1. < Lung Cancer

Newly diagnosed with lung cancer

Posted by grandmaR @grandmar, Sep 12, 2020

Hi All!
My name is Ronnie. I am 65 years old and was diagnosed with lung cancer almost 2 weeks ago. Last Monday, I had surgery.

About 7 years ago during a hospital stay (unrelated), nodules were spotted on a chest x-ray. There was one on my left bottom lung that was larger than the others. I was told it was currently nothing but to keep an eye on it. For the next 7 years I had a CAT scan every 6-12 months. Due to circumstances, including (but not limited to) COVID, I was late with my check-up. About 2 months ago, I started with a new pulmonologist. He ordered the CAT scan. The report concluded that additional testing was suggested because of the larger nodule. With my history of early Melanoma 3 years ago, and the death of my mother from lung cancer, my doctor agreed.

After fighting with the insurance company for over 2 weeks, they finally approved the PET Scan. The PET scan agreed with the CAT Scan report about the cancer. I had 2 consults and decided to go with the doctor from a cancer center. I was given 2 treatment choices, radiation for 5 days or surgery. I opted for surgery. The surgery was done robotically. The nodule was removed and so were lymph nodes (I think 5). This coming Wednesday I see the surgeon for the results of the pathology report and for an action plan. If the surgeon was correct in his diagnoses, no other treatment will be needed. I should just have to be checked regularly (to be determined), exercise to keep my lungs healthy, eat right and be cautious.

Now, other than the incision for the chest tube, there are 2 incisions between my ribs. one is to the left of my left breast. I assume that is where he went in for the lymph node. Since surgery, my breast (on the left side) has been very painful and the pain goes around to my back. The intensity chances. Some days I feel pretty good, but days like today, I actually needed a pain pill (which I haven't taken since day 2 after surgery). Have any of you experienced the same sort of thing after surgery?

I pray for each and every one of us to have a positive outcome from our surgeries and treatments.
Bless us all!

GRANDMAr (Ronnie)

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

grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 14, 2020
In reply to @miriam57 "Interesting, After a CT scan then a PET scan, I was told I had at least..." + (show)
@miriam57

Interesting, After a CT scan then a PET scan, I was told I had at least stage 2 lung cancer. They did the biopsy to determine if it was higher than stage 2 and where the cells came from. My options were radiation or take the lobe with the large nodule.

The biopsy determined I didn’t have lung cancer. I can see why the insurance company wanted the biopsy.

Jump to this post

Hi!
First I had the CT which was my usual test. From previous reports, the doctor saw that the nodule had gotten bigger. I had melanoma 3 years ago and my mother and maternal uncle both had lung cancer. My pulmonologist wanted a PET immediately. The insurance company wanted more 'proof' that cancer was a concern. The report did mention that further testing was necessary. We fought the decision in all directions, the doctor, the surgeon and me.

My pulmonologist suggested a surgeon with great credentials. HE wanted to remove the lower lobe with the nodule. However, after doing some research, the hospital he is affiliated, although a FANTASTIC hospital, it is not known for cancer treatment. My son, who lives in Maryland and works for Kaiser Permanente, went to some of his colleagues for suggestions. The radiologist and another doctor, suggested a cancer center near me and a doctor. I did the research and the hospital ranks 11th in the country and people from all over the world come to use the surgeon. I was fortunate to get an appointment within a few days.

I was also given 2 choices. Radiation for 5 days, however, the long term results are not statistically as good as surgery. Surgery was the 2nd choice. Because I am in good health, the doctor thought it might be a good choice. The only problem is I have issues walking and he was concerned I would not be able to do what was necessary. He made me take walk with him around the hospital to be sure I could do what was required. I could! I don't need to be a speed walker, I just need to walk!

The first night I was up and out of bed walking the halls. I needed to use a walker, but that is fine. At home, I walked around the house for 2 days. 10 minutes, rested 1 hour, then 10 minutes again. By the 3rd day home, I was on the treadmill. I started 15 minutes twice a day. Now I am up to 30-35 minutes twice a day. I do not go fast at all, but I do it and will need to do it the rest of my life.

So you didn't have lung cancer????? WOW! So what is it that made them think you did have cancer? I guess you took the biopsy. I'm glad for you!!

