Spots on lungs...Am I over concerned?

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kdrez
kdrez Member Posts: 65
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Am I over-reacting?  Or should I be concerned?  Two weeks ago I did my six month check-up with my cancer doctor.  He ordered a chest x-ray with contrast, and an x-ray of my back and shoulder.  While telling me what tests he wanted done, he was looking through his paperwork and said, "Well, three months ago you had spots on your lungs and they weren't there three months before."  My response was, "What?  You didn't tell me that, we were worried about a nodule that was there and somehow was gone!"  He immediately got up and walked out of the room.  About 5 seconds later, two nurses walked in with headsets and talking to me at once.  They wanted to know what I ate and drank in the past two hours.  I told them, and they were setting up my tests.  I told the nurse, "Please, let me talk to my doctor, he said that I have spots on my lungs and he walked out!"  She said, "Don't worry about the spots yet!"  I said, "Yet!"  I told her, "I want to finish talking to the doctor because we didn't go over my medicines or blood work."  She said, "Not now, you have to take tests!"  Finally, I just broke down and cried.  I know I shouldn't be upset, but it is important for me to know everything.  I don't want nothing sugarcoated.  I know it's not cancer yet, but I want to be proactive and do what is necessary to prevent or catch it early.  I have lost many cancer friends due to lung cancer, and one of them told me that she was angry at her first doctor because she had spots for a year and he never told her, so she got a second opinion and by then, her lung cancer was in the 4th stage.  She fought with chemo and radiation at the same time and only made it six months.  She said that her first doctor never told her and she wouldn't have found out if her second doctor didn't request her x-rays. 

I'm requesting my primary doctor to do chest x-rays in June.  Maybe, being pro-active will help me in some kind of way. 

Am I being over-sensitive about spots on lungs?  Should I be concerned?  Or am I just over-reacting?  Need some advice!

   

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  • Gingerbrew
    Gingerbrew Member Posts: 2,859
    edited April 2013

    I understand your concern. The DR left without addressing your concerns and that is frightening.   Now, it has been two weeks and you are still without answers? Do I have that right.  I would call in to see if the tests are complete and when you will be seeing the doctor. Call in and make a followup appointment or an appointment with the Patient Advocate at the canter you are at.  

    I can't answer about the spots on your lungs because I am no expert. I can empathize with you not getting the information you want and need!  I am sorry this has happened to you at a time when you are already feeling anxious. 

    What kind of Doctor was this? His specialty? 

    Hugs Ginger

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  • kdrez
    kdrez Member Posts: 65
    edited April 2013

    My tests all came back unremarkable.  The cancer nurse called me two days later and told me that.  I asked her if I could schedule another appointment with my cancer doctor to discuss everything.  She said, "Everything is fine, it is your responsibility to advocate for your health.  Just remember these three warning signs to watch out for...swelling in my calves or warm sensation, vomiting or diarhea for two days, and bleeding.  If this happens, report to the hospital.  The spots are there and we will worry about them when they get bigger."  I was pretty shocked that I had to hear this on the phone.  Therefore, I met with my primary doctor and told her everything.  She stated that we would do chest x-ray every three months to make sure everything is ok.  I guess she understands that I needed reassurance that I'm trying to do what is necessary to stay ahead of the cancer. 

    Because this happened, I almost wanted to get a second opinion.  But, I have always trusted and put my faith in my cancer doctor.

    Thanks Ginger!  I'm going to be strong and call to see if I can set up an appointment just to relay my concerns to him.  It's just hard for me to make that call because I'm not to see him unless protocol, which is pain or have medical issues that happen for two weeks.  My issue is major concern over spots.

    Called my friend who is a nurse in oncology at a different hospital.  She said, "Your doctor will not be concerned over the spots until they turn into tumors.  Remember his job is to fight cancer and cancer is not determined." 

    Guess, I need to practice patience and be pro-active!  Thanks Ginger! 


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  • cateyz2
    cateyz2 Member Posts: 419
    edited April 2013

    Just a thought, my DR had mentioned that if I chose to have radiation future xrays may possibly show small spots on my lungs. Did you have any radiation treatments?

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  • sharon1953-
    sharon1953- Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2013

    I was diagnosed about a mo. ago with breast cancer.  I have been through soo many test.  I had a CT scan and it showed some very small nodules on my lung.  I had a bronchoscopy yesterday!!!  I am scared that it is cancer there too.  There are very small and would not be seen on a reg. chest xray.  The pulmunary dr. said they were to small to biospy, and for most patients they would just watch them and have another CT, but since I have been diagnosed with BC they are being more cautious. 

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  • Gingerbrew
    Gingerbrew Member Posts: 2,859
    edited April 2013

    Hi Sharon and welcome to BCO. There are lots of threads that you might like to read. Look especially under the newly diagnosed area. 

    It sounds to me like you have good Docs that are looking out for you. 

    I know you will find lots of support here on BCO

    Hugs Ginger

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited April 2013

    Kd, I understand the position you are in but I think your doctor's behaviour was appalling.



    You need to get a copy of your scans and the radiologist's report to help you better understand about the issue with your lungs.



    Then, if you are still concerned, consider getting a second opinion from another onc.



    I understand you liked your current doctor but if I was worried about symptoms similar to yours I would pursue it until I was satisfied.

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  • kdrez
    kdrez Member Posts: 65
    edited April 2013

    Thanks ladies for bring up issues that I need to consider and think about!  And I did have radiation three years ago, 28 treatments.  I'm just at a point in my life, that I don't want to be passive and go with the flow.  I've just lost alot of friends who also had breast cancer the same time as me and eventually four developed lung cancer.  Thanks ladies for all your support.  I did make a call to see me doctor, can't see him till next month, but, it's a start.  If he doesn't answer my questions, then I am going to seek a second opinion.  Hang in there, cause we are fighters!!!

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