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2 years out from lobectomy and wedge resection.
As of January 31st, I am 2 years out from a radical prostatectomy.
As of April 4th, I am 2 years out from a right lower lobectomy and upper right wedge resection.
As of June 21st, I will be 2 years out from a thoracic duct ligation to fix a chylothorax that I developed a month out from my lung surgery.
As of today, my PSA remains undetectable and the results of my latest CT chest scan (done 1 week ago) are:
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FINDINGS:
No local tumor recurrence after right lower lobectomy and right upper lobe wedge resection.
Stable miniscule right basilar pleural fluid.
No new lung consolidation or left pleural effusion.
Stable left upper lobe subcentimeter ground glass pulmonary nodule on image 78 of series 4 that will be followed on future surveillance
exams. A few other left upper lobe sub-4 mm pulmonary micronodules are also stable.
No new suspicious pulmonary nodule or lung mass.
No new thoracic lymphadenopathy.
No other interval change since 11/23/2024. No new abnormality in the mediastinum, visible upper abdomen, chest wall or thoracic spine.
IMPRESSION:
No local tumor recurrence or metastatic disease. No interval change.
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At the time of surgery, the pathology of both prostate and lung was Stage 1a with no lymph node involvement so I didn't undergo radiation nor chemo. Both were caught early and I am grateful for that!
Stay thc course!
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I’m just reading your post now. Sending prayers for strength, healthy vibes, & empathy for you & your feelings. I hear you.
Dale
Well this is the result of my PET scan. I must say I am relieved, but I guess I'll continue to always be cautious especially by having CT now probably ever 6 months (at least from this scan). I'm doing good with smoking/quitting now. This was just too big a scare for me & from what I read, if you quit, nodules can actually shrink & may not turn malignant. That's what I hope for & I KNOW now I must stop so that in Feb 26,,, the report will be good.
1. Subpleural 10 mm nodule anterior left upper lobe demonstrates maximum SUV of
0.6 (previously measuring 7 mm 9/12/2023). This is indeterminate. Continued CT
follow up recommended.
2. Left apical 7 mm nodule is stable in size dating back to 9/12/2023 now
demonstrating maximum SUV of 1.3. Over 2 year stability with maximum SUV less
than 2.5 compatible with benign etiology
3. Cholelithiasis.
@minnie528, It is so nice to hear good news, thanks for providing an update! Your plan to continue being 'cautious' is completely understandable. I don't think the fear of recurrence or additional cancers ever really goes away for us. Keep an eye on things, be vigilant on getting your scans, and best of luck to you with stopping smoking. You sound very motivated, and that's a great step.
There is a group here that may be helpful:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/smoking-quitting/
Hi @minnie528—huge congratulations on quitting smoking! That’s a powerful step for your health and your future. Your lungs, heart, blood vessels, and even your sense of taste and smell all benefit when you stop. You’ve given your body a real gift—be proud of that.
After seven years—five at stage 4—I’ve learned that statistics and prognoses are just numbers on a page. I choose to meet every challenge with hope, determination, and optimism, and it’s changed the way I live. You’re doing the same by choosing yourself today.
Keep going, celebrate this win, and keep writing your own story. You’ve got a whole community cheering you on!
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1 ReactionOn quitting smoking, it is a very strong physical addiction and craving to get over. The patch worked for me. Possibly your doc could prescribe and you’ll get them free of costs, or minimal. Good luck! 1000% worth it!!!
Yes, continuing smoking is a big risk factor for recurrence or progression.