7cm mass

[Cdb1975]

Hi all. Last week I went in for a cardiac calcium score and that was clear, but the scan indicated a 7cm mass in the infrahilar area of my right lung. The Dr. ordered a CT scan with high contrast that showed the same results. I have been scheduled for a CT on my abdomen and then a PET scan as well. I am terrified. I'm 43 years old and never smoked or exhibited any signs of ling complications. I know I'm told to wait for the results but that is easier said than done.

[JeanE41]

Welcome Cdb 1975. We have a term we use here "Scanxiety". It is the anxiety we all feel before a scan and while waiting for the results. The waiting is difficult at best. Also many of us discovered we had lung cancer by accident while being tested for something else. In my case, I had no symptoms or indications of lung cancer and have never smoked. It came as a complete surprise. I was given a cat scan in preparation for radiation therapy after a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Since the symptoms usually occur after the cancer has spread, it can be a blessing when it is found early and most able to be treated successfully. I know you are scared and anxious. Anyone would be, but if it is cancer, there are many new options for treatment which were not available when I was diagnosed four years ago.

Take care. Try to take this one step at a time.

Jean

[Cdb1975 in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you for the message. I definitely feel the scanxiety. Taking it day at a time

[SusieJo1948]

Hi I tried to reply I had too go. Some one at door I won't open door unless o know who. I know how you must feel everyone. On here knows every emotional thing they went thru and are hoping. The new treatments are letting people with stage 3 and 4 live longer. What stage are you. 8 years ago I had breast cancer no treatments. Two years later I had lung cancer They removed my breast

Was two different kinds they removed my upper left lobe. Wanted me to take radiation I told them no I felt to weak.. I did 6 month's çhemo and am now a six. Year survivor. I I tell everyone that come here. To have hope don't give up keep fighting. Were here to give everyone hope. Love susiejo1948

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

At times like this more junk drawers get organized, closets cleaned and garages rearranged than at any other time. Chilling out is easier said than done.

Lung cancer usually has no symptoms until it is well advanced. General practitioners and internists don’t understand that 40% of those diagnosed with lung cancer don’t smoke so they don’t look for it.

Until you’ve had a biopsy to confirm cancer, I’m afraid there’s nothing to do but wait. Don’t research outcomes because the data doesn’t include the dozens of recent advancements in treatment.

Try to meditate. Be present in the moment you are in. When the mind starts to wander force it back to the moment at hand. Focus on the task at hand to keep those “What If’s” away.

Please let us know the outcome of your tests. We’ll help get you through everything we can.

[weisheke in reply to Denzie]

I admire your reply, it shows your wisdom. Best wishes, Cbd1975. Advancements in lung cancer treatment has been termed “ridiculous” by medical professional, even if you are diagnosed w lung cancer, there are plenty of hopes. Hope the scan comes out negative.

[JRuth1945 in reply to Denzie]

Great advice

[SusieJo1948]

I

[Feelingblessed2013]

Hi Cbd1975,

Hopefully yours is not lung cancer, but if it is, it is not the end of your story.

My first lung cancer was found by accident, before any symptoms appeared, before it had had a chance to spread. Denzie is right, Drs don't seem to realize that even non smokers can get lung cancer. I did smoke, but had been a non-smoker for 13 years when I was diagnosed with emphysema and lung cancer. My PCP thinks my LC may have come from radon exposure, but no way to know for sure.

Denzie is right, scanxiety causes many closets, garages, and junk drawers get cleaned/organized. She also gave some good advice, try to keep your mind in the moment, try to focus on the here and now, try to keep your mind occupied.

Keep us posted.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

What works for you Katherine? What strategies do you use to keep the what if’s away?

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to Denzie]

I just do my best to keep my mind otherwise occupied, I don't let myself think about for too long. When the thoughts do creep in, I give them a minute and then push them out by thinking of other things, watching something funny on TV, playing a word game on my tablet, or finding something to clean. I have however learned (the hard way) when I clean my closet out for the umpteenth time, to box the stuff up that I want to toss and hold on to the box for a few months. In past cleaning binges, I have donated a few things that I should have kept, and that I ended up having to replace.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Good idea that. I’ve found myself digging back through the donation box a time or twenty.

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to Denzie]

Like they say, hind site is always 20/20.

[ThePurplePlace]

Try to think positive and take one step at a time.

You've come to a great place for support and most of us are cancer survivors.

I'll celebrate my 4th Cancerversary on the 27th. Stage IV NSCLC which cane in very suddenly. No symptoms until it went to my brain. Total shock. Today I'm happily stable and off treatment.

Best wishes

Lisa

[Carmen24 in reply to ThePurplePlace]

My husband has that!,😔what treatment you have done? So happy for you! My husband has nothing on his brain but went to his spine...😔🙏🏼

[ThePurplePlace in reply to Carmen24]

I've had a few, first CyberKnife for my brain met, then Chemo, Radiation and then Immunotherapy (Opdivo) which saved my life 💕

[JRuth1945 in reply to ThePurplePlace]

That is wonderful. !

[4168]

It is scary but keep the attitude that it wont get you .I did and I've been fighting the battle since 2013 .find a dr.that you like and trust and put it in his hands there is so much out there now to help they will find one for you good luck