Opinions needed please - Cancer: Lung Message Board

MandaSue · 01-17-2005, 11:13 PM

2 months ago a 3 mm nodule was found in my lower left lung during a CT scan for another problem. I had another one done last week and the nodule has not grown. My family practictioner sent me to a Cardiovascular/Thorasic surgeon. His response to me was to wait 6 months and check it again to see if it has grown. My grandfather died 3 years ago from undetected lung cancer and I am not sure that waiting is the answer. Do you think that I should seek a second opinion?? I haven't had too many other symptons but have trouble getting rid of coughs, shortness of breath on occasion, and my right hand falls asleep daily. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Mandy

Lady_J_1_01 · 01-18-2005, 01:25 AM

Mandy,
If I were you YES I would get a second and if ness. a third opinion.. If it is cancer, timing is so important. Depending if their is a 'problem' 6 months is long time! Clints was a slow growing cancer, when they looked back in records he had a small growth in the same spot over a year earlier, they had been treating him for pnemonia, sinus infections, colds prior....He had it removed last march ONLY because it was under a certain size, and had a good prognoses as far as they could tell.
It is your life, and sometimes we fear to challenge the medical community feeling they know best.. but not always so. As in chazzz case. His and his wifes posts are posted threads to read..... Dr's dragging their feet I feel in part contributed to his untimly death. Im not trying to scare you just inform you that YOU are your best advocate. I wish you the best of luck. Mattie

mwessell · 01-18-2005, 06:21 AM

Hi,

I found out that I had a 1cm nodule in my right upper lung on June 24. I had another CT scan done 6 weeks later and it had not grown. So I had a choice just like you...wait 6 months for another CT or have surgery to remove and biospy it.

I know how scared you are...it is a very lonely place to be...not knowing and being unsure if you have a terminal illness. Here's what I did and I hope it helps you.

* I was VERY agressive in my diagnosis and treatment
* I made appointments with a pulmonologist and thoracic surgeon
* The pulmonoligist set up my 2nd CT scan, a Pulmonary
Function Test, and a PET Scan
* The 2nd CT showed no growth so I knew that if it was cancer,
it was not aggressive and I had some time to make a decision
* PET Scan showed no cancer and the Pulmonary Function test
was normal
* The nodule had a small "tail" on it which suggested malignancy
* I could wait 6 months for another CT scan or have it removed
* I took a 2 week vacation with the hubby and kids before I
made my decision - I needed time to calm down and make a
rational decision

I chose to have the surgery done because if it was cancer the survival rate was very high seeing that it was so small and my lymph nodes were not involved that they could see. If it was not cancer, then I would have my piece of mind back - I could sleep at night again and enjoy my life.

I had my surgery on Sept 15 and it was benign - thank GOD. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I refused to sit back and let doctors let me slip through the cracks in the medical system. Wait 6 months? Not if you are so terrified it affects your daily life...not if you tend to think the worst...and not if you can't forgive yourself if it is malignant and you waited...

The surgery is not that bad...very quick recovery...they did it with scopes and the scarring is minimal. Like I said, I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best...I was in your shoes and know how hard it is to make a big medical decision. But please be aggressive and try to push your appointments up if you can...time is crucial!!

Mary Ellen

MandaSue · 01-18-2005, 08:37 AM

Mary Ellen,
Thank you so very much for sharing your story with me. I have decided so far to at least seek a second opinion and go from there. I am an extreme worrier and have 5 children to think about too. I am thrilled for you that everything turned out so well!!
Mandy

MandaSue · 01-18-2005, 08:40 AM

Mattie,
Thank you too for your information! I am very new to this board so I will take the time and read the other posts as you suggested. It is hard to "challenge" a doctor and I am not wanting someone who tells me what I want to hear, I just want a doctor to hear me and my concerns, not just walk in with "wait 6 months" and thats it. There is just too much at stake here.
Mandy