Lung Nodules
My sister was diagnosed with Stage 1 TNBC in November 2008 and just finished chemo on April 17, 2009 (DD AC x 4, DD Taxol x 4.) The day before her last chemo, she got the results of a chest CT scan which showed 5 nodules in her lungs, all under 1 centimeter. Her oncologist did not seem overly concerned, saying that lung nodules are fairly common and probably benign recommended she get a follow up scan in 6 months. Has anyone else, particularly with early stage TNBC, also had lung nodules found during treatment and if, so can you share your experience? Thanks.
Comments
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I have not personally had this, but I had a friend with "nodules" that turned out to be benign cysts on her ribs. So all the things they see are not serious.
Good luck to you and your sister.
Gentle hugs, Shirlann
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Thanks so much for responding Shirlann - that is what I am praying for!! Hugs to you too...
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I had lung nodules and initially they told me I was stage 4. I had long hx of bronchitits and various respiratory infections for years plus allergies. They did a needle biopsy on the largest that they could access via my back - - was a benign granuloma. Eventually when I was able to think straight I asked why I was never referred to a pulmonary specialist so I made an appt on my own. The first thing the pulmonary specialist said after hearing my medical hx was granulomas and that they are more common then we realize. Do no panic.
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Thanks cp418--unfortunately, my sister has no history of respiratory issues (unless living in NJ counts, which it probbaly does!). I think the fact that they are all small is a good sign, although having so many may not be - either way, she was told they really can't do anything now but wait and watch. Thanks again for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it. I kow it won't affect her outcome--they are there and already are either benign or not -- but every positive story/false alram I hear gives me some reassurance i can pass on to her to hopefully make the next 6 mos.a little easier.
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Cebo,
When first diagnosed my CT scan showed lung nodules as well, they were monitored during and after chemo. They never changed and now over a year from finishing my chemo my last CT scan showed them, so they are officially ruled as scarring from past infections. But, I don't have a strong history of respiratory issues (just one time of having walking pneumonia). I have also met other ladies with similar stories. So, I just wanted to share with you so you can let your sister know that it is possibly nothing, keep the hope and I hope the next six months fly by. I remember waiting for my check up scan to confirm the nodules status, it is hard to wait. Hang in there.
Take care.
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Hi Cebo, Back in 2006...I had just finished chemo and rads and had a ct scan and they found diffuse sub-centimeter pulmonary nodules...they were everywhere, and I was numb with fear. Lung DR said my odds were 50/50, but my oncologist thought it was infections from being very rundown from treatment...I had many ct scans for 2-years (no changes...that's good) and a pet scan (nothing lit up)...You get real good at living between scans. There are many women out there with stories about scarey but harmless lung nodules. Have a little faith, it is not always the bad thing...My very best wishes to you and your sister, P
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cebo - I live in NJ too and it is a toxic state regarding pollution issues!! I forgot to mention the lung nodule that was biopsied did light up on a PET Scan which is why they biopsied it. So beware of false readings as the scans aer very sensitive but cannot determine pathology.
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CaNatalie, pennylane, Shirlann & cp418--I really can't thank you enough for sharing your experiences--this is just what I needed to talk me off the ledge! As I said before, I know it doesn't mean my sister is out of the woods, but you have put my mind at ease and I really appreciate that.
All the best,
Celia
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I was dxd in 3/06 and had chemo and rads. In 6/07 I had scans that showed nodules on my lungs and my onc. was not at all concerned either, I got the "most people have nodules"; However, in Jan. 08 I had a cough, like everyone else did, in March 08 had a scan that showed the nodules were cancer. Now, would I have been any better knowing in June 07 - don't know. But I wouldn't mess around and wait, I'd do whatever can be to find out for certain what it is.
WBC
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When I had my scan right after my diagnosis the dr. found a couple of spots on my lungs that my surgeon and onc said were probably just granulomas (something about breathing the air in east texas causing these). I have my post chemo scan in May to check them and also check a spot on my liver....since my docs don't seem concerned I have decided not to be concerned either...God will take care of me!!!
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I have been lurking here for a year, but this topic got me motivated to become a member. After DD AC and T and my radiation treatments, I also had a CT which showed nodules...lots of them. I was scared to death. They decided to do a lung biopsy which showed granulomas. Waiting for the results and thinking about going from Stage I to Stage IV was horrible. I sure got some great hugs from the radiation doc and assistants though when the results came in!
