Hi there
I wondered whether anyone had any words of encouragement/experience regarding small lung nodules.
I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020, have recovered from a number of major surgeries and chemo over the last few years and was really hopeful that I was done with it all! In May 2023 two tiny spots were found on a routine CT, my CEA levels remained low and so my consultant wasn’t concerned. In Aug 23, the two spots had grown a tiny amount and there were now three. CEA remained the same. I was given the option of
watching and waiting or chemo and I opted for chemo to be on the safe safe and proactive. After 3 months of treatment the spots remained unchanged- this was the best outcome or so I was lead to believe as they were deemed to be insignificant and indeterminate.
In May my CEAs had risen but were still in the normal range and as it had been almost 6 months since last CT, I was scanned again. The results of this CT showed that these little things had increased slightly - by a few mm.
I’m now due to have a PET scan and will be referred to the Royal Brompton hospital- specialists in heart and lungs. I’m now absolutely fearing the worst but hoping for the best.
I’m failing to understand why, if these things were anything sinister and related to the cancer I had, how they weren’t affected by 3 months of chemotherapy - that has proven to work. But, what else could it be?
Just reaching out as I’m struggling to hold it together today. Thank you 
Hi CTP and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your concerns.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot.
I have been on my incurable blood cancer journey for over 25 years now and I had a shed load of treatment including 45 radiotherapy sessions, 800 hrs of chemo and 2 Donor Stem Cell Transplants.
A few months after my second Stem Cell Transplant in Oct 2015 some new nodules appeared on my lung (I also have stable asbestosis)........ I was on the CT table to get a biopsy done but the surgeon felt that it was not necessary and recommended monitoring........ 8 years on these nodules have not changed to the point we have stopped monitoring them...... I do hope you get clear answers and that this is not something that needs treatment.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
You may want to have a look at these groups below by clicking on the link below........
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community or just want to chat.
Hi again Claire CTP ..... based on my many years journey not only with my blood cancer but also being investigated for a number of suspected cancers...... until the pathology says it's cancer it's not...... sounds simple and even naive but it certainly has been true over my 25 years ((Hugs))
