A little scared - Cancer: Lung Message Board

EJCanavan · 12-07-2004, 07:09 AM

I have been feeling ill on and off for a while and dismissed it.
Last weekend I started having major heart palpatations and spiked a fever. I got worried and headed to the ER. At first they thought it may be a blood clot and ordered and X-Ray and CT.
The results were a small calcified in the right upper lobe - Indeterminate and a 4mm left lower lobe nodule.
I had a CT scan 2 years ago before a surgery (hysterectomy) and asked the hospital for those results. The only entry under lungs was a one liner reading "Lung bases are clear except for minimal atelectatic change."
I am really concerned at the changes shown in just as little as 2 years.
I saw my family doctor after the ER visit and he referred me to a Pulminary specialist, whom I see on the 20th.

Does this sound like something I should be concerned about right off, or is my doctor being especially proactive? I am only 33 so I didn't expect something like this. With no family and zero friends I turned to the boards to hopefully receive a little comfort in what is happening.
Thanks a ton =)

Erin

renee_ky · 12-07-2004, 10:09 AM

Hi Erin- It could be nothing. I would say "don't worry until you know", but that is easier said then done.

I will pray that this turns out to be nothing, keep us posted.

Renee

mwessell · 12-07-2004, 10:48 AM

Hi Erin,

It is protocol that a pulmonary doctor is seen when something like this is discovered. If that doctor is concerned, they will refer you to a thoracic surgeon.

I have lived this story...one was found in my right lung. It looked suspicious, so I opted to have the surgery to have it removed. It is the only way to be certain. I am 43 and smoked for 20+ years, so I was scared.

It was benign, I made a quick recovery from surgery and my life has changed so much. I thought I was dying...now I know I am not. And I have fun every day...kiss my kids a hundred times a day...and most importantly - help others.

Go through all the steps you need to in order to find out what this nodule is. It may be nothing, and probably is nothing, just like mine. Be aggressive. If you have an appointment you feel is too far off...get an earlier one. Make the doctors talk to you. And don't go all over the internet looking for information about lung cancer...I did that...and it nearly destroyed me. There is too much scary info out there...and being 33, the chances of it being malignant are very slim.

It is a scary and lonely process to go through. No one knew how I felt. I could not explain it to my husband. Coming to this board to find comfort was smart. Others have gone through what you are dealing with now.

I am sure you will be fine!!!