They continue to CT me every 3 months and so far they are getting smaller. I think finding out about the nodules just at the end of my treatments was one of the toughest times through all of this. They even thought I might have TB for awhile...so I have a nice box of face masks at home...hmm for a possible flu epidemic! BTW, I am quite healthy here in MN-no issues with infections etc. and I went through treatment quite well, so they were stumped about the nodules. I did go to a lung specialist after the biopsy and until I got my onc to talk to her, I felt like I was getting confusing info about the possibility of going in for more biopsies. My onc said we may never know why I have the nodules.
Take heart, this is a process and sometimes it is not fun. I wish this question had been on the boards when I was going thru this last fall. Thank you for bringing it up now!
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I was dx in march 07 and after mx found nodule on left lung. All through treatment it was monitored and never changed. I am a year and a half out of chemo and all is clear. i like to think that the power of positive thinking had something to do with it. I mean look at my stats. I was scared sh*%%#less and just decided one day to live life rather than fear what might be.
Good luck and god bless.
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WBC, thanks for giving me another perspective--obviously one I fear the most but i know is a possibility. May I ask what stage you were at DX, and also the size your nodules were at the time they were first diagnosed? My sister was told hers (all under 1 cm) are too small to biopsy and that there was really nothing to do but watch and wait--if they're benign, they won't change, and if they're malignant, she's already stage 4 and there is nothing they can do at this point anyway. Now I am thinking maybe she should consult with a lung specialist after all. She is trying to be positive and i don't want to stress her out unecessarily during her radiation, but if there is something they should be doing now I need to let her know.
jbdragonfly, I couldn't agree more---my sister fiinding out about these nodules literally the day of her last chemo has really been a blow. I am so happy your results have been good--I pray the same for my sister.
Good luck on your scans, kgpfield--and thanks sherry for your words--I know it is important to think positively and I will try to. Thank you all for listening.
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Cebo, I just wanted to add a comment about your being such a great sister. I know this is a very difficult time...I have been on both sides now. Twenty months ago my sister (18mo younger) was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer of unknown primary. I was so upset. This was stage IV and they weren't too hopeful even about a year survival. Ten months after she is diagnosed, I get to call her up and say that I think I have taken "empathy" too far, I have breast cancer. There is no doubt in my mind that I cried more about her situation than mine. Perhaps it prepared me for my diagnosis, who knows.
Well, the good news is we are both kicking around and will be taking a river cruise in Germany and the Czech Republic at the end of May. We are celebrating the end of chemo/rads (for me) and an amazingly good survival for her, as well as my upcoming 60th b day. So I guess I am saying, have hope, allow yourself to be optimistic no matter what your sister's diagnosis is. I will keep both of you in my thoughts. JB
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JB, thank you so much for your comment and concern--I am always so moved when people reach out to offer a reassuring word and valuable perspective when I and others are feeling down and scared. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I am sorry you and your sister have to deal with cancer, but what great news that you are both "kicking around" and headed for what sounds like a fantastic cruise!! Enjoy every moment of it. Thanks to you and your sis for being such a great inspiration and reminding me of the need to stay positive--I think for the most part I am able to do it. I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts as well. All the best, Celia
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Hi Cebo,
I was dx with TNBC in July 2008. During chemo a CT revealed a very small (< 1 cm) lung nodule and I was freaking out, since I had been a smoker. I also had had walking pneumonia, various bouts of bronchitis and even whooping cough (recent) that could account for the nodule. But, regardless of all these other things, my wonderful oncologist told me not to worry because any one that grew up or lived in NJ was bound to have lung nodules! Eventually radiology told me it was nothing to worry about, and didn't even require rechecking.
So try not to worry too much.
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Hi 2z54!
Thank you for your encouraging words! I am reallly counting on NJ being the cause, since my sister really does not have a history of respiratory issues. I am glad you received such good news. I have read having sub-centimeter nodules is encouraging, but then again having so many (my sister has 5) may not be. As luck would have it, the uncle of a friend of mine at work is a pulmonary specialist in NYC, so my friend faxed him my sister's report this afternoon and he said he would take a look for me and let me know if he thinks there is cause for further evaluation at this juncture--In the meantime, i will try to focus on the positive as you and others have all wisely suggested. I actually just finished watching a tape of the Elizabeth Edwards interview on Oprah, and it really hit a nerve when she said, with cancer, you have to learn to let go of your old reality and try to embrace your new reality and the good and bad in it-- I think that applies to those with cancer and their loved ones, so that is what I am striving to do. All my best to you!
