12 mm Spiculated Nodule upper right lobe

Posted by joannamountain24 @joannamountain24, Feb 19 8:38am

May 2022- they found an incidental nodule in my right upper lobe. The CT impression said 8 mm ground-glass could be a low-grade malignancy. A month later, I had another CT which said that there was no significant interval change 6 mm upper lobe pulmonary nodule.
July 2023-I had a follow up CT scan. Impression 12x7 mm slightly spiculated. Malignancy cannot be excluded. I was referred to a thoracic surgeon who also couldn’t rule out cancer and said that it would be very difficult to get a biopsy because of the location. The test could come back negative, but they wouldn’t be sure that they really got it from the right area. He recommended removing it and biopsy it. Probably a partial lobectomy but he wouldn’t know for sure till he got in there. He could end up removing the entire upper lobe. Does anyone have experience with this? I decided to wait.
February 2024--I just had another CT scan about 2 weeks ago. 1.2 x 0.7 x 0.8 cm spiculated nodule in the right upper lobe not significantly changed since July 2023 but has increased in size since May 2022. This nodule remains suspicious, and PET/CT may be considered for further evaluation.
I’m having a PET/CT scan done next week. I’m so scared about everything. Most people say, just have it removed. Is this really the best option? What will the PET/CT scan show. How long does it take to get back to “normal” after having a surgery like this? It would be a minimally invasive procedure.
Also, I’m reading that there is a much higher chance of it being malignant when it’s found in the upper lobe?

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Apr 12 12:13pm

In reply to @joannamountain24 "Hello again all you wonderful people. Just a little update from my end. I did the..." + (show)

@joannamountain24, I'm pleased that you are doing so well, and that you were able to catch this early. When facing a diagnosis such as cancer, it's common for our minds to try to protect us from the scary possibilities. It often takes information and the experiences of others to make things 'real' for us. Knowledge is power.

joannamountain24 | @joannamountain24 | Apr 12 11:12am

❤️

vic83 | @vic83 | Apr 12 10:54am

In reply to @joannamountain24 "Funny comment about the vacuuming :-) I walked for 30 minutes a couple of days ago,..." + (show)

The hospital gave me a pillow for coughing. The pain meds help one cough. 30 min walk was good. I am in Minnesota and it is so nice when we can walk outside - lungs love the fresh air. But last year we had smoke from Canada fires so air quality was not good. They told me walk inside if I can't walk outside. In fact my Pulmonologist put "probable deconditioning" in his notes one time because I wasn't walking in the beginning! Walking is the solution for world peace.

joannamountain24 | @joannamountain24 | Apr 12 10:43am

In reply to @vic83 "You are on your way! They told me I couldn't vacuum for a couple of weeks..." + (show)

Funny comment about the vacuuming 🙂 I walked for 30 minutes a couple of days ago, but had to change the walking to the inside of the house for a few days because of the tree pollen. Live in Maryland and it's really high now. I did make use of the pillow for coughing. I bought a big Foam Bed Wedge Pillow (25" x 24" x 12") and it has been a life saver with being able to sleep at night. I have only used the pain medication ones a day(at night) for the last 3 days and don't believe that I will take any tonight. All in all, should be off all pain meds on the 8th day.

vic83 | @vic83 | Apr 12 10:30am

In reply to @joannamountain24 "Thank you! It has been 8 days since surgery, and I did take the car for..." + (show)

You are on your way! They told me I couldn't vacuum for a couple of weeks but I did not consider that a problem (I am being funny).
One thing you absolutely cannot forget: WALK WALK WALK, regular exercise is mandatory. MY pulmonologist gets upset if I don't exercise. And did you use the pillow for coughing up the gook? I was off all pain meds on the 7th day.

joannamountain24 | @joannamountain24 | Apr 12 9:58am

In reply to @vic83 "Great news. Wishing you a smooth recovery. Take it easy like they tell you....I was driving..." + (show)

Thank you! It has been 8 days since surgery, and I did take the car for a little drive yesterday 🙂

vic83 | @vic83 | Apr 12 9:43am

In reply to @joannamountain24 "Hello again all you wonderful people. Just a little update from my end. I did the..." + (show)

Great news. Wishing you a smooth recovery. Take it easy like they tell you....I was driving my car a week later.

babs1956 | @babs1956 | Apr 12 7:14am

I had my upper left lobe removed 7 years ago, just had a CT scan done and they found two nodules one 8mm and one 7mm going for a pet scan next friday. I've been juicing a lot of carrots, celery & ginger & lemon, I hope they don't find it to be malignant. Don't be afraid it could all be benign

denzie | @denzie | Apr 11 11:34am

So grateful to read that you persisted. I send hope that surgery got it all and you remain cancer free for life.

Please share your experience whenever it's appropriate. Sharing your story may save lives.

joannamountain24 | @joannamountain24 | Apr 11 8:14am

Wishing you luck! Please, keep me updated. ❤️‍🩹💕

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