Just as important

[NancyLynn]

I posted a question,even though I had not been diagnosed with cancer.I did think my question was just as important,as any other.

[FtB_Travis]

Hi NancyLynn :

Are you referring to our Ask Me Anything session we has recently? If so, I do not see the question in that post thread from you.

Could you ask your question hear and I can try to see if we can get it answered for you?

-Travis

[NancyLynn in reply to FtB_Travis]

Can't remember exactly what I said,but will try.I had 6cm in size nodule.But from all I have read on this,it should have been called a mass?Then instead of doing anything for now,Dr. wants to wait a year and look at it again.They have since diagnosed me with COPD.But know the signs are pretty much the same symptoms as lung cancer.Why wait a year?If were to turn out to be cancer then I and my Dr. has let have even more time to spread?If I add things to the Dr. about how I am feeling(like getting more tired and can't walk far before getting wore out),he says that this COPD progression.Thank you in advance.

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to NancyLynn]

Nancy, if you do not trust the approach that your doctor is taking, it is time to get a second opinion! ASAP!

This is something that your insurance should pay for. Call your insurance company and ask if you are uncertain.

Where are you located? If you can, I would recommend going to a major cancer center. If this is a possibility, you will want to make sure the center is in network in your insurance.

Also, ask for copies of your scan reports, both paper and on CD. You have a right to them. Bring that CD to your first appointment with the new doctor.

Good luck to you.

Anita

[lindarahtes in reply to NancyLynn]

NancyLynn, do not and I repeat DO NOT wait a year - get another opinion. I too have COPD and had a bronkoscopy in 2013 and an X-ray and it showed I had a 2.2mm spot. I would from time to time cough so hard there was some blood. In 2015 I had another chest X-ray and it had grown to 2.7mm. At NO TIME was I told about this until 2016 when I had my gallbladder out and on a CT Scan it showed I had an 8cm mass. It had grown from 2.7mm to 8cm in 11 1/2 months. I had surgery and had a softball size tumor in my lower right lung removed and it was stage 2 cancer. Thank God it had not metastasized to anywhere else. Absolutely do not wait, get another opinion. Good luck and God speed. Keep in touch with all of us please.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Please give serious consideration to what Anita said. Get your second opinion at one of these places.

cancer.gov/research/nci-rol...

BTW, at 3 cm a nodule is considered a mass.

[Twotimesurvivor]

I was diagnosed with a new second lung cancer at an MD Anderson satellite clinic & sent to the main campus for treatment. After going thru a miriad of tests including 2 biopsies it was decided that I would be surveyed every 3 months because no test was definitive. This was scary to me but having gone thru one surgery I wasn't anxious to undergo another one. I was watched for 9 months & then my tumor enlarged so I was scheduled for surgery. It was cancer but fortun

[Twotimesurvivor in reply to Twotimesurvivor]

Sorry I hit the wrong button. It was A slow growing cancer so I was lucky. I'm saying all of this because even going to a premier. Cancer hospital doesn't mean they are always right. However I am glad they just did not Willy Neely call for this nasty surgery. I did not go anywhere else for a second opinion I was already at the best. Lucky to live in Houston Good luck to you. Everybody's journey is different

[Ruthie1950]

The best advice from everyone is "don't wait another day, get a second opinion now!" Also make sure your insurance company works with the doctors and cancer facilities you choose. Please don't put this off. If nothing else, it may give you peace of mind.

[FtB_Peggy]

Completely agree - second opinions are great - if you need anymore information on the subject, just let me know - email me at [e-mail] and I'll get that to you! Best of luck and keep us in the loop!

[ThePurplePlace]

Hi NancyLynn,

Sorry to hear your post was not answered previously - this is the first time I have seen it.

I would definitely get a second opinion - so much can change in a year and I would never want to find out something was missed because I waited too long. Anytime you feel a concern or doubt, it's always wise to seek the another opinion.

Wishing you the best....

[GainesH]

I agree with all. Waiting is cancers best friend. Waiting gives it time to spread. Please don't wait. Get another opinion now. Cancer spreads so fast. My husband has a tumor in his brain that grew from 14 x 8 cm to 14 x 14 cm in 2 wks. I pray that you will be ok.

[Faith17]

Hi Nancy totally agree with everyones caring replies to you. Please go for immediate cat scan followed by a Pet scan. God speed