2.2 cm nodule RLL, wasn't there at all last year.

Hi, I really appreciate how you’re feeling and I admire your mindset, it’s not easy to admit that you took chances but at the end of the day no one’s perfect. I also had a nodule that looked suspicious but it was just under 9 mm so they watched and waited until it got denser before they could be sure…I too am an ex smoker so I had a realistic idea of what I was dealing with. I’m now a five year survivor of lung cancer, you’re absolutely right about early detection and what amazes me is that there are people here that have lived for many years with stage four, this is so hopeful for all of us. I know that you’re going for help now and they will discuss the different options for your health, please don’t lose your wonderful outlook because it will work wonders for your mental health, best wishes to you and a speedy recovery.

Welcome to Mayo Connect @aoifet, I'm glad you found us. We all process this type of news differently, and it sounds that you have some good tools at your disposal with the mindfulness and awareness. It's easy to downplay the seriousness to others, I'm sure that I did this and I probably still do at times. Try to balance that day-by-day outlook with letting yourself feel too. This is a hard time, and you're allowed to try to deal with the emotions. IF this is cancer, and we don't know it is yet, lung cancer is more treatable today than ever. The treatments continue to get better and better, and that is showing through the lives saved. I'm glad they have a biopsy scheduled.
Are you feeling ok after the heart attack? That's a lot for your body to deal with.
Are you working with a pulmonologist?

Thanks. Not working with a pulmonologist just yet. My PCP referred me to both IR and oncology. Oncology contacted me and shared they would continue care after the biopsy is done, if needed.
As for the heart attack, after placing a stent my blood pressure decreased, HR normalized and my BP meds were greatly reduced. I had to stop the blood thinners a couple days ago, prior to the upcoming biopsy. I do worry about the comorbidities, I have a few other things going on. But all my physicians work within the same health care system, so that helps. At least I hope it does.

Hi @aoifet - I can understand not wanting to alarm your sister before your biopsy. I also didn't want to worry my extended family before I had a definite diagnosis. I think one of the hard things about having anything suspicious show up on imaging is the uncertainty. For me, finally knowing one way or the other was less anxiety provoking, if that makes sense. I'm glad that you were doing your monitoring CT scans so that the nodule was caught sooner than later. That's so important, but also takes some courage, so well done.

Thanks, I am definitely a person that wants to plan, but this world in general is full of uncertainties. The anxiety and fear are both there, and will stick around after any kind of diagnosis, also. I just imagine it will be rooted in something other than simply not knowing yet.
I do look at the positives and find gratitude, including doing the early LDCT. Reading the positives that are shared in a forum such as this helps also, when I feel I have so few other positives at this moment. So thank you all for sharing.

We did the biopsy yesterday, so just waiting. Had a bit of trouble at the end of the procedure, but the chest x-rays ruled out collapsed lung or puncture. They shared it was probably the nerve being hit/irritated as the needle went between the ribs. It eased up a lot over night but still being felt in a minor, annoying way. But initially, it was as strong as the chest pain I had experienced during my heart attack last year.

Hi @aoifet - goodness that sounds rough. I'm glad you got through it and I hope you'll get the answers you need soon. I wish there was more attention on how difficult and painful some of these diagnostic procedures are. I opted for a bronchoscopy, and still ended up with a collapsed lung and a hospital stay. Take good care of yourself today.