Possible recurrence? metastasis? to lung

Salsify
Salsify Member Posts: 37 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

I am not sure I can figure out how to posts a new thread, but here goes -

3+ years after succesful CRT treatment, I had a routine CT scan (chest, abdomen, pelvis, with contrast) done, and it seems that 2 little nodules noted before but with no activity on 2016 PET scan have contnued slow growth. 1. Continued slow growth of the right perihilar lesion, currently measuring up to 1.4 cm, concerning for malignancy. If further imaging is desired, this lesion is within the spatial resolution of PET. If tissue sampling is desired, this is most likely amenable to bronchoscopy sampling. 2. Additionally there is a similar slow growing lesion in the left lower lobe measuring up to 5 mm.

But the thorasic surgeon says it is not really in a good spot for bronchoscopy access. I have a pulmonary function test tomorrow & a PET scan next week. I know most lung nodules are benign, but I am still really nervous. I am having trouble concentrating & functioning at work and at home. On the bright side, I live alone, so that doesn't really impact anyone there! And I don't want to burden my (relatively) young (25) daughter, especially before knowing if there really is anything to worry about.

So I am just sharing it here, and maybe hoping to hear that lots of people have similar scares that turn out to be nothing.

And I am another one who does not contribute as much as I feel like I ought, but am really grateful this site exists...

Peace, Sally

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    Salisfy

    Hi Sally.  I am very sorry to hear that you have a new worry.  I'm glad your doctor has ordered a PET scan and I hope these areas of concern turn out to be benign.  Please let us know what you find out when you get your results.  Until then, try to stay positive.  I send you all good wishes.

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #3
    Sally...

    Hi, 

    I too am so sorry that you now have to deal with this new concern. It seems that even when cancer is "gone" it is never truly "gone" at least in the way it intrudes our minds. However, I will pray that is all you have to deal with at this time.

    It is true, that many lung nodules (that are likely in non-cancer patients but never known because they are not scanned) anyhow, they are often benign. Yet, every coin has 2 sides, and I am glad that you have a doctor that is thorough in checking things out. 

    Four years ago my 4 year follow-up scan revealed a large mass (anal cancer mets) in my lower left lobe of my lung...this was unexpected for me after 4 years of NED. I had a lobectomy (surgery to remove the left lower lobe) followed by chemo. The follow-up scan after that treatment revealed a couple small nodules as well but all very small and put on the "watch" list. After 3 years of watching they have remained unchanged, yet a new area was detected on my hilum (the complicated system of airway connected to the lung) I did have a bronchoscopy as a means to get a sample for biopsy. It came back as another anal cancer met and the treatment was nano targeted radiation therapy every other day for 6 treatments. That was last summer and other than a dry cough as a result of scar tissue in my airway, my recent scan came back great with no new growths....so those couple of nodules from earlier remain unchanged (and hopefully plan to stay that way)

    I guess its always healthy to be mindful of the potential need for future treatment, but DO NOT let it interfer with living. It is hard to concentrate on anything else when waiting for tests and test results, but I always tell myself that there is nothing I can do today to change those results and that I will just need to have faith and cross only the bridges I need to when and if I get to them.

    I feel great today, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that soon you can say the same!

    katheryn

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