Now I'm worried about (primary) lung cancer

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jenn32214
jenn32214 Member Posts: 89
edited May 2016 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

Not sure where to put this but here goes.

I was diagnosed with IDC in left breast back in March. This was pronounced very small and caught early.

I have dense breasts and a family history of cancer so BS then ordered a breast MRI. Their radiologists saw a small <1cm mass on that in the same breast. Another biopsy, but that one luckily came back benign. So now BS and I were all set to finally schedule my lumpectomy for the original IDC.

Except this past Friday I went to another cancer center in my area just to get a second opinion given my situation. I almost cancelled it when the last breast biopsy came back benign, but maybe I'll be glad I didn't.

Their radiologists reviewed most of my images from the first place, and they saw something on the breast MRI that the first place missed or at least didn't mention on their report, as follows from the 2nd place's report:

"Deep to this [that 2nd mass that turned out to be benign] there is an additional area of enhancement measuring approximately 2.5cm. Targeted Ultrasound of the deep left 12:00 position is suggested."

WTF?? And mind you the original IDC was first picked up on 3D screening and diagnostic mammos which I know have been reviewed multiple times by radiologists at the first place, and the 2nd place says pretty much the same things about these. Plus I have now had at least four Drs altogether giving me breast exams and none of them felt anything. So how can something 2.5cm be missed until now?

Plus I have been having a persistent, hacking cough and some burning in my chest when I breath deeply for the pasty two months. I have never smoked nor had problems with allergies. I have had two chest x-rays recently because of this ( and the fact that I have BC) but they came back normal. However, my understanding is chest x-rays are not as good at picking up small lung tumors, etc as other imaging tests. And did I mention my mother was diagnosed with primary thyroid AND lung cancer 4 years ago, and died because the lung cancer had already metastasized to her spine when they discovered it (part of my family cancer history) and she hadn't smoked in 40 years.

i realize my case is long and complicated, but any advice, support, etc is certainly appreciated.

Jen

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2016

    They can tell the difference between deep breast and lung, so I don't think you should read lung cancer into this. I've had multiple "incendetillomas" picked up during my ovarian cancer/PE imaging and they clearly identify the body part with no ambiguity. That included findings on kidneys, spine and shoulder picked up on breast MRIs and chest CTs

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited May 2016

    None of my cancer was palpable, so it may be worth follow-up.

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  • jenn32214
    jenn32214 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2016

    Thanks much. I'm sorry any of us has to go thru this, but this is all new to me and after all the tests, biopsies etc I've had in just the past two months I feel like I don't know which way is up anymore.

    I am absolutely going to follow up with original BS tomorrow and if I can contain myself from shrieking at him when I do, it will be a minor miracle. And even if this one turns out to be nothing, I still want to look into having someone get me a lung/chest CT because of those symptoms I've been having (and my mom).

    @melissa, if I may ask what tests/images originally picked up your ovarian cancer? And what does PE stand for? (I'm bad with acronymns)



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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited May 2016

    Hi Jen - A cancer dx really rocks ones world, huh? I'd guess you are being hit especially hard with your mom's passing being so recent and so fresh. Have you seen an oncologist yet for your IDC? That relationship is generally long and it is good when you find one that can really support you. I would think they would definitely help with the lung scare. Also, IMHO a visit to a genetic counselor might be in order - that is a terrible family cancer legacy.

    I have no other advice, except to maybe ask for some anxiety meds to help you through this tough time, if you don't have them. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that your cough is just a cough, but you are wise to check it all out. My IDC was not felt or even seen on mammos. It was 5 cm deep in the breast and I doubt i would have ever felt it.

    Hang in there. Step by step. We're hanging with you.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2016

    CT scan of the pelvis found the ovarian cancer. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was found on CT of the chest. Those picked up kidney cyst and angioma on my spine and a liver area with some fatty infiltration. A breast MRI picked up a cyst on my humeral head.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited May 2016

    My sister had a lung nodule that needed to be removed. She has ILC. She never smoked either and the Doctor said it probably had been there for many years. They had to collapse her lung first which she said was very painful. Then she had a MX. All good now. Hope yours turns out to be too.

    Diane


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  • Noni
    Noni Member Posts: 327
    edited May 2016

    Hi Jenn, unfortunately I am also in your shoes, only a couple steps ahead. My MO recommended that I have a pulmanologist take a look at my scans to see what he thought. He and my thoracic surgeon took a look at a 3.4 cm mass in my lower lobe and both said they 'strongly' feel it is primary lung cancer. They said it had a different look and did not at all respond to chemo.

    I had a bronchoscopy last week, but they were unable to collect a large enough sample, due to the location of the mass. This week I will be having a needle biopsy. It's risky but I really need to know for sure if this is breast or lung cancer.

    Bottom line, talk to a lung guy. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted.

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  • jenn32214
    jenn32214 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2016

    "Also, IMHO a visit to a genetic counselor might be in order - that is a terrible family cancer legacy."

    Actually, my BS pulled strings to get me fast tracked for genetic testing after I ticked off the family history for him. But it was a 21 gene panel test and came back all negative. Don't get me wrong I'm glad for that, but the family history is still there. And all the relatives on my mom's side who had cancer are now deceased so we can't ask them to be tested.

    As it happens I have also had a continuing UTI for the past 3 months and so have had a CT-scan of abdomen and pelvis where things generally looked good. I have also had 2 pelvic/transvaginal US which showed large cysts coming and going on my ovaries. I have an appointment with a urologist tomorrow and will give them copies of these scans. My next stop after getting some traction with the BC is to speak with a gyno oncologist about having my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. No one in my family had ovarian cancer but still, plus the cysts, and since my BC is 100% ER+, I imagine doing so would also reduce that future risk.

    And in my spare time a lung guy, I've been wanting a chest/lung CT. I do have a good psychiatrist who has put me on some anti anxiety meds, thank goodness

    Thanks again for all the support, will certainly keep you posted.



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