New lung mets, unknown primary/past breast and thyroid cancer within 8 months

LetitiaS
LetitiaS Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
My history:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct, 2008. It was DCIS, and thought to be contained in the breast. In May, 2009, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and had a total thyroidectomy. Lymph nodes were clear for both surgeries.

My thyroid protein level was high this week, so I went in for a Chest X.-ray, which showed a nodule in my left lower lobe. This was followed by a CT scan which showed multiple lesions throughout my lungs.

I will begin further tests and treatments next week, as right now it is not known what type of cancer is in my lungs.

Has anyone had a similar situation?

Comments

  • ssfbeagle
    ssfbeagle Member Posts: 50
    #2
    Lung nodules
    I am in your same situation. My mom was diagnosed with stage 3 uterine cancer in February. She has had 3 rounds of chemo so far and has had problems with bone marrow suppression. A repeat CT scan was done about three weeks ago and shows two lung nodules in her left lower lobe. Apparently one of the nodules appeared in the first CT and nothing was mentioned to us. She will be going for a CT chest on Monday for further evaluation of these nodules. Needless to say I'm on pins and needles. Please keep us informed.
    Leslie
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #3
    Yes
    I am a head/neck cancer survivor (squamous cell cancer), diagnosed the first of September in 2005, with treatment lasting into January of 2006 (surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation).

    In June of 2007, I mentioned to my doctor that I was still coughing, albeit a small cough, despite the fact I had not smoked in nearly two years. A subsequent CAT scan led the docs, a BUNCH of them, to believe I was dying, that I had 10 months to live, maybe a couple of years.

    It turns out that, by accident, I was taking an antibiotic for cellulitis in my lower face, and this acted to remove the lung infection I was suffering from.

    So, my life was saved, if you will, after a few agonizing months, I assure you.

    Even so, one nodule remained. When they did a biopsy at the end of January in 2008, they determined that this tiny nodule was also squamous cell cancer, although they could not establish whether it was metastasis or new. Opting for hope, they removed the lowest lobe of my right lung, where the little creature was living.

    I am now NED (No Evidence of Disease).

    Right now, I would argue that you cannot even be sure that it is cancer. If it is, there is much hope. I am not sure where breast cancer mets to, (actually, I know that it will mets to the brain, because it happened to my mom), but I know that SCC, assuming that was your thyroid cancer, will indeed travel to the lungs. The lungs are apparently a favorite vacation spot for scc, if you will.

    Still, if the nodule is small, if it is contained, and if they can remove the lobe (I know the lobes on the left side number only two) then it is something to go for, Letitia, IF IT IS CANCER.

    And if you are up for that surgery and its consequences, physically. (Seek out a surgeon who is adept at VATS surgery, by the way, if it is applicable...at least ask...it is much less traumatic to the body and the recovery time is much better).

    From a psychological perspective, it sounds as though you have been there, done that, rode that, surfed it, and are ready to keep on keeping on. That is great!

    In the meantime, if you are smoking, quit. If you are drinking, quit. If you do not exercise, find a way to do so. Build up your strength and, in particular, build up your lung capacity.

    My thoughts are with you and your family.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #4
    Nodules
    I am a multiple cancer surviver too: breast in 2002 and lung in 2006. At first they thought the nodule in my lung was stage 4 breast cancer. After all, I had a history of that and the first surgery turned up an adenocarcinoma that under a microscope looks the same as breast cancer. But after genetic testing they found out that it was lung cancer. Waiting for all the tests so you know what you have is not easy, but it helps the doctors find the treatment that will work best for you. My heart goes out to you during this uncertain time. Getting to the best thoracic specialist you can will help. Know that I am thinking of you and hoping for the best.

    C. Abbott

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