Just diagnosed: Hi, I am new here. I was... - Lung Cancer Support

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Just diagnosed

Lucieee profile image
17 Replies

Hi, I am new here. I was diagnosed with a lung nodule in my upper left lung in December. It was found after LD-CAT. It was followed up by a PET scan which showed that it had not metastasized as far as they could tell. The PET was not definitive but they are pretty sure it is cancer because of the shape. They are going to use VATS to biopsy nodule and look at nodes. If it is cancer, they will remove the left lobe. I am very comfortable with the Drs and what they have said makes sense. I am scheduled for pulmonary tests and cardiac clearance in the next week and if all is well, they will schedule the surgery shortly there after. I am scared silly, but taking one day at a time. It appears that it was caught early and they have said that the lobectomy would be curative. Do you think I need to get a second opinion?

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Lucieee profile image
Lucieee
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17 Replies
SusieJo1948 profile image
SusieJo1948

Luceee A second opinion is always a good thing. But thats up to you you do whatever your comfortable with. i had stage 3 i,m in my 5th year cancer free they done a vats and took the upper lobe of my left lung was in a few lympnodes done 6months chemo. your getting it early so it should be all right. i,ll pray it is. Let me know after your surgery i,ll be here for you. susiejo1948

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee in reply to SusieJo1948

Thank you Susiejo, I will keep updated.

rdflynnjr profile image
rdflynnjr

Lucee, I had a lower left lobectomy last March for stage 1A adenocarcinoma. My last CT scan showed no evidence of disease (NED). I've been extraordinarily healthy up until then. I was surprised, though, with how long it took to get back to normal levels of activity. I also had some serious anxiety, but am doing well now.

I am lucky to have much family support and I also appreciate the support here in HealthUnlocked. There are some great folks here who are generously sharing their diverse experiences.

Rick

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee in reply to rdflynnjr

May you continue to show NED. Thanks for your honesty.

rdflynnjr profile image
rdflynnjr in reply to Lucieee

Thank you and may you be NED for many years after your VATS. Please keep us informed as you convalesce after surgery.

Rick

judg69 profile image
judg69

Lucieee, My advice is to move forward as planned . You have a great attitude, and with such early detection, likely a long , healthy life ahead of you. Best Wishes, judg69

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee

Thank you

anrean profile image
anrean

Welcome! You will find the people here are very friendly, knowledgeable and supportive!!

A 2nd opinion is always a wise choice. It is purely up to you, but having a 2nd opinion may put any doubts you have to rest. My 2nd opinion was a life-saver. The treatment plan was not changed, but it was the 2nd opinion that moved forward with the biopsy and confirmed the diagnosis of cancer. I have also sought a 3rd opinion and am waiting for her to gather all the information that my original oncologist will not share.

Please don't be scared silly! My treatment was radiation, but others have had other treatments with great success. You are also in the very enviable position of having it caught early - that is a true blessing!

Lauri-Anne

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee in reply to anrean

Thank you, I do feel very lucky. My best friend died 8 years ago from lung cancer that had metastasized to her brain. She never knew she had it and was gone in 6 months. I had a regular dr visit for a check up, all was good and was heading out the door when she stopped me, I know it was her. She told me to ask for a cancer screening so I did and here I am with a very early detection. I hope you find the treatment you are comfortable with.

Denzie profile image
DenzieModeratorVolunteer

You don’t mention where you’re being seen. From what you’ve written you have a pretty competent team. The plan is straight forward and Standard of Care. It’s always good to get a second opinion though and they’re usually covered by insurance. If you decide to get a second opinion one of these cancer centers would be ideal: nccn.org/members/network.aspx.

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee in reply to Denzie

Thank you for the list. I am going to The Kennedy Cancer Center, a member of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Network at Jefferson University that has opened a multidisciplinary Lung Nodule Center.........that is all they do. There is a whole team of Drs that review all tests etc together and come to a consensus on treatment options and then meet with you to explain.

Denzie profile image
DenzieModeratorVolunteer in reply to Lucieee

You’re in excellent hands then!

Dcastevens profile image
Dcastevens

Sounds like you have a good team. Please make sure they do genomic testing on your nodules once they are removed. That will tell them what care you may need.

annkezar profile image
annkezar

Lots of great advice so far! I would add to it: don't be a stoic. Ask as many questions as are needed to help allay fears, be sure to ask about pain/discomfort management post surgery and during convalescence, seek counseling and/or anxiety medication if needed, and coral your support system ahead of surgery. Be sure to include pragmatics such as help with transportation, cooking, cleaning, etc. If at all possible, have a support person with you at all appointments to take notes, get clarification- it is so very easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of new information bombarding you. Good luck and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee

Thanks so much for the info and the prayers, all are welcome. You are correct about being bombarded with information. I did the PFT yesterday and found out I have very mild COPD. I have never had any issues with breathing but they gave me an atomizer to try and see if I notice a difference. Nothing was found to stop the surgery, so on i trudge.

bellaella profile image
bellaella

In 2005 I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I had lobectomy and four rounds of chemo. it was a long year,,,,now I am a 12 year survivor. don't be afraid of lobectomy. I was in the hospital for 2 days. no pain. recuperated at home very quickly. after 4 weeks I was back to work. chemo was more difficult but have no fear,, you will also be a survivor, best of luck!!!

Lucieee profile image
Lucieee

Thank you for the encouragement. I feel like my story is so minimal compared to what so many of you are going through. It just doesn’t feel right complaining about anything. God bless you all.

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