Nodules in the lung

Hi Sass I'm so sorry I can only imagine what you must be feeling. I have no experience of this so can't offer any advice. I just hope the scan in 3 months is clear. Hopefully someone will read your post who can help. Sending hugs. Xx

Thank you, after 3 clear annual scans I thought I was cured.

Its going to be a horrible 3 months to wait. My brain always goes to the worst case outcome possible, which isn't good. 

All my lymphe nodes were clear on the scan and bloods good too. 

Surely it can't be stage 4.

Xx

Hello Sass

This must be such a shock after all clear for 3 years.

I wanted to share my own experience of a lung nodule. Mine was picked up on a CT scan pre treatment for anal cancer and it has never changed, it still measures 4mm on my most recent scans. I have no memory of any chest infections etc. I have also spoken to forum members who have had similar situations before and after treatment. Everybody's oncologist have suggested the same thing 'watch and wait', because these nodules are too small to act upon. There is also a good chance it could be benign, disappear or stay static like mine. 

I'm not medical but this is my understanding of what might happen next. If it grows, they will need to determine if it is a new cancer or mets from your anal cancer. If it's new they will stage it and that would not be stage 4. If it's the same, you are correct, it would be stage 4 but lots of treatment options and I think curable due to the size and number. Within stage 4 there is a sub group called oliogmetastic, it means you have fewer than 5 mets. This opens up treatment options like surgery, ablation and SABR radiotherapy, also radiotherapy and chemo are both still potential options.

It's a terrible shock, but don't loose heart.

Ally xx

Ally

Thank you so much, I really appreciate all of the advice and information you have given me. Especially about if it is stage 4 from my anal cancer. I had not realised it could be treated. I've saved the information for when I go back to the oncologist in 3 months.

Lots of new treatments I've not heard of, so I will give it some research. 

Yes it was a terrible shock, not what I was expecting. I thought I was cured. The nodules weren't there on my last year scan and I've not had any infections other than the normal colds etc given to me from my grandchildren. Google say one could be ok but 3 will probably be the cancer spreading. You just feel so helpless when you got to sit and wait. Thank you again.

X

Hello Sass 

What a nightmare for you after three years and I can completely understand your distress.

All of what I write now is not to be full of positivity when you are so upset but, nodules can appear at any time.  It could be that these are new and harmless.

And if not, spots on the lung can be treated.  I was stage IV at diagnosis with a spot on one lung.  I had six months systemic chemo followed by ablations on both lungs (they found the other lung also had a suspicious area) followed by the standard chemo/radiotherapy and I am four years three months out of any active treatment.  One lung still shows inflammation but I am assured it isn't cancer as there is no change.

But my case is the worst case scenario (and I am still here to tell the tale).  I hope very much that your oncologist is right when she said not to worry; hopefully she would not make such a comment if she had real cause for concern.

Please keep us updated.  I know you are frantic, who wouldn't be, after three years.  We are all thinking of you.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Sass ,

I'm so sorry that you’ve got all of this worry going on especially 3 years down the line, this news must have come as an awful shock! I think is only natural once you’ve had a cancer diagnosis & you get news like this that your mind goes straight to worst case scenario I think we’d all been the same.

I'm so pleased to see that Ally has shared her experience & knowledge, I hope it’s offered you some reassurance. 

I’ve everything crossed for you that your next scan offers you good news. Please keep us updated.

Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Nicola 

I have everything crossed for you. Xxx

Hi Irene 

I'm so pleased you are here to tell the tale.

You are all such a lovely community here, I remember when I was first diagnosed and how lonely it felt, no one I knew, had ever heard of Anal cancer. I remember how ashamed I was to have this type of cancer. 

Then I found this on line group and you helped me through the diagnoses and treatment with lots of advice and what to expect during such a horrible time. 

And here you all are helping and supporting me again.

I will certainly let you all know what the outcome is in a few months.  If it ok, I'll post again especially when I get these low moments. it lifts my spirits to know people understand how I'm feeling. 

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It certainly did help me.

I love that we all understand how we feel when we get these knock backs and by talking it out how it lifts our spirits. 

I'm feel much more reassured they is hope. 

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