Info Please - Lung Nodules,Sarcoidotis-Granulosa

After going in for a routine chest x-ray - dense nodules were noted on both lungs - I had a CT scan and a Pet Scan - went to a pulminary specialist - breathing tests ok but he has scheduled me for a lung biopsy - he feels it is lung cancer that started from somewhere else in my body - left and went to my lungs (doesn't make sense to me) He also said I could have sarcoidotis which is treated with steroids. He also said there is only a 40% chance he could get one of the nodules through the biopsy and would have to then send me to a surgeon. I am so depressed and shocked at the same time that I can't even think straight. I have no symptoms (feel great) and I can't understand why after all these tests they can't identify the problem. I thought a pet scan was specifically for cancer detection. Has anyone ever heard of this trail of events. I am very hesitant on having the lung biopsy and I know for a fact I would not let a surgeon perform a biopsy. I heard that is very risky and can spread the cancer - can anyone please help me - my doctor just said wait until the biopsy (9/7 - results one week later - I can't wait 2 weeks for info)Any information you can give me would help as well as any web sites that can address this - thank you all so much and God Bless You!

Rose -I understand completely how you feel. I wanted something done NOW when I was first diagnosed - my thoracic surgeon's sister-in-law died and her funeral was scheduled for the day of my surgery. He cancelled all his surgeries and moved mine back - came to the hospital after the funeral just to do my surgery since he knew I was having a real difficult time dealing with everything. Looking back, I so wish I had used that time to just relax and enjoy life. Go out for walks, enjoy each day to the fullest. It will take a while to recover if you have surgery so make this 2 weeks as pleasant and happy as possible.

As far as a biopsy, my surgeon did not recommend one but used the PET scan for tumor size, location, etc. That still does not tell them tumor type, but my surgeon knew from the CT scan because he had seen hundreds of them before. Possibly the biopsy is to identify the type of cancer. But, the good news in all of this is that you can have surgery! That is the only way to get rid of cancer. I will be thinking of you and saying prayers too.

dotdot

Thank You so much for your reply - they actually are not sure what I have, but believe it could be cancer - I feel great though and that is why it is so hard to believe anything could be wrong. I am 55 years old though and have smoked for 26 years, so I guess I couldn't be lucky enough to get away with that. My doctor said the only way he could identify my nodules was a biopsy - The chest xray - ct scan and pet scan didn't give a definite answer I guess. He did tell me they wouldn't operate because I have too many nodules - have you heard of that?? How are you doing now and how long does it take to recover from surgery?

Hi there...

I just had a CT scan today...they want to compare it to the CT scan I had in July...they found nodules in both lungs then...I also had a mass removed just 4 wks ago on my right upper lobe...I know how scared you are. Get yourself to a naturopath if you can. I have heard so many good things about changing the immune system through diet...I had a friend who had rectal cancer (a 4cm tumour)...he asked the dr for a second opinion...during that time (8 wks) he went to the naturopath (I'm now going to her) and when he went for the second opinion the tumour had shrank by 10%! The doctor still advised him to have surgery so it was booked for 8 wks...during that time he continued with the naturopath...prior to surgery he had another colonoscopy...the tumour was gone! he's been cancer free for over 5 years! Another tip...quit smoking! take care of your body.... I am still waiting for a treatment plan..I have 4 kids and am 46...I quit smoking 11 years ago...ironic isn't it? anyways...be strong...pray alot....and LOVE YOURSELF! Livestrong!

andrea