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Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Sep 25 12:58pm | Replies (1044)Comment receiving replies
I have recently had a CT scan of lung and found 3 adenocarcinomas had grown - unfortunately my previous CT scan was 7 years prior - no one informed me that I was to have annual CT scans! Anyway, met with thoracic surgeon who does not want to do surgery or anything yet. I am not sure I am all right with that. we have scheduled a next CT scan for 6 months from now. Three of the nodules are fairly large - 9mm, 11, 13mm. I know that some docs recommend targeted radiation at this point. I do plan to have a 2nd opinion. and i have a follow-up call with the thoracic surgeon this morning. I will admit i am quite fearful about lung surgery for resection or whatever.....if anyone has thoughts on this, i would love to hear them. it feels so alone & frightening.
s michaels
Replies to "I have recently had a CT scan of lung and found 3 adenocarcinomas had grown -..."
Hi @sura, Welcome to Mayo Connect. You are not along in this. There are many people here I know our first instinct with cancer can be, "get it out", but it can help to take a pause and evaluate what options are available. I agree with your first instinct, that surgery is a major decision and can lead to ongoing pain. But it is also sometimes necessary if a cure is possible! I'm glad you are getting a second opinion, that's a great idea in these cases. Some larger intuitions will also have a tumor-board where experts from many fields (surgery, pathology, oncology, radiation oncology) will come together to provide input into treatment recommendations.
How did the call with the surgeon go? Are you comfortable with a 6 month scan schedule? Did you possibly discuss a 3 month scan schedule, just for this first time?
Seven months ago, I had a 15mm tumor removed that was found to be malignant
(Adenocarcinoma). The left lower
Lobe was removed as well.
Here’s my feedback…
For a variety of reasons that were unrelated to the tumor, my instinct was get it out, get it out. I didn’t seek a second opinion or a consult with an oncologist. If I was faced with that decision today, I would take the time to do both. 15mm is not large and I had watched it grow from 6mm over 4+ years. So I could have easily taken the time. Based on your surgeon’s feedback it seems you do too. More information is always better than less. There are times to roll the dice and make a call asap. But I encourage you to be deliberate and fully informed.
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I had a 1.5cm Adenocarcinoma removed in a lower left Lobectomy in May 2023. So from someone relatively new to lung cancer, I have learned that surgeons are great for surgery. That is not likely to be your scenario, so get an oncologist asap is my thought. I would think that is who will oversee your treatment in the short term at least. I can’t imagine what value a six month hold would provide.