Solitary Lung Met - Looking for Positive Experiences

[LaciK]

My recent CT scan revealed a single 6mm nodule which was not on the scan from one year ago. The PET scan showed some uptake associated with the nodule, but didn't show any other areas of concern. "There is FDG uptake with SUV 1.64. There are mild atelectatic changes, otherwise the lungs are clear. No thoracic lymphadenopathy. No effusions."

I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday (Halloween). Hopefully the surgeon will be able to locate the nodule and "wedge it out". I have heard that the recovery is manageable when the surgery is minimally invasive, so I am hoping the nodule will be found (it's deep in the right middle lobe).

I am looking for people to share stories (either their own or of other people they know) of positive experiences with a single lung nodule and then NED. My oncologist thinks there's a fairly good chance that this is "one and done". I would much appreciate some positivity right now.

[stu]

Hi ,
My mum had one removed on her right lung almost two years ago now . She has had two liver resections and found the lung surgery totally manageable . She was home two days later . The surgery was really quick . The nodule was only about 7 mm . They deflated the lung and located it . Reinflated the lung and she stayed in the recovery room for about an hour just to make sure her lung stayed inflated . She had one small scar tucked under her arm where her bra sat .
It was by far the easiest surgery she has had and recovery was easy .
She was 73 at the time . Two other nodules popped up straight away but think it was just reacting to the process . They stayed for a year , never grow and are no longer on the scans .
Her recent scan shows no evidence of disease .
Hope this helps and can I wish you every success with your surgery .
Stu

[LaciK]

Thanks for your response. I'm glad to hear your mum is doing well. This is scary stuff and some days it's hard to stay positive.

[NedPlease]

That would me. "One and done". I like:) Next month will be six years since my 7mm solitary met removed by VATS. Read past posts for more details because I'm happy to say the memories are fading. I wish the same for you soon.

N

[susie0915]

I had a 4mm nodule show up on May scan. Repeat 3 months later showed no change. Oncologist thinks it's related to scar tissue and inflammation in my lungs, I'm being monitored for auto immune disorder. Pulmonologist said it is too small to biopsy or show up on pet scan so we will watch to see if changes. It's stays in my mind and a little worrisome. Will have another repeat chest scan in January, 6 months from the last. I'm not really sure what the uptake numbers mean. Good Luck and hopefully it will be removed and that'll be it.

[betsydoglover]

That was exactly my situation - 9mm nodule deep in right lower lobe - SUV 1.0. Prior to VATS, under CT guidance, an interventional radiologist inserted some radioactive material in the nodule (kind of like a reverse biopsy) - then ran me thru some kind of nuclear med scanner to make sure it was in the right place. During surgery my surgeon went for "hot spot". Recovery was easy-peasy. And that was 8.5 years ago!

Good luck,

[susie0915]

That was exactly my situation - 9mm nodule deep in right lower lobe - SUV 1.0. Prior to VATS, under CT guidance, an interventional radiologist inserted some radioactive material in the nodule (kind of like a reverse biopsy) - then ran me thru some kind of nuclear med scanner to make sure it was in the right place. During surgery my surgeon went for "hot spot". Recovery was easy-peasy. And that was 8.5 years ago!

Good luck,

That's awesome to hear. If my nodule ends up being something, it is good to hear positive stories.

[Lee]

I don't have any experience with this personally, butt I am aware of people being put into NEDville with a solitary lung met and the "wedge" procedure.

All the best with your upcoming procedure,

Lee

[CRguy]

I am looking for people to share stories (either their own or of other people they know) of positive experiences with a single lung nodule and then NED. My oncologist thinks there's a fairly good chance that this is "one and done". I would much appreciate some positivity right now.

CRguy ... holding my hand up !!! .... Me ME ME !!!!!
story in short = single lung met resection via VATS in 2010 ( Primary rectosigmoid LAR via TME in 2007 )
...AND yet here I am being a colorectal pain in the ass to all I encounter nearing Hallowe'en 2017

Full story with NO filters ... available in my other 9236 posts, or the exec summary in my signature link !
Best wishes my friend,

Cheers and MEGA Harmony
CRguy on the Journey

[kiwiinoz]

I'll join the group again, and raise my hand too.
Diagnosed with 1 met in my right lung, had it removed by VATS, did 6 months of full on FOLFOX. There are doubts to the effectiveness of chemo for this situation but I figured I had nothing to lose and a lot to gain, and I am still around and currently NED. Coming up to 4 years & 11 months since diagnosis, and 4 years and 8 months since VATS.

As you can see there are some NED survivors, and there are also some long term survivors that are doing well at holding this disease at bay.

[AppleTree]

Me too! I had 2 previous CT scans...all clear. 1 year post surgery I requested an MRI...and there was a met. Had VATS wedge at Mass General and stayed 2.5 days. Fabulous view of the water...didn't really want to leave. Surgeon said no airplane flights or swimming for 2-3 weeks. I did need more sleep, but feel I recovered nicely. Got my power port in place and started 12 rounds of Folfox. I am doing my 4th round this coming week. In the meantime, Onc ordered a brain MRI and that was fine. Chest and abdomen CT scans next week. My cancer was aggressive, so I guess they like their scans on me!

I do hope it only ever stays that 1 lung met that was removed and followed by chemo. My son is 14 and I want to be around a long while! I have read many positive stories about 1 lung met and it given me a lot of hope, going through this board.

[plastikos]

I believe there are lots of stories here of good outcomes after treatment for solitary lung mets. That you are getting treatment for it is good. Hang in there.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I hope your surgery goes well!*hugs*

[LaciK]

Thanks everyone for the positive responses. I feel better about the surgery. Thanks for all the good wishes as well.

[LaciK]

The surgeon removed the entire middle lobe due to the position of the met which has been confirmed as a spread of the rectal cancer vs. a new primary. The surgery was yesterday morning and I am at home this evening resting comfortably.