1. < Lung Cancer

Mass on lung and lymph nodes

Posted by detroitmom23 @detroitmom23, Jan 4, 2023

I had a routine Cat Scan about a month ago and found large mass in lung and probability of surrounding lymph nodes. I have consultation this week to discuss best approach to biopsy and also setting up Pet scan. I’m beyond devastated and scared. I heard the needle biopsy is miserable. I feel certain I’m facing death and perhaps worse thing is telling my two adult daughters who already lost their dad when they were kids.

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sg | @sglaza | Mar 5 9:06am
In reply to @skm101 "Is that good?" + (show)
@skm101

Is that good?

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Hello skm101,
Having the bronchocopy is the logical next step and will allow the doctors to visualize the lung lymph nodes to see if they are enlarged and to biopsy them……another step in seeing if your lung cancer has spread. Good luck with the procedure.

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skm101 | @skm101 | Mar 4 1:08pm
In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @skm101, A PET scan will show a mass, but it will also provide information on..." + (show)
@lls8000

Hi @skm101, A PET scan will show a mass, but it will also provide information on the amount of metabolic activity in those masses. Infections, inflammation, and cancer will all have metabolic activity. That activity lights up on the scan, and will show as different levels of brightness (or uptake). Cancer is very active, and will have a higher number.

A biopsy is a good next step. Your doctors are taking actions on what they are seeing, and are trying to make sure they don’t miss anything. Are they doing the biopsy through a bronchoscopy procedure?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/about/pac-20385078

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Yes it is.

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Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 4 10:00am
In reply to @skm101 "PET came back with pretty much the same as CT. Irregular nodule etc. I thought PETs..." + (show)
@skm101

PET came back with pretty much the same as CT. Irregular nodule etc. I thought PETs pick up all cancers but now I'm going Thursday for a biopsy. So many emotions!

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Hi @skm101, A PET scan will show a mass, but it will also provide information on the amount of metabolic activity in those masses. Infections, inflammation, and cancer will all have metabolic activity. That activity lights up on the scan, and will show as different levels of brightness (or uptake). Cancer is very active, and will have a higher number.

A biopsy is a good next step. Your doctors are taking actions on what they are seeing, and are trying to make sure they don’t miss anything. Are they doing the biopsy through a bronchoscopy procedure?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/about/pac-20385078
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1 reply
skm101 | @skm101 | Mar 3 12:49pm

PET came back with pretty much the same as CT. Irregular nodule etc. I thought PETs pick up all cancers but now I'm going Thursday for a biopsy. So many emotions!

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Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 1 10:48am
In reply to @skm101 "I had the PET scan ladt Friday at noon. Im waiting for results. Thouggt I woukd..." + (show)
@skm101

I had the PET scan ladt Friday at noon. Im waiting for results. Thouggt I woukd hear by now.

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@skm101 , just touching base, how are you holding up? Still waiting for PET results?

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Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Mar 1 10:45am
In reply to @stormmayo1 "Yes cancer was found in left upper lobe and in some surrounding lymph nodes. Will be..." + (show)
@stormmayo1

Yes cancer was found in left upper lobe and in some surrounding lymph nodes.
Will be starting radiation to lung and chemo for 6 weeks. Just starting next week….will see how this goes.

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You’ll do great! Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your team know if you are uncomfortable or have questions. They are there to help, and even though this is your first time, they’ve helped a lot of patients through this.

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stormmayo1 | @stormmayo1 | Feb 28 6:49pm

Don’t panic. Where there is life there is hope.

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stormmayo1 | @stormmayo1 | Feb 28 6:47pm
In reply to @lls8000 "Hi @stormmayo1, I hope she is recovering from the procedure. A cough is to be expected,..." + (show)
@lls8000

Hi @stormmayo1, I hope she is recovering from the procedure. A cough is to be expected, especially if they had to go farther into the lung or took several samples. I've had three bronchoscopy biopsies over the years. Each was different, but all came with a cough afterward.
Did the oncologist outline the next steps, possibly a PET scan?

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Yes cancer was found in left upper lobe and in some surrounding lymph nodes.
Will be starting radiation to lung and chemo for 6 weeks. Just starting next week….will see how this goes.

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1 reply
babs1956 | @babs1956 | Feb 28 10:26am
In reply to @skm101 "I had the PET scan ladt Friday at noon. Im waiting for results. Thouggt I woukd..." + (show)
@skm101

I had the PET scan ladt Friday at noon. Im waiting for results. Thouggt I woukd hear by now.

Jump to this post

No news is good news

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