.

Hi @taya I moved your post to the original thread you started on lung nodules so that all your posts would be in one place. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

Sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip to Nashville! Is there a possibility that you will be able to go at a different time?

Hi Terri. I sent you a private message.