Have a great night!
Ronnie

REPLY
1 reply
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 14, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@grandmar- Hi!I'm doing great, I really am. As @alamogal635 says I'm also glad that you had..." + (show)
@merpreb

@grandmar- Hi!I'm doing great, I really am. As @alamogal635 says I'm also glad that you had this taken care of while it was still small. Boy, you jumped up pretty soon after surgery!

The last time that you were on here your sister is Europe was ill. I hope that she is better. Is she?

Jump to this post

Hi! I'm glad you are doing well!
I think you may have me mixed up with someone else.
Yes, I was on before, but I do not have a sister. I have a brother, here in the US and he is well.

I don't play around when something is wrong. As scared as I was, I'm more scared of what will happen if I let things go.
I am VERY fortunate that I am retired and have great insurance.
I am able to go as soon as I can be taken and I don't need approval from the insurance company for doctor visits.
I actually had the nodule for over 7 years. When it was found I had it checked every 6-12 months.
And yes, I was up and out of bed right away! When they work on the lungs like they did me, the lungs are deflated and it is important to move or you could get pneumonia. THAT could be a big problem.
I'm always a good patient and do what I am told to do!!!!!

Have a great evening!
Ronnie

REPLY
alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Sep 14, 2020
In reply to @grandmar "Hi! First I had the CT which was my usual test. From previous reports, the doctor..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi!
First I had the CT which was my usual test. From previous reports, the doctor saw that the nodule had gotten bigger. I had melanoma 3 years ago and my mother and maternal uncle both had lung cancer. My pulmonologist wanted a PET immediately. The insurance company wanted more 'proof' that cancer was a concern. The report did mention that further testing was necessary. We fought the decision in all directions, the doctor, the surgeon and me.

My pulmonologist suggested a surgeon with great credentials. HE wanted to remove the lower lobe with the nodule. However, after doing some research, the hospital he is affiliated, although a FANTASTIC hospital, it is not known for cancer treatment. My son, who lives in Maryland and works for Kaiser Permanente, went to some of his colleagues for suggestions. The radiologist and another doctor, suggested a cancer center near me and a doctor. I did the research and the hospital ranks 11th in the country and people from all over the world come to use the surgeon. I was fortunate to get an appointment within a few days.

I was also given 2 choices. Radiation for 5 days, however, the long term results are not statistically as good as surgery. Surgery was the 2nd choice. Because I am in good health, the doctor thought it might be a good choice. The only problem is I have issues walking and he was concerned I would not be able to do what was necessary. He made me take walk with him around the hospital to be sure I could do what was required. I could! I don't need to be a speed walker, I just need to walk!

The first night I was up and out of bed walking the halls. I needed to use a walker, but that is fine. At home, I walked around the house for 2 days. 10 minutes, rested 1 hour, then 10 minutes again. By the 3rd day home, I was on the treadmill. I started 15 minutes twice a day. Now I am up to 30-35 minutes twice a day. I do not go fast at all, but I do it and will need to do it the rest of my life.

So you didn't have lung cancer????? WOW! So what is it that made them think you did have cancer? I guess you took the biopsy. I'm glad for you!!

Have a great night!
Ronnie

Jump to this post

gramaR You have given me inspiration for getting a treadmill and even if I'm slow, at least I"m doing it. I've said I'd walk outside and it has been one excuse after another. I am going to get a decent one. Bet it will increase lung capacity as well. I need the exercise. Thank you!

REPLY
1 reply
alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Sep 14, 2020
In reply to @grandmar "Hello! Yes, I had 2 spinal surgeries within t6 months of each other. I was also..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hello!
Yes, I had 2 spinal surgeries within t6 months of each other. I was also taking injections, but they stopped working. I could no longer take the pain 24/7. I couldn't sleep and I was miserable. I did LOTS of research to find a good surgeon. I knew I needed surgery on my lumbar and cervical spine. I decided on a neurosurgeon since my cervical spine was involved. I found a FANTASTIC doctor. He did the cervical spine first. He replaced 2 disks. This was an easy surgery to heal from. I was off pain meds within 2 days!

