Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

Hi Colleen; I am new to this forum. I have some questions I hope can be answered. I have had tumors in my lungs for many years, slow growing and they have never posed a big problem, they were always stable until Oct 2021. Now I have pleural effusion. The main tumor is on my left lower lobe and quiet large. I was getting a fair bit of fluid build up in my lungs which was being drained every so often; now I have a tenckhoff catheter inserted so now the fluid gets drained daily. I have already had 5 rounds of chemo which didn't really do much. Just had another CT done in July and it shows a slight growth from my May CT, now the concern is that it is growing close to my spine and they are thinking of radiation to try and shrink it. My big question is I think I want a second opinion from the doctors at the Mayo clinic, but not sure how to go about it. I'm Canadian and I have no issues getting there, I just do not know what needs to happen. It is not that I do not trust my doctors, I just feel they are not taking more of a proactive approach. I am feeling much better since the catheter was inserted, and my oxygen sat's have increased from 80's to 90's. I am 52 yrs old and scared to death. I believe surgery to remove entire lung will be inevitable. Has anyone had this done?? I am heavy set, trying to lose weight, but menopause is not helping, so frustrated. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Tanja (Canadian)

I am in the diagnostic stage of mesothelioma, with entire left lung needing surgery. I have a video conference scheduled with Mayo in a week, following fluid drain and ct-pet scan last Thursday. A biopsy of pleural cavity is expected next, but must be just necessary confirmation. From my research I am expecting removal of that lung due to finding of mesothelioma. I have been an avid follower if this wonderful site,but haven’t seen anything on this type of cancer. Is there hope for a resolution anyone can share?

Hi @llwortman @burrkay @alicantina1 @merilee @alvinw @shortshot80 @mryzuch @amws @pearlgee @cheris @annette1 @cheris @windwalker @lesbatts @major @bestcare and @sistergoldenhair

I'd like to invite you to the new group dedicated to discussions about lung cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn from each other. Whether you in treatment or caring for someone with lung cancer, or you're a lung cancer survivor, please join us.

Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi @llwortman @burrkay @alicantina1 @merilee @alvinw @shortshot80 @mryzuch @amws @pearlgee @cheris @annette1 @cheris @windwalker @lesbatts @major @bestcare and @sistergoldenhair

I'd like to invite you to the new group dedicated to discussions about lung cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn from each other. Whether you in treatment or caring for someone with lung cancer, or you're a lung cancer survivor, please join us.

Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Also just wanted to add that I have more tests coming, like a Heart stress test, etc . I am scheduled to have a minimally invasive segmentectomy of my left upper lobe. 2 segments instead of a lobectomy. That is on March 24th. So it will be close to 3 months between lung screening and surgery. Lots of tests to make sure of where and what you have. Pulmonary function test to see if a candidate for surgery, etc. That may seem like a long time but it is flying by so quickly! Hope that helped answer your other question🙏

Thanks @cmcguire10. Good news yours has not spread...and I agree the hard part is waiting for answers. I have not gotten to the point of talking with an oncologist or thoracic surgeon yet..hopefully that will be soon. I'm also curious as to how long it takes from the time you are diagnosed and at what stage - to actually doing something about it (i.e. removing it) or whatever other options there are if it has spread. I feel as though I am in the abyss and the more youtube videos I watch the more stressed I get.

Thanks @cmcguire10. Good news yours has not spread...and I agree the hard part is waiting for answers. I have not gotten to the point of talking with an oncologist or thoracic surgeon yet..hopefully that will be soon. I'm also curious as to how long it takes from the time you are diagnosed and at what stage - to actually doing something about it (i.e. removing it) or whatever other options there are if it has spread. I feel as though I am in the abyss and the more youtube videos I watch the more stressed I get.

Hello,
My name is Cindy and I am also just finding out about all this as well. I had a lung screening and they found a nodule in my upper left central lobe. Mine was just by chance as I was just setting up a new PCP as I had just moved here a year and a half ago. Turns out the nodule was there since at least 2014, but I never knew. It’s in my hospital records after a car accident, but, the biggie… they didn’t tell me or my Dr!
Well anyway, my journey started on 1-5-23 and have had the Lung screening CT, blood work, Pulmonary visit, an Endobronchoscopy and this past week I just had my PET scan. Mine and my families heads have been spinning! Good news is it hasn’t spread anywhere else! The hard part is waiting for each test result, I think. Then the beating myself up for smoking for so many years, and then turning it to planning on how to fight so I can be around for many more years. I go to Mayo and I wouldn’t go anywhere else here. They are the BEST! I hope you get the care you need and try not to focus on every little thing. (Easier said than done, I know!) Try to keep busy and take lots of long walks. It does help relax you. Best regards!