How do you deal with monitoring a lung nodule and anxiety?

What about a biopsy??

If I were in your shoes I would consider getting a second opinion. There may be something I’m unaware of but I don’t comprehend waiting essentially a year when you’re staring down 3cm of something that doesn’t belong there.. Second opinion doesn’t hurt anyone.

I have had multiple lung nodules for many months. The largest was 7 mm. I'd expect the doctor will take a wait and see attitude and see if the nodule increases in size, or reduces in size, either one is plausible. If they were to autopsy the nodule, the procedure would be to go thru the throat and take a tissue sample. Usually, as you know, they look to take tissue samples of nodules when they hit 8 mm in size. They could remove your large nodule. But since you have only a couple of nodules, that's not a worrisome thing. Just don't breathe in dirt/dust, keep your windows closed while driving (tire dust from tire wear can be breathed in, wear a mask when doing anything that generates dust, like vacuuming, doing yard work, or cleaning a cat litter box. Be patient.

@abartels ..
In my absolutely worthless unprofessional feedback, I would say time is wasting. 2.9cm is substantial, the imaging report describes it as high risk, and you have had two previous malignancies. I echo others here suggesting you get it done cowboy. Soon. Consider a second opinion.

Just to confirm we don’t have math confusion translating mm to cm, 2.9cm is 29mm. Mine was 14mm and they were in a hurry to get it out. I’m struggling to grasp your doc’s thinking. If yours is in fact almost 3cm, I strongly suggest you seek a second opinion - you could pick another specialty if you are concerned about offending your doc. Like an oncologist.

I double-checked and this is what it said; 2.9 cm smoothly bordered likely pleural-based mass lateral aspect of the
lower right hemithorax. This appears stable to minimally increased since
prior examination. Appearance and relative stability would favor benign
etiology such as solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. This is also
described on prior breast MRI report 8/12/2021 and reported as unchanged on
multiple previous MRIs dating back to 2009.
FINDINGS:
The heart size, mediastinum and pulmonary vessels are within normal limits.
2.9 cm smoothly bordered likely pleural-based mass lateral aspect of the
lower right hemithorax. Stable to minimally increased since prior exam.
Appearance and relative stability would favor benign etiology. No
developing consolidation. No pleural effusion. No pneumothorax.
No acute or destructive osseous findings.
Form 2021 MRI: Smoothly
marginated pleural-based mass in the anterior right lower lung
redemonstrated. This has been variably seen on prior breast MRIs dating to
2009 and appears unchanged.
Form 2015 MRI; There is an approximately 2.5 cm right lower chest
benign-appearing pleural based nodularity which has not significantly
changed since 2009. There is no other abnormal chest wall mass or fluid
collection.
I can only go back to 2011 and I have been told that they will continue to watch it.
Not to worry. In January my new Oncologist suggested the CT before I see him in January of 2025. He is the 1st that wants to investigate further. I asked for a biopsy and he said not yet.
I realize that this is the size of a banana slice.
I am also struggling with it. I have brought it up to multiple doctors.

Well they have the “MD” After their name and I do not. But surely insurance would spring for a PET scan. I promise you if it were them, they’d have a PET to see if anything lights up.

Do not imagine or jump to conclusions. They will probably want to do a bronchoscopy and maybe take a biopsy of that nodule. I've had biopsies done of larger nodules. It's interesting stuff. The one nodule got slightly smaller after about eight months and then the CAT scan taken eight months later showed that nodule had calcified, which is a good thing. So we are not doctors. Just let them do the investigation and try not to borrow trouble.
Don't worry because you don't have enough information yet.