The lumbar surgery was HORRIBLE!! The pain was terrible!!!! It took me about 3 months to feel myself. I do have to say that for the first time in over a decade I was pain free. However, I probably waited too long for the surgery because I have permanent nerve damage in my legs. I have balance issues, neuropathy and I need to walk with a cane. But not once did I regret having the surgery!

I am fine with pain pills, I just don't like them and I take them only when necessary. I'm no hero!!! Also, I worry about addiction so I always have it in the back of my mind!.

Will touch base again soon!
Have a wonderful evening!!!!
Ronniie

Jump to this post

@grandmar Thank you for the information. Have a good neurosurgeon who will step in when needed. My problem is lumbar. At least I know what to expect. If pain relief is what the result is,k then I'll do it when it is time. Thank you again. Am learning so much.

REPLY
2 replies
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 14, 2020
In reply to @alamogal635 "@grandmaR Thank you for the information. Have a good neurosurgeon who will step in when needed...." + (show)
@alamogal635

@grandmar Thank you for the information. Have a good neurosurgeon who will step in when needed. My problem is lumbar. At least I know what to expect. If pain relief is what the result is,k then I'll do it when it is time. Thank you again. Am learning so much.

Jump to this post

You are welcome!

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 15, 2020
In reply to @alamogal635 "@grandmaR Thank you for the information. Have a good neurosurgeon who will step in when needed...." + (show)
@alamogal635

@grandmar Thank you for the information. Have a good neurosurgeon who will step in when needed. My problem is lumbar. At least I know what to expect. If pain relief is what the result is,k then I'll do it when it is time. Thank you again. Am learning so much.

Jump to this post

Hello!
I am glad you have a good doctor. I am not saying you should run and get surgery, but I do suggest you get a consult with the neurosurgeon to see what he/she has to say. I can tell you that when I told my pain management doctor that I decided on surgery, he was not too happy. He wanted me to continue to take shots. So, be your own advocate. When YOU feel you are ready, that is the time. The doctor is not living in your body. For me, when the shots no longer worked or worked for a very brief time, that is when I decided it was time.
Feel good!
Ronnie

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 15, 2020
In reply to @alamogal635 "gramaR You have given me inspiration for getting a treadmill and even if I'm slow, at..." + (show)
@alamogal635

gramaR You have given me inspiration for getting a treadmill and even if I'm slow, at least I"m doing it. I've said I'd walk outside and it has been one excuse after another. I am going to get a decent one. Bet it will increase lung capacity as well. I need the exercise. Thank you!

Jump to this post

Good Morning!
I am happy I have inspired you! To be honest, I only walk 1.0 to 1.2 mph for 30 minutes. It is not a race, but a way to improve your lung capacity. Start very slowly. Walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes at 1.0 and 0.0 incline. Every couple of days OR when you feel comfortable, add a couple of minutes. In this case, speed is not as important as time you work out. NEVER change the incline because it can impact your knees and back.
If you get one, may I suggest one where the tread is wide enough and where you are comfortable holding on.
I wish you lots of luck!

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 15, 2020
In reply to @miriam57 "Interesting, After a CT scan then a PET scan, I was told I had at least..." + (show)
@miriam57

Interesting, After a CT scan then a PET scan, I was told I had at least stage 2 lung cancer. They did the biopsy to determine if it was higher than stage 2 and where the cells came from. My options were radiation or take the lobe with the large nodule.

The biopsy determined I didn’t have lung cancer. I can see why the insurance company wanted the biopsy.

Jump to this post

@miriam57- Wonderful news for you! Have they determined what it is, if it's not cancer?

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 15, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@grandmar- Hi!I'm doing great, I really am. As @alamogal635 says I'm also glad that you had..." + (show)
@merpreb

@grandmar- Hi!I'm doing great, I really am. As @alamogal635 says I'm also glad that you had this taken care of while it was still small. Boy, you jumped up pretty soon after surgery!

The last time that you were on here your sister is Europe was ill. I hope that she is better. Is she?

Jump to this post

OOPPSS @grandma, my apologies.

REPLY
miriam57 | @miriam57 | Sep 15, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@miriam57- Wonderful news for you! Have they determined what it is, if it's not cancer?" + (show)
@merpreb

@miriam57- Wonderful news for you! Have they determined what it is, if it's not cancer?

Jump to this post

No...all the extra tests for diseases came up negative

REPLY
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