Confused: Lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and more

Posted by shamrock5jeg @shamrock5jeg, May 4, 2021

New to this forum. Actually, never tried any type of forum so I really don't know what I'm doing. Anyhow, after reading some of the posts I guess I am not so bad off. I have lung cancer in my right lung, pulmonary fibrosis, peripheral neuropathy, chronic pancreatitis and just developed shingles last week. Am treating skin cancer on my forehead with fluorouracil cream. Need more radiation for Basel cell on my neck. Left lung cancer was treated with SBRT and is "cured".Right lung is not being treated due to the fibrosis. Still function pretty good, Only take 4 meds. Walking is the biggest problem. Want to dance again, walk, climb stairs, drive a stick shift. Want my legs Back! Sorry I rambled on. My heart goes out the others I read about. Wish they could solve all the problems, it hurts to me to read their stories and makes mine so trivial.

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

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 20, 2021

In reply to @fontspec "I don't really have any idea what a reasonable time would be." + (show)

I agree with @merpreb. If you haven’t heard by next week, you can always call to check on the progress of the review.

fontspec | @fontspec | Sep 29, 2021

It's been a while since I've been on connect. I have been reading everyones post.
I'm making a visit to Mayo's this Sunday, 10/3, with numerous testing on Monday and Tuesday, followed up with consultations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Any tips you can send my way?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 29, 2021

In reply to @fontspec "It's been a while since I've been on connect. I have been reading everyones post. I'm..." + (show)

Hi Frontspec,
I'm so glad that you will be getting a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. There are a few relevant discussions in the Visiting Mayo Clinic group that you should look at https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/.

Here are some to get you started:
- Tips for your first Mayo Clinic visit and tests/appt schedules https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-first-dr-visit-and-testsappt-schedules/
- Mayo Clinic new visitor rules starting Aug 2 2021 due to COVID https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/az-campus-new-visitor-rules-starting-aug-2-2021-due-to-covid/
- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts/
- Tips on What To Do while at Mayo Clinic Rochester https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-upcoming-mayo-rochester-visit/
- Lodging in Rochester when visiting Mayo Clinic MN https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lodging/
- Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/

Do you have accommodations lined up? What questions do you have?

fontspec | @fontspec | Sep 30, 2021

Thank you for the follow up, I do have accommodations lined up for my stay. They have put my schedule together in a pdf file, which is very helpful. I don't really have any questions at this time, I'm just anxious to get to Mayo's and get the testing completed, to find out what can be done. Are you locate within Mayo's?

collage | @collage | Oct 20, 2021

I have been under the care of a pulmonologist due to nodules in the lungs, identified via CT scans. There have been three scans and since one of the nodules continues to grow (now up to 10mm), I am scheduled for a PET scan. Lung cancer is a consideration. The pulmonologist continues to mention removing the lower left lobe, where the nodule exists, if the PET shows malignancy. However, I am concerned that she has never mentioned any other potential treatment, such as radiation or chemo, or other newer treatments. Has anyone out there had a similar situation? The chances of it being cancer are great due to genetics, and family history, as well as age.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 25, 2021

In reply to @collage "I have been under the care of a pulmonologist due to nodules in the lungs, identified..." + (show)

Collage, before you and your pulmonologist can have the discussion about treatment options, it will first need to be established that you are dealing with cancer or not. If it is cancer, then the diagnostic testing will determine what type of lung cancer it is. Only then can your team have an informed discussion of the treatment options. Here's a brief overview that helps explain:
- How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed and Treated? https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/diagnosis_treatment.htm

When is your PET scan?