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a 15x9mm spiculated lung nodule
In October 2023 while having a CT Scan of my abdomen they found some lung nodules, and the largest one was 8mm and they watched it until December 2023 and one became mildly spiculated and was 9mm and since then I moved to a new state and was reccommened to have another CT Scan in 6 to 8 weeks which was completed the other day and the one is now 15x9mm and they want to do a Pet Scan and I asked the dr if he thought it was malignant and he thought it was but couldn't say for sure, so now am afraid of what is going on. I stopped smoking 13 years ago but that doesn't make a difference. Last May I was diagnosed with bronchitis/pneumonia and haven't well since then and my pulmonologist thought it was inflammatory/infefctious and i have 2 rounds of antibiotics which didn't help and she wanted a sputum test but I was preparing to move to NYS in a few days and couldn't get it done, but found a pulmonary dr who now set me up with a Pet Scan. I'm 82 1/2 and am nervous to say the least. He said if it was malignant he would do a biopsy and then see if I was a candidate for surgery. Why would I not be a candidate?
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I wanted to respond to your message because I sensed your angst with lung nodule… it’s okay feeling like you’re going round in circles at the moment but you’re on the right path, getting it checked out is the first step and the rest will follow when they know more. I noticed you are an ex smoker for 13 years and that’s amazing, it takes a lot of strength to get off those monsters, it’s also not in vain to quit because it’s doing you more good than you’re aware of. I too am an ex smoker, 12 years now and I’m very happy I quit…four years ago I too had a nodule that was observed for three years and became cancer, it was removed in 2020 and in 2022 I had another surgery to remove a nodule, I apparently have several. I’m still here amen and am turning 73 this month. I stopped looking at what I might have done wrong to get into this situation, it won’t help to do this, I work very hard daily to stop looking back at yesterdays and focus on what’s ahead. I wish you good luck with your mission and hope you will stay connected to let us know how you are doing.
Thank you for your input. I just wish they did something when they first found it instead of watching but I guess it has to get to a certain size. I'm 82 so I don't know if I'm a candidate for surgery if needed. The doctor said that. So who knows. I wish I never started but I guess we all think that way. Trying to get my daughter to stop but she doesn't listen and I don't force but she also vapes and I checked that out smoking & vaping is bad.
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1 ReactionI was told not to beat myself up for having been a cigarette smoker, we’re simply lacking a good dose of self worth, this is not so surprising considering I’ve struggled with this much of my life.
Welcome to the lung cancer group @dablues82. I'm sorry to hear that you are having to face this. I like @frouke's perspective of continuing to look forward. It certainly sounds like you are on the right track to figure out what's causing these nodules. Waiting until a nodule is over 1 cm is not required, but not unusual either. IF needed, the surgeon will assess your overall health when determining fitness for any surgery. They'll want to make sure that you are strong enough for anesthesia, the surgery, and recovery, but that's down the road. Focus on what's directly in front of you, the next scan. That's what you can control today.
Did you move to be closer to family or friends? Do you have support of friends or family?
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3 ReactionsI moved back to NYS from Georgia as my daughter is in NYS. I didn't have any family in Georgia except my hubby who passed Christmas Eve 2022. I just moved back to NYS the end of February.
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1 Reaction@dablues82, I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. It is never easy to move, but good that you have family nearby now. I suspect that you’ll have a few appointments coming up. The PET scan and possible biopsy will help to determine what’s driving the growth. Nodules don’t always mean cancer. Cancer is much more treatable today than it was even 5 years ago. Try to keep a positive outlook. Hugs.
It is true that nodules don't always mean cancer. My spiculated nodule captured on CT Scan had shrunk when I had the PET Scan. The tech at PET Scan said that lung nodules are not uncommon.
The PET Scan, as far as I know, will show the presence of cancer.
If it is cancer, not to worry..... as medicine can do so much to eradicate it.
Keep your spirits up and try to remain calm. Don't think too much, Your doctors will take care of you.
PetScans show metabolic activity which is usually high in cancer. Inflammation and other issues such as auto immune diseases also have high metabolic activity .
also, yes, worry if cancer. don't take it lightly; seek immediate treatment. Best to catch it early. don't rely on, not worrying because medication cant take care of it all. A too casual attitude can kill. Seek treatment early as possible. .
cigarette addiction is real. no judgement is warranted nor fair. the tobacco industry is a killer.