HI

I'm new here, and basicaclly have no where else to go, as I have no one close enough to talk to.

On Haloween, I coughed gunk from my lungs with blood in it. As I was also short of breath, and having chest pain, I went to the ER.

They did a lung CT and found a nodule under 1cm on the upper left node. (just where I knew it was) and enlarged nodes in the medistinal region and hilar region.

The nodule was 'non-calcified and indeterminate" I'm 44 and have smoked for 30 years (yeah, I know, stupid, but please refrain from the usual "Stop Smoking" posts)

My questions are these:

Does three months sound like a long time to wait? They want to repeat the scan in 3 months. I ended up in the ER less than a week later with SOB and another CT was done to rule out Pulmonary Embolism.

Does the fact that my lymph nodes are enlarged indicate the liklihood of spreading cancer?

I also have bronchitis and emphysema and asthma- would those have caused the blood when I cough?

All the doc said was that it was 'possible cancer' but the Ct report doesn't say cancer anywhere.

So, I'm confused. Should I be actively seeking a second opinion, or just sit back and wait the 3 months.

Thanks

NEVER sit back and wait! My dad waited and it cost him his life. by the time he went to have a biopsy it was too late and the Dr's ruled out surgery. He breezed thru the Chemo and actually went into remission for 6 months. But one day he had trouble breathing and found out the cancer was back and had spread to his brain. He started radiation, which was absolutely horrible, he lost his vision, hearing, and became could hardly walk. He died 3 months later in Aug. Do not wait, try to get an earlier appt.

PS-has anyone ever had a good experience w/radiation? I think i ever got cancer i would never go the radiation route.

Shadow
These are some very serious sounding issues. I would not wait three months at all I am not saying this to scare you but sometimes as I have learned you have got to take charge. I have read alot about nodules and from the stuff that I have read any nodule in the CM range should be suspect. Add that to your smoking history and the fact you coughed up blood this seems as though it would send up all kind of red flags.

I am curious about you qoute when you say your 44 and have smoked 30 years and at 44 you have emphezima, broncitus, and asthma, but you do not want anyone to mention about the no smoking thing?

I hope I did not scare you was not my intention, I am just hoping you will not wait like they suggest and take matters into your own hands. Time can be a very important thing right now. If you do not like what your doctor is saying find another one soon. I hope everything turns out ok for you.

Chazzzzzzzzzzz

Shadow
I am curious about you qoute when you say your 44 and have smoked 30 years and at 44 you have emphezima, broncitus, and asthma, but you do not want anyone to mention about the no smoking thing?

Chazzzzzzzzzzz


Because it's only pointing out the obvious, and frankly, just tends to irritate me.

Everyone already knows that smoking is stupid, I don't need to read posts from people telling me it is.

Thanks for your comments anyway, though. I know you've been going through a lot on your own!

Shadowrose- If you can get an appointment sooner, I would encourage you to do so. With some types of lung cancer (not to scare you) but, 3 months can mean the difference between operatable/inoperatable, or worse. If you discuss this with your doctor, and express your fear/concern, pehaps they can see you sooner.

Keep us posted. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Renee

HI all

Thanks. I can't get them to move any sooner. I know that the enlarged nodes aren't a good sign, though.

At this point, all I can do is wait. I've seen others go downhill so fast :( In a way, though, that is a blessing. I'd prefer not to spend months suffering.

I feel so bad for Chazz and Mrs. Chazz. It's just crimminal that they didn't do more for him sooner. I don't think anything has ever made me angrier than going back through the posts and his problems, and the lack of response from the doctors!

The nodule on my lung wasn't there 2 years ago. Don't know if that's good or not. And no one can tell me why the lymph nodes are enlarged. (the lung nodes) But, I'm smart enough to know that it's not a good sign!

I have so many other weird things going on at the same time, just seem to get sicker and sicker. For those that don't have insurance, the medical system isn't real great!

Thanks for the thoughts, everyone.

PLease don't wait the 3 months. Go to another doctor if you have to. Whether it's cancer or not it has to come out. My husband had something on his right lung and that's what his doctor said to do, and thank god he did say lets take it out. It was cancer and the doctor removed the upper and middle lobe 5 years ago and he's fine today because of the immediate surgery. He didn't even spread to the lymph nodes because it was taken out so quickly. He had a non small cell carcinoma in the upper right lung but the doctor also removed the middle lobe to be sure he got it all.

HI

It's been almost 3 months now, and I'm not a whole lot better. I'm still working as much as I can, but my daughter has quit her job and comes with me on mine, as mine requires travel.

We are planning a trip to Austrailia in the next few months- my daughter's dream is to go there. I won't do anything either way till afterward. I don't want to spoil it for her.

I'm a fatalist, I think. If it's cancer, I just won't mess with all the chemo and radiation. Personally, I want quality over quanity.

Thanks all