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Hi, I had a 5mm nodule picked up in scans before I started chemo.
Was told we would rescan after chemo to check if same/increased/gone
It was just horrible waiting all that time. I have since been scanned
4 times with CT and once with PET/CT and..... and tomorrow will be 3 years
since dx. No change to this 5mm nodule in 3 years .. not cancer related
My surgeon said TB immunisation injections can even cause these
as can measles, mumps, previous bronchitis.
The waiting is cruel .. hugs
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yowyow,
As Tom Petty said, the waiting is the hardest part! I confirmed with a pulmonary specialist that there is really nothing to do but wait and re-scan, although he recommended 8-12 weeks follow up rather than 6 mos. which makes a lot more sense to me. Every success story I hear makes me feel that much better, so thanks for sharing your experience. All the best to you!
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Cebo:
I also had lung nodules, which were discovered when I was diagnosed. I am now cancer-free three years past diagosis--yea!--and they check the nodules yearly. They have not changed. They remain benign. My oncologist said they were the result of living in Iowa, where we grow lots of extra things. So let's hope this is the case with your sister.
Pat
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Thanks, Pat--I hope and pray for this too--mightily!! Congratulations on 3 years--what a HUGE milestone for TNBC!
All the best,
Celia
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Hi Everybody, Cebo, how are you and your sister? I just wanted to update those of you who follow this thread. My sister and I had a fabulous time on our river cruise. The best news though was that when my sis went back to the doc fully expecting to be put on a new chemo drug, he said that the tumors were not growing so no chemo for now! We decided fancy vacations are a good treatment for cancer. As for me...the one with bc. I had my ct scan for the nodule on Tuesday and meet with the onc on Monday. Hate the waiting. But meantime, I did celebrate my 60th and did a 2 day breast cancer bike ride (107 miles total) so those lungs SEEM ok! So we are keeping on keeping on with trips planned back and forth between AZ and MN ...with travel insurance...GRIN. Take care, JB
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Hello jbdragonfly,
I would love to hear about how CEBO and her sister is doing as well. Please update us soon
I don't post often, but wanted to say that I am glad that you and you sister had a fab trip and that it is great news about you sister not requiring chemo at this time. I agree with you about taking fancy trips
, they are obviously great treatments for cancer. I know that they are most certainly good for the soul, oh and Happy belated Birthday. AWESOME about the breast cancer bike ride. Good luck to you and your Sister. My thoughts and prayer are with you both. -
Jbdragonfly, Jenny 1, Ladies, I am sorry I just saw your August messages inquiring about my sister, so I thought I would update you now, since she just had her first post-chemo/rads scans yesterday, and received some results of her chest CT by phone this afternoon.Thanks for asking about us.
I wish I could say all is ok, but my fears are back big time. My sister's onc said her 4 nodules from April are the same size, but there is a new area of inflammation or larger spot/nodule (my sister wasn't clear exactly how the doctor described it, because she kind of tuned out when the doctor told her they "found something new") --whatever the description, it is a finding that has the onc concerned. She has referred my sister to a pulmonologist, and her appt. is Tuesday. I don't know any of the particulars about what they found because my sis has not received a copy of the CT report yet, but her doctor was more concerned about this than the findings in April.
My sister also had a bone scan, and has notr received the results yet.
I have to admit that I am depressed and scared, and I know my sister is very worried and scared and now has to wait a week to get more info. I am helpless to make her feel better, or myself. I am sorry to be so negative but I am feeling low--and sorry if I am being selfish, as i know you are dealing with so much yourselves.
JB, how did your follow up scans come out? I hope and pray all is well. What fantastic news about your sister, too--I hope she is doing well and still able to be chemo-free. I also am so glad to hear that you and your sister had a geat trip--my sister is planning a trip to London for October so, God willing, she will be able to go and enjoy herself and maybe even recive some healing.
