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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mikee2all | @mikee2all | Feb 20 8:34am

I had the needle biopsy, don't fret, it's a snap. They deadened the surrounding area and stuck in this needle that took 5 biopsy chunks out of my neck. Didn't feel a thing. Just a lot of blood loss.
So, don't worry about the pain, there is none, if your doctor is good.

skm101 | @skm101 | Feb 19 8:08pm

One more ?

What type of cancer? NSCLC? SCLC? OTHER?

skm101 | @skm101 | Feb 19 7:51pm

In reply to @lls8000 "@skm101, Yes in 2020 I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was stage IV right away,..." + (show)

You are very kind to share. Thank you!

skm101 | @skm101 | Feb 19 7:40pm

Thank you for responding.

It's so hard to not have answers and now my PET is postponed due to insurance.

Can you tell me if you've already told me

* size of nodule
* were the affected lymph nodes on the left side
* how big was your nodule
* what symptoms did you have in order to go get tests
* did they give you a stage number?
* did you have a biopsy before the PET
*

nonobaddog | @nonobaddog | Feb 19 7:11pm

In reply to @skm101 "Where is yours located that makes it not operable?" + (show)

My cancer is in the right lung and it has spread to a Hilar lymph node. The Hilar nodes are in lung area and surgery is an option with them. However the cancer has also spread to at least one Mediastinal lymph node. These are associated with the spine area and my doctors told me they have tried surgery on them but the results were not good so they stopped doing that.
I suppose it is possible to find somebody willing to do them. I don't know about that.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Feb 19 6:47pm

In reply to @skm101 "That's good news on the recent nodes Was it lung cancer before?" + (show)

@skm101, Yes in 2020 I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was stage IV right away, so I did not have surgery. My lymph nodes are intact and doing their job by trying to filter out ‘bad’ cells. When they are enlarged, I can feel a slight flutter or spasm in my chest every now and then. Everyone is different, and may not experience this same sensation.
Hang in there. I hope your PET provides some answers.

skm101 | @skm101 | Feb 19 2:51pm

Your hilar nodes, did they remove them? Did they present like your recent ones?

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. Means a lot.

skm101 | @skm101 | Feb 19 2:49pm

In reply to @lls8000 "@skm101 , You may want to wait to see what the PET scan shows before reaching..." + (show)

Thank you. I will keep these sites and use after I know for sure. I just don't do well not being able to start the plan of action.

skm101 | @skm101 | Feb 19 2:45pm

That's good news on the recent nodes

Was it lung cancer before?

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Feb 19 2:23pm

In reply to @skm101 "I had 2 surgeries since Oct and I was feeling different when breathing some. I had..." + (show)

@skm101 , You've been put through a lot since October, wow! A PET scan is a good next step to see how much activity there is in that nodule. Hopefully she can get that through your insurance company. Having insurance issues just adds to the stress.
I've had enlarged hilar lymph nodes related to cancer in 2020 and related to a fungus in 2023/2024. This past November, when scans showed the lymph nodes enlarged and a new 1cm nodule, we were all sure that the cancer had returned. After scans and biopsies, we know that my cancer is thankfully still under control!, and we're treating the fungus.