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growing nodule and wait to see pulmonologist

Posted by happydappy @happydappy, May 24, 2023

Howdy,
I had a CT scan in ER for gastric pain and they found a 9mm nodule in right lung. Got another scan 3 months later and it had grown. Latest scan was read by a radiologist at Duke who specializes in lungs. He reported, " 1.2 cm solid nodule within the lateral segment of the right middle lobe with multiple surrounding satellite nodules. There is also some local fissural nodularity as well." He said it could be sarcoidosis, infection, or malignancy which he said was unlikely. Got a referral to pulmonologist at Duke but initial consult is not for two months. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have been on at least 10 biologics including rituxan. I'm understandably a bit nervous and wondering if waiting 2 months after these scans is normal or should I push them to triage the case and get me in earlier.
Thanks!

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AZ | @equanimous | May 26, 2023
In reply to @happydappy "Thanks for the reply. I have not been treated or DXd with sarcoidosis. I took rituxan..." + (show)
@happydappy

Thanks for the reply. I have not been treated or DXd with sarcoidosis. I took rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis. But RA can also have lung involvement. They have my records and images in the chart but I only spoke with a scheduler in the Pulmonology Dept who had a referral from my primary care doc. The scheduler is not qualified to triage cases and they just look for next available. Seems like if the nodules are growing, it's an infection, or a malignancy, I shouldn't wait 2 months to get in. I might give them a call but not sure who to talk to.

I have plenty of distractions with work and other things.

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At the Veteran's Administration, where I worked for many years, they have a Patient Advocate dept. Their job is to advocate for Veteran's whose needs were not being met. You might consider contacting your provider's patient advocate or, if there isn't one, call the customer service rep. Present your concerns and convey that waiting is presenting undue stress and anxiety. Enlist their help. It is certainly worth a try.

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