Pre-diagnosis question
Hi Everybody,
I'm pre-diagnosis and, needless to say, a nervous wreck.
My story: On March 4, 2024, I had a routine chest CT to double check the normal nodules in my chest (seen during a calcium cornary as preventative care) were ok (I'm 67, started smoking when I was 15 and quit at age 28--from age 22 to 28, I smoked 2 packs a day---and am, otherwise healthy).
They found an indeterminate irregularly marginated right apical nodule that was 2.2cm x 1.2cm x .9cm and the radiologist recommended a 3 month CT checkup.
Had the check up on June 6th. The nodule was stable. Had another one this past Thursday and it grew very slightly: it is now 2.2cm x 1.2cm x 1.2cm.
Radiologist recommended a PET/CT and/or biopsy and I have an appointment this coming Thursday with a pulmonologist. And yes, I am freaking out. I'm otherwise completely a-symptomatic.
I have since called the American Lung Association and spoke with someone on their helpline who told me to discuss the possibility of getting a robotic bronchoscopy (if they suggest the biopsy first).
I will go with what the pulmonologist suggests but wanted to know what people's experiences were with regular flexible bronchoscopies and/or CT guided needle ones. I don't know if the hospital my pulmonologist is affiliated with does robotic ones (which seem pretty great, although I'm concerned about doing general anesthesia). But I live in NYC and have found multiple hospitals in my area that do have a robotic bronchoscopy team.
My insurance covers all of them.
Any advice at this point is greatly appreciated. I don't have any family. I have a few very good friends (friends as family) but the two people who volunteered to go to the biopsy (if I have one first) are currently out of town so I might be going through this my myself.
Thanks.
BTW, there are no other symptoms (no pleural effusion, lymph nodes are normal, everything else is normal) except very mild emphysema (no symptoms), which has remained stable I'm assuming is from my days as a heavy smoker.
I can imagine the anxiety that you have with all of these tests and everything that the doctors are suggesting. I would first say take a second to gather your thoughts with calming breathing and closed eyes, and then get ready to speed ahead. If your backup is unavailable to go with you on these appointments, start with taking a notepad and pen and take notes; If anything is questionable you can refer to your note(s) with your team to delve further into all suggestions while helping you process it all. I've attached an article on bronchoscopy, if you get some time check out the links. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
https://lungcancer.net/diagnosis/bronchoscopy
https://lungcancer.net/living/endobronchial-ultrasoundThank you so much! Really appreciate it. You are so welcome! Yes, a voice memo is another go-to idea to use! Again, wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
Thank you.
I had my meeting today with the pulmonologist and he feels the nodule is very suspicious so they're doing a PET/CT and robotic bronchoscopy. Because of the location of the nodule they might not be able to get it with the bronch and might also have to do a needle biopsy. But the good news is, in all likelihood, they caught it at stage 1.
I will keep you guys posted.
that is good news. I hope they can get an appointment for you soon. Jill (Team Member)
Thanks. They're pushing to have the biospy within 2 weeks.