My best wishes and prayers to you all
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Oh Cebo, that was not fun news for you and your sister. I am still hopeful, however, because each time I had a CT scan some little thing would be different. For the most part, my nodules did reduce a small amount in size, but my nodules were larger than 1 cm to start with. I seem to remember that they discussed other things, but like your sister, I think I have blanked out a lot of it!! I do remember hearing a discussion about inflammation and number of nodules and also about new dots that appeared. They now think that the dots are from radiation scatter from my treatments. My nodules are on the left side and BC is on the right.
I can understand how scary it is to have to go to yet ANOTHER doctor, but maybe this will be helpful. I don't remember if your sister had a lung biopsy, but in my case getting the biopsy results did calm things down a bit. It didn't answer the question of just where the nodules came from, but they did say the sample was not cancer. (Don't you love how narrow these explanations get...I kept thinking that this meant that maybe another part of the nodule was cancer...)
I have had 4 CTs about 3 months apart. Now that I had the last one in August, we are going to a 6 month schedule. I am still scared each time and hate the wait for results. I know that I and my sister will be thinking good thoughts for your sister...she has to get to London after all!!! Please tell us how things are going, and don't be too hard on yourself for having rollercoaster emotions! THis is definitely one h... of a rollercoaster ride we are on after all. Take care, Janel
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Janel, thank you for the reassurances and kindness in your response. You have so much to deal with and you still take the time to write and offer me some hope, and I want you to know that I truly appreciate that.
Lisa never had a lung biospy--she was told her nodules were too small to biopsy, which is why they just wait and watch. We stil haven't received her CT report, and I can tell my sister is in no rush to receive it, so I will just have to keep waiting. (I had suggested she ask for a fax copy but she didn't want one--I think she wants to put it out of her mind until she goes to the pulmonologist on Tuesday.) Anyway, you have been there and know better than me what she is dealing with, and it is not fun.
I am so glad to hear about your benign results 4X--you can't get better news than that!
I will let you know how things shake out--thanks aagain for your words of encouragement.
Celia
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Hello all--just wanted to check back in to tell you that my sister met with the pulmonologist. He reivewed her films and said he was not concerned with the nodules and the new area of inflammation because they are all very small (all under 1 cm) He did not recommend a lung biopsy. In fact, he said because she has had so much chemo and radiation, he did not recommend a follow up until 1 year.
Of course, I am relieved! -- and yet I am conditioned by my fear of this disease (and some superstition) not to let my guard down and celebrate too much. But, for now, I will take the good news and be happy for my sister that her mind is at ease and she can enjoy her trip to London in a few weeks.
As for her waiting a whole year to be re-scanned, that makes me uneasy, but that is a discussion for another day.
Thanks again for easing my anxiety
Hope you are all well!
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Not sure why my name listed as onell, but this is jbdragonfly posting...Yahoo!!! I am so glad that you have good news...and it is good news. I know nothing is definitive...but heck, it never is. The important part is that it appears there is less to worry about than you or your sister thought.
I would think that she could discuss with her doctor the idea of a 6 month follow up, but really the problem is you need time to determine if a change is occuring in the nodule. Because my were bigger than 1 cm they were concerned enough to try a biopsy and I think more able to see changes in shorter periods of time between scans? I have to admit that I refuse to worry about the fact that they still exist in my lungs. In any event, I hope your sister has a fantastic time in London and that you have a chance to breathe a sigh of relief over this episode. All the best, Janel (Tell your sister I want to know if she finds any good restaurants to recommend...grin!)
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Thanks Janel! She IS relieved and so am I--at least she can enjoy her trip next month and then the Holiday season with a little respite from doctors and scans and the like.
I will get that restaurant recommendation for you too--I know London has not always had a great reputation for food, but from what I've read and heard, in recent years the culinary scene has picked up and there are quite a few really good restaurants.
My continued best wishes to you and your sister!
Celia
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Hi, I typed in lung nodule in the search on the website and it lead me to this thread. I finished chemo in July and radiation in October and just had a CT scan 2 weeks ago and they found a .4 cm nodule in my left lung. They don't seem to be too concerned about it and suggest I get a follow up scan in 3-4 months. Well, it has me scared to death! Is there anything I could do in the meantime like take antioxidants or deep breathing exercises or something that could help it? Thanks so much!
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