I’ve learned a bit too. Yes, 3D/MIPS = biz as usual for lung screening at least.

I have also learned that scarring = fibrosis. And this variety is a documented possible outcome of lobectomy. No real treatment.

Good learnings include fact that this variety of pulmonary fibrosis is focal and less likely to progress compared to idiopathic variety.

Still irritates the heck out of me that the diagnosis of potential malignancy triggered a “get it out, get it over with” mentality, and consequently I did no comparative research on treatment options, and thus failed to learn a pre-surgical consult with oncology was advised. Knowing now that a 1.4cm nodule could have been zapped with radiation or removed in a wedge rather than full lobectomy leaves me feeling regretful and outright stupid.

So here’s the bit of serendipity. I also have RA and have been in what’s known as a Flare for a couple of weeks. That’s when my symptoms of pain and swelling inexplicably move from ‘well controlled’ to ‘what the hell’, with increased pain, lots of swelling, etc. Yesterday my Rheumatologist talked me into a course of low dose prednisone (I turn into a banshee at normal dosage). So I took with breakfast and within four hours my rib pain on deep breaths is 80% GONE!! Wow!!! So at least some of the pain and diaphragm expansion isnt only physical restriction from fibrosis. It’s treatable! Well it would have to be reserved for important occasions when I need/want to feel kind of normal because you can’t live on a steady diet of steroids. But I can have some relief some of the time. 😀

So I’ve met the enemy and it is me, so I will take this glimmer of up side.