Nodules found on the diaphragm, more info please.

[e-priestman]

Just 12 months ago my husband had lung surgery to remove three fifths of his upper left lobe, followed by 12wks of chemo and is now on a double blinded trial drug.

Because he is on a trial he gets extra scans and checks (thank goodness) and some spots have now shown as active on his lower left lobe.

He was sent for a lung biopsy but unfortunately the radiographer could not do it as it was too dangerous with being too close to his heart and diaphragm. He was referred back to the thoracic surgeon.

On Tuesday he had major surgery again to take a wedge for biopsy, unfortunately they found other nodules whilst in there, attached to his diaphragm (which they removed) and this has now been sent to histology to see exactly what it is, we will get the results in 2wks time. Depending on the outcome will depend on any treatment to possibly follow.

I have a couple of questions please …..

1. I have tried to seek information about nodules on the diaphragm, but I am unable to find info regarding this area. If anyone has any info I would be very grateful.

2. I recently read a post about holiday insurance which I am going to look into, but on the same topic, how long after surgery of this kind that my husband has had can you fly? We have been told 6wks by one doctor and 3mths from another ??? Any advice please asap as our boys had clubbed together and paid for a surprise city break in Europe for us that falls 6wks exactly post op.

Thank you in advance

Emma

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Which doctors have you spoken to about the travel? I would consult the pulmonologist. This is the first I’ve heard of nodules in the diaphragm but it is not surprising as nodules can firm anywhere that is fed by blood.

I’ve never had travel insurance so I am interested in seeing what you learn.

[e-priestman in reply to Denzie]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and getting back to me. All Ivan tell you is that the thoracic surgeon took a wedge biopsy and when he got inside he also found some nodules attachment to the diaphragm which have now also been removed and sent to histology. We won’t see the surgeon again for another week and a half. I’ve searched on the internet about nodules on the diaphragm but can’t seem to find anything at all.

Emma

[Feelingblessed2013]

I am sorry that you and your husband are going through this. I have no experience with nodules in the diaphragm, so can't help you with that. But as far as travel goes, talk to his oncologist and his pulmonologist. Ask for their opinions, their recommendations, but also ask what the risks are (if there are any), then decide whether or not to go. The decision to go or not is ultimately up to you and your husband.

[e-priestman in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Thank you so much for getting back to me.

We have just returned from Amsterdam but got the ok from both surgeon and oncologist.

All was good and we made sure that we took the flight advice given.

Thanks again

Emma x

[JanetteR57]

There is some really useful information in the Roy Castle lung cancer foundation website under 'how we help', 'information' 'lung cancer treatments' 'surgery' 'my lung surgery booklet' including information about driving and travelling after lung surgery. The driving relates to any major surgery (in that it affects the ability to emergency stop with the wound) and insurers differ in their recommendations and allowed cover. Regarding travel, I have found good cover with different insurers although immediately after surgery found the cost prohibitive relative to the cost of the holidays considered. In recent years (it is now 8 years since my surgery to remove half the left lung through open thoracotomy) I resumed travel including long haul (vietnam in 2016, cambodia and malaysia 2017, Bali last year) and short haul, Slovenia, Greece, and many European cities for conferences) and found different insurers offer competitive quotes dependent on the country you're visiting, the amount of days required. I use the website 'paying too much' which compares a range of companies that offer insurance to those with preexisting conditions including cancer. Insurancewith is also a good company for those with cancer even those in palliative care situations. I met their founder last year. I have spoken with several nurses in the Uk who said they tell patients not to declare it as 'it's been cut out' but this is foolhardy. If you required hospitalisation for any issue especially related to breathing/respiratory issues, the first thing an insurer would do would be to check your medical record and declare any cover null and void. therefore do seek insurance cover before you go - the questions are quite straight forward about the type of treatment you have had and how long ago and your current fitness and this algorhythm determines the premium. Some require you to call them and speak to an operator so they can determine the risk they're insuring. If you're still undergoing investigations, nobody will insure until these are over. hope this helps.

[e-priestman in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you so very much, so informative.

We have just returned from a 3 day visit to Amsterdam (much needed) we took out health insurance but could not get cover for the cancer. We took extra checks with the surgeon and oncologist and had letters to say that Adam was ok to fly etc.

But we will most definitely look at the two sights/companies you have mentioned if we are lucky enough to go on any other trips.

Thank you again xxx

[JanetteR57 in reply to e-priestman]

So glad you managed to get a break and hope Amsterdam was all you hoped for. I flew to Scotland for work in the April having had surgery in the December with no problems. A nurse had told me I might have difficulties due to the pressure in the cabin but didn't. The respiratory consultant told me that 'recycled' air in the cabin can be bad for people with respiratory problems but don't want to live my life stuck at home and as I work, I'm still exposed to bugs and pollution wherever I go. Europe is a fairly safe bet given its standards of hospitals (compared to developing countries) and our current EHIC card process as well as insurance being relatively affordable (compared to long haul). My first trip overseas was to Greece in 2016 and managed to get cover (including declaring the cancer) with Saga but for other trips they have proved expensive. A company called CloudCover has also been competitive on a couple of trips. hope you manage to travel again before too long.