I am finally recognizing that there are indeed pros and cons to any course of action. I am fortunate to be living in Chicago were NW Hospital has opened a Lung Nodule Clinic with a team of specialists: pulmologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, oncologist. So they consult with each other before setting out options. In my situation the thinking is that the nodules cannot yet be confirmed as malignant, grow very slowly, are not solid but ground glass, and slow-growing. Surgery or radiation at this point is not advised, the side effects of either/both not being worth it at this point. Of course if I want surgery they will do so. My doctor is fine to refer me to a radiology oncologist to see what they recommend and that may be my next step. Removal of the existing 3 larger nodules would require 2 surgeries as they sit on both the left and right lung and in different lobes. I have wrapped my mind around eventually needing surgery but will wait until the next CT scan results, in five months. .....You have had quite a lengthy process attending to your nodules; like your situation, my doctors are confident the removal will be entirely successful (whether malignant or benign). My doctor had just been informing me about the possible side effects of radiation & apparently you have experienced a major one. It is quite a journey. ...I am sure my age is factoring into the recommendations -currently 77 (high-energy, still working and active in life). If the nodules continue with their slow growth I could be 87-90 by the time surgery would be a necessity. I think they think I might not care at that age but I imagine I might still! and who wants surgery at 87 or 90 (versus in the next few years). Anyway, i am appreciative of your offering your experience as it provides reassurance that one can do all this and helps me feel less alone. It can be so confusing and in some ways is sort of a gamble. But then again, really so is life.
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