very tiny nodules in my lungs ?

I had a PET/CT scan in September and the CT showed small 5mm nodules in my right middle lobe but did not light up on PET. We repeated a chest CT in March and "they didn't show significant growth" so the plan is to do a repeat CT in six months. I finished 6 months of chemo in January. I know it isn't easy but please try not to worry about it. These things can show up on your lungs as a result of infection, like bronchitis and also pneumonia from years ago. Chances are it will be something like this. Good luck to you.



Theresa

Hi there,

When I was diagnosed I had a 4mm nodule on my lung that didn't look cancerous.  The docs were not worried.  A year later, I had my annual scans - nodule is still there, hasn't grown, and still doesn't look cancerous.  Doctors are still not worried.  

Nodules can be the results of lots of things, like bronchitis.   I know this is really hard, but try not to worry.  Big hug to you! 

I  also have a small node on my lung which was seen after my breast cancer diagnosis through a CAT scan.  My ONC also said he feels it is nothing to worry about but will do a PET scan this June.  I started chemo in Jan. and will finish the Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin in May but will continue with the Herceptin  until Jan. 2013 even through radiation.  I wonder if something showing up on the lung is fairly common.

Oh, Elham, I'm so sorry he is such a downer.   Where do you live?  Any other oncologists there for a second opinion?  

Elham,

I had pre op chest x-ray that showed something (my Momma died of lung cancer and I'm a former smoker) so the alarms went off.  I had a CT, and the results were "indeterminate" so scheduled a PET scan, which I had on October 24.  The diagnosis was granuloma.

Both my MO and RO said probably 80% of people in the south are walking around with it.  Just had a follow up CT in March and everything is the same.  We'll keep watching but are not expecting anything to come of it.  My MO said "I'm not worried about it and I don't want you to worry either".

That made me so much calmer about it.  It can be scary and just another part of my journey.

I'm praying for a good report and (((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) of support!

Happy Easter!

LaDonna

Hi Sally...Six-years ago when I had finished treatment I had the same problem as you.  A routine CT scan showed numerous sub-centimeter nodules spread over both lungs that had not appeared in earlier tests.  The lung specialist was grim...brought in some partner to tell me of his findings...when pressed for prognosis gave me a 50-50 chance of it being mets.  Like you, I was absolutely scared and miserable and disappointed...Came to this support group and so many women who had experienced this came on to help me see the light...These nodules are so very common and are so often nothing...I do not have a clue why these specialists dont emphasize this information...I understand the need for honesty, but they must realize they are just sucking the breath and hopes out of so many of us for no reason...anyway, they almost always do a 2-year watch and wait for these things. ..You will have some CT scans and probably a Pet-scan...and you will quickly get much more comfortable with the waiting game...I wish the features of your bc were easier to wrap your head around...so few of us have a dx that is easy...Just remember that you are early stage and that has a wonderful prognosis...best wishes, P