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Multiple lung nodules: Might they be noncancerous? What next?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Sep 12, 2023 | Replies (174)Comment receiving replies
@etb2 - Let's define "pleural-based nodule"- Nodules in the pleural cavity (the pleura includes two thin layers of tissue that protect and cushion the lungs. The inner layer (visceral pleura) wraps around the lungs and is stuck so tightly to the lungs that it cannot be peeled off. The outer layer (parietal pleura) lines the inside of the chest wall.
SBRT does not have side effects like a pill might. However, burning, such as sunburn, can take place where the rays are directed. Fatigue is a side effect and the amount of fatigue, the length of time, the number of days, and the dosage of the beams will determine how tired you will be, along with your physical stamina.
I remained fatigued for quite a while.
Your lungs will likely react with some swelling as these rays are meant to for setruction and are strong. You might have a cough bad lung irritation, or pneumonia. I did, and I had to take a strong antibiotic and prednisone for a few months.
This was my third use of SBRT. My lungs, after 25 years of treatments, are very sensitive. My reactions were rather extreme. But not having all the side effects of chemo was also a relief.
If I were you I would get a second opinion. By the way, a biopsy is seldom done with SBRT because whoever set up the regulations thought that if you are killing the cells what difference does it make if they are cancerous or not?
I haven't looked to see if you had a CT or PET. If your PET lit up then your tumors are most likely cancerous.
SBRT does have side effects.
Merry
Replies to "@etb2 - Let's define "pleural-based nodule"- Nodules in the pleural cavity (the pleura includes two thin..."
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. INSTEAD, Thanks Merry, Finally, some answers! The nodule, which I'm told is located deep in the upper part of the left lung and close to blood vessels has doubled in size in the last 4 months. The CT Scan was combined with a pelvic CT ordered by my Nephrologist and read by the same radiologist, if that makes any difference. I'm just really freaked out because, since then, I haven't been able to contact ANY of my team, let alone my radiologist oncologist. What I got was several calls from scheduling telling me the CT Mapping scheduled for the 12th was off as was the SBRT. Instead I was to come in a week later, have a regular CT and a consultation with the radiation oncologist immediately after. he had told me this was the slowest growing lung cancer. He had told me I had 4 to 6 years to live if I didn't have the SBRT. I don't want to have it bcuz he said there was a rare chance that a year or two after the SBRT I could start to bleed which would be bad. Very bad for me bcuz I have polycethemia and, although my blood is thick, I usually require a trip to the ER or doctor for a few more stitches after I get home from even minor surgery. I don't know what to think. This doctor is my second opinion. But can you tell me about the bleeding a year or 2 after the SBRT? Have you heard of that.?