spot on lung 8 years out

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wpolischuk
wpolischuk Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hey:

   I haven't been here for a while. I was diagnosed 2004 stage 3, 2 positive nodes, 7.5 cm tumor, ER+/Pr+, grade 3. Had mastectomy, AC/T chemo, radiation, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, tamoxifen for 2 years post chemo then 3 years aromasin.

   Been fine. First 5-6 years I worried about every little pain and ache and had many tests. All fine.

Now, out of the blue, I have suddent intense chest pain which goes down my left arm.  Hubby talks me into going to ER to make sure I'm not having a heart attack or something. 

    I go. They take it seriously, and keep me overnight. All heart stuff normal. They do a chest xray. 

I am released. A day or so later, a phone call from ER. There is an "opacity" on my left lung in my x-ray. Suddenly, I need a CT scan and they are talking possible recurrance.

I am immediately zapped back to my BC days... scared, worried, anxious.

Is it a recurrance? I have still have the pain, though not as intense. I figure I pulled something at the gym on the weekend. I have no cough, no symptoms. Been fine.

So my CT  scan is tomorrow. They fast tracked it. No waiting. Got in right away. Good medical care.

I am scared ---again. I thought it was past.. or wanted so to believe it.

it may be nothing... but the old fear is back. And this time, supporters from the past have moved on. So I am kinda alone too.

sigh.....

WAllan 

   

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Comments

  • Whatashocker3
    Whatashocker3 Member Posts: 209
    edited August 2012

    You will be in my prayers tonight. Let us know the outcome.

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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2012

    I will be looking for your post. Let us know how you are doing. I'm sorry you are going through this.

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  • jacksnana
    jacksnana Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2012

    WAllen, You'll be in my prayers tonight, too.  Here's hoping that it is a pulled muscle and the opacity they are seeing is an old, unresolved bronchitis or infection!  Please keep us posted.  

    Veda

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  • HLB
    HLB Member Posts: 1,760
    edited August 2012

    Praying everything is still ok!

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited August 2012

    You are not alone. We are here for you, praying it was a radiology error or pulled muscle. Please let us know.   

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  • wpolischuk
    wpolischuk Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2012

    Well, I had the tests on Friday. I had a the CT scan and a stress test for my heart. I had vague mild chest pain during the test, and the cardiologist said there was a slight change in my ECG during the pain. But nothing conclusive. They are taking a watch and wait and see approach for my heart.

    As for the CT scan, I am trying to buck up and not think about the what ifs...

    I am still having some chest pain. I don't know if its all psychosomatic now or if its real.  I see my doctor on August 13th for results. If the CT scan report is done by then.

    If I have had chest pain with shortness of breath or worse pain or something, I am supposed to go to the ER.

    So, I really appreciate all your prayers and thoughts.

    I will keep you posted

    Wendy  

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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2012

    I am hoping chest pain is NOT breast ca related. Please post your results when available.

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited August 2012

    Apparently many of us have a "spot" or more in a lung that turns up in routine testing for other conditions. And, to my dismay, it must be very difficult to rule in or rule out a metastasis. Mine was found during my initial BC work up and since 2009 I have had four follow up CAT scans and one PET scan. I go tomorrow for my second PET scan but I have no expectation that this will settle the question. Ugh! I've asked to just ignore it, I am asymptomatic. But every time my pulonologist (yes, another specialist) talks me into "one more time."



    I suspect that many people have old spots in lungs that they are never aware of. Benign spots. And I wish that for both and all of us who are in this limbo. Good luck and best wishes.

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  • blainejennifer
    blainejennifer Member Posts: 1,848
    edited August 2012

    There's even a word for a spot that looks weird, but doesn't change: ditzel. I've had one for 7 years now in my lung.

    It'd be a good name for a band: The Ditzels.

    Jennifer

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited August 2012

    Thanks for the name, jennifer. I will try to impress my pulmon guy tomorrow with it. "How long are we going to take this ditzel seriously?" :)

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  • wpolischuk
    wpolischuk Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2012

    Hey guys:

      Ditzel... I love it.. and I am gonna use it

    I will keep you posted

    Wendy  

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  • wpolischuk
    wpolischuk Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2012

    Okay ladies:

      I got the result from my lung CT...

    An irregular mass in my left lung... will wait 3 months and redo CT scan to see if it is "stable."

    And, two nodules on my thyroid measuring about 2.5 cm. I need an ultrasound pronto on these puppies.

    And, I may or may not have angina. I should go to ER if I have another episode of chest pain.

    So... the new peppy family doctor (who must be 25 and right fresh out of med school) says to me


    "It is common for women your age to have inconclusive diagnoses. At your age, you are at risk for heart disease"

    And "It is concerning that you have these masses because you are a breast cancer survivor"

    "What a whirlwind for you." 

    Then when she bounced out of the office with her high heels, tight miniskirt and high ponytail, she says "Have a wonderful day"

    Man, I could have slapped her...!

    Anyways, I need to be talked down. Its concerning, but nothing definitive.

    Do I really have to wait 3 months to see if it grows??

    Wendy  

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  • GottaloveNED
    GottaloveNED Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2012

    Is your onc still practicing/do you have a good relationship still? Otherwise, I would ask for a referral from someone who deals with cancer every day as part of their job and trust them. If nothing else,it may give you peace of mind.

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited August 2012

    Well, after "following" my lung spot with CTs and PET scans every four to six months for the past three years, my pulmonologist says I no longer need to be concerned about it and it is not a metastasis! I guess it finally changed in a way that is inconsistent with a malignancy. Anyway, I am thrilled after the roller coaster of worry I have been on since the spot was found in my initial work up.



    Wishing the same denouement for everyone worrying about a "ditzel".

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited August 2012

    Hi, waiting and watching is the protocol. I am going through something similar with lung. Have had 2 CT's so far they are stable.  They seem to pace them 3 months apart.  I then had a PET as pulmonolgist couldnt be sure.  The PET showed 3.7 or so SUV uptake.  Onco said he only gets "exccited" about scores above 5.  I'm assuming I'll be fine and  I hope your results are similar .  keep us posted.

    p.s., I'd have wanted to pull that girls ponytail!!!

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  • wpolischuk
    wpolischuk Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2012

    Thanks ladies for your calming answers.

    I actually am quite calm about this relatively speaking.

    It is what it is so I just kinda gotta go with the flow. It is reassuring to know though that my experience is the "norm" in breast cancer world.

    I will keep you posted.

    I used to be on this site all the time - I am now reminded how wonderful it is.

    Thanks

    Wendy  

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited August 2012

    Just so you know, I do have mets to my liver.  And, they found a lesion on my lung, which after many scans, turned out to be unchanging scarring from an old pneumonia.  Lungs do that.  :)  The moral of the story?  Even metsters don't always have cancer.   :)   

    I think you'll be fine.  Try not to worry too much during your wait, okay?  Big hugs to you!

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2012

    Hey guys:

       I just had another CT scan on my lung. This is the second one. I still have a "lesion" and another 3 month scan is scheduled for February. But, the thing is I now have a cough. A dry cough and a tight chest. I have had this for about two months now. But the cough does not interfere with sleep or anything. But  I can hack alot at times.

      I am tired. I have been trying to let go and be positive about all this - but I have a weak moment today. I guess I should go see the family doctor about my cough... procrastination rears its ugly head.

      And I have nodules on my thyroid too. I am going for a biopsy next week. Does it ever end??

    Wendy 

      

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