Didn't want biopsy or petscan...doc said could get false readings ..so I said I just want it out. March 2022: upper lobe nodule...Pathology came back with adenocarcinoma stage 1. 15 lymph nodes around it clean. No treatments! July 2022: upper lobe clear, new small one in middle. Scans every six months, no growth...next scan is in October 2023. I felt great in March 2022....it was out. The july 22 scan of new nodule sent me spinning and by Sept 2022...depression kicked in. I'm strong⦠read more
Answer Summary
Members rallied around someone grappling with depression over a year after their Stage 1 lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis, with many sharing that... Read more
Joanne,
Have you seen the survival rates for stage 1 adenocarcinoma lung cancer?
As of Aug '22 they were: Under 50: 83.7%, Ages 50-64: 67.4%, 65 and older: 54.6%.
That is at the 5-year mark, which only means they lived at least 5 years after beginning treatment. God knows they are probably all still alive today. Besides that, those figures are for people that started treatment 5 years before the end of that study. There have been numerous new drugs, surgical methods and radiation equipment developed and approved since then. So these figures are higher for those of us that just started last year.
This is my second go around with a stage 4 diagnosis. The first time was for throat cancer in 2020. I am still free and clear of that and continue to have a scope put down my throat every 3-4 months, besides the PET/CT scans. I'm already half-way to the 5 year mark. By the way, you hear the "5 year" as the outer limit, but that is as long as they follow patients. After that, you have the same chance of living as the common person.
Stay positive!
Tony
Joanne,
PET scans are highly accurate and a biopsy is as accurate as it gets. Active tumors glow on the PET scan. It's called FDG uptake, meaning the tumor is absorbing the glucose solution they put in your vein before the scan. Cancer loves sugar (glucose), so it sucks up the FDG, which is radio-luminescent, so it "glows" on the scan.
I wouldn't let someone cut on me without a biopsy, if one can be taken. If not, then I'd have to see the tumor glowing on a PET scan before I had surgery. But I would not let anyone do surgery on me without these diagnostic tools.
They do not "give false results"! The worst that can happen is a false negative on the PET scan and you go another 3 months before the next one. A biopsy is certain proof, so no questioning the results.
Please, talk with your psychiatrist. You obviously haven't got your anxiety under control. A positive attitude is the most important thing you can work on to hope for a positive outcome.
Tony
Sorry you're going through this! I'm going through exact same! (Read my story) Removed middle right lobe, and wedge from lower a year and a half ago. 18 lymphs tested negative. Said I am cancer free so no further treatment. Then gene test came back and said I was highly likely for recurring cancer so started adjuvant chemo for only four rounds to head it off. Finished treatments in July '22. Of course three month, then six month scans. Found another "nodularity" in right middle this past Jan. They believe to be scar tissue. ππ» So far no changes in that so I'm forever hopeful! Maybe yours could be scar tissue?
Anyway, I feel where you are coming from π My anxiety just these last few months have suddenly skyrocketed too! Saw my PCP yesterday and she's sending a 'script ti see if it helps. I hate taking any meds, but at this point I'll welcome it! LOL! PLEASE keep us in the loop! I'll be praying for you! I'll also post any changes with me. I am feeling confident that it's just scar tissue, but scanxiety def gets the best of me! My next scan is October '23 too! LETS BE POSITIVE AND KICK CANCERS βοΈ A$$!! NOT WELCOME HERE!! π£π₯πͺπͺππ»ππ»ππ» GOD BLESS US ALL! ππ»ππ»
It sounds like you had a lung nodule discovered during a COVID scan in December 2020, and follow-up scans showed growth by January 2021, leading to your decision to have it removed. Here are some relevant points from the knowledge base:
- Detection and Monitoring: Lung nodules can be found incidentally during scans for Show Full Answer
Thanks so much..