Medical news

[Llarry]

I have posted the basics in the G80 M3 forum, but I suppose I should update my friends here in OT. I have been diagnosed with probable lung cancer. So far, I have seen a pulmonary physician, who ordered a lung function test (done yesterday) to see what kind of overall shape my lungs are in and has ordered a needle biopsy through the chest wall (could there be anything more fun? ) and a PET scan to see if there are any more hot spots anywhere.

My primary care doctor is convinced that this is stage I cancer that has not spread. The pulmonary doctor, in reviewing my CAT scan that detected the thing in the first place, says that the location -- high in the left lung -- is almost ideal for surgery if there is no spread. Radiation and chemotherapy (more fun!) are on the menu if required.

My spirits are excellent. I am ready to fight as required. At present I am slightly frustrated because I'm ready to go (put me in, coach!) but I am waiting for a call from radiology at the hospital for the biopsy and the CAT scan. I dread hearing the oft-repeated refrain "We are short-staffed and so we can't get you an appointment until XXX" but I suppose I should be optimistic.

I sort of spooked my primary care doctor on this. It was time for my annual health screening/physical and I made a pitch to her to pursue a CAT scan of my lungs. My parents both died of lung cancer in their mid/late 70s and my doctor heard a rustling sound in my lungs. The doctor agreed to the scan and then called to break the news. But her question to me was "How did you know?" I did not know, of course, but related to her that there were a large number of parallels between my father and I and that he had died at my current age of lung cancer. I am so glad she went to bat with insurance for me on the CAT scan!

I started smoking at age 18 in college and did not quit until 28 years later. But that was 30 years ago. The chances of cancer diminish considerably if you quit, but they never go to zero. When I originally broached the subject of the CAT scan, the first response was that CAT scans are generally only called for in ex-smokers who quit 15 or fewer years ago. I'm so glad I pushed and so grateful to my doctor.

And allow me to add this PSA: DON'T SMOKE! IF YOU DO, QUIT NOW!!!

[kscarrol]

Ugh, sorry to hear this. Glad it seems to have been caught early.

[cmyx6go]

So sorry to hear this news but glad you caught it early by following your gut. We’re here for you. Please keep us posted.

[M_Six]

This sucks, but hopefully it's an early catch and it can be dealt with.

I'm sure some insurance company bean counters have done all the calculations, but you would think diagnostic tests would be less costly in the long run than treating cancer or some other long term disease. You shouldn't have to fight to have tests done.

[Maynard]

Sorry to hear this. Good you found it so soon. Sending best wishes for full recovery.

[hubbahubba]

Echoing the other sentiments here, Llarry. Hoping and praying for the best possible outcome.

[2000cs]

Looking forward to the “I kicked cancer’s ass” update! Soon!!

[///MPhatic]

Sorry to hear it dude, but it sounds like there are several positives for sure.

I literally heard from a very top end physician/longevity specialist very recently that it's possible to go to 0 after having stopped smoking for so many years, but I don't think it's possible to outrun genetics.

[SW111]

So sorry to hear that you have cancer. Hearing that is like a punch in the gut. It sounds hopeful that the spot is small and looks operable. Hoping for the best possible outcome for you. Keep a positive attitude and don’t give up. Activate your support system and accept help when offered.

I have had 3 cancer biopsies, one negative, one positive, and one false positive. I am four and a half years cancer free from my positive diagnosis. I and my doctors have had to fight insurance companies all the way. Keep after them. Persistence pays off. I think they make it hard so people will give up. I am lucky because my wife worked in the medical field and has experience navigating the medical system. It seems odd but my insurance company assigned me a case manager that worked for the insurance company to advocate on my behalf. I had a direct phone number to her so I could call without navigating through layers of menus. She was able to move things along several times when things stalled out.

My last diagnosis I had to wait two weeks for the scan because of short staffing and demand. I ended up driving 60 miles to a less used facility that could get me in sooner. It would have been 2 months wait at the hospital a mile from my house. All of my scans took at least a month. Wait for the doctor to submit the pre-authorization, wait for the insurance company to approve it, the. Wait for an opening to schedule it. Lots of waiting for results.

Originally Posted by Llarry

And allow me to add this PSA: DON'T SMOKE! IF YOU DO, QUIT NOW!!!

Both of my parents were lifelong smokers and surprisingly died of cancer not related to smoking. But they both died gasping for breath because of COPD. I worry about lung cancer from breathing second hand smoke for all those years. My mother smoked through all of her pregnancies and I think some of my health problems stem from that. I was a smokeless tobacco user for about 12 years and and so far no ill effect from that but keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[Esteban]

Sorry to hear Llarry and hope you pull through this. Good that you pushed your doctor and I'm glad that you're getting the necessary tests.

I am in the same boat as you, being an ex-smoker who quit more than 20 years ago. I think I DID believe the chance of getting lung cancer from smoking when you have quit as long as we have was zero. Of course people can get lung cancer who have never smoked.

I have a 6 month check-up with my PCP next week and will bring this up. She's been my doctor for 20 years and has always supported me.

Again, I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best outcome. I hope the wheels of progress on all your procedures are speedy and with positive results.

Best of luck, my friend.

[Esteban]

Question for you Llarry: did your father quit smoking before he was diagnosed with cancer?

Both my parents smoked as well; Mom died of a heart attack and stroke at 47. She was still smoking when she died. Dad lived in to his 80s but quit smoking much earlier.

[RickFLM4]

Sorry to hear, Llarry. I’m glad it was caught early and in a spot that provides you a good path forward. Best wishes with treatment and look forward to recovery updates.

[flybigjet]

Good thoughts, Llary..... good thoughts.

R.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Question for you Llarry: did your father quit smoking before he was diagnosed with cancer?

Both my parents smoked as well; Mom died of a heart attack and stroke at 47. She was still smoking when she died. Dad lived in to his 80s but quit smoking much earlier.

My Dad stopped in 1966 or so -- 34 years before he died. But he smoked a pipe for some years thereafter. I suspect that one reason he stopped was that I started: I was sort of a mini-me of my Dad, whom I greatly respected. I can imagine the private conversation between my parents when they found out that I started smoking in 1965 as soon as I left home and went to college:
Mom: "Now Llarry Senior, look what's happened... you know Llarry copies your behavior and now he's started smoking! This is bad."
Dad: "You know, I've been smoking for 25 (?) years and the Surgeon General just issued a report a year or two ago that says smoking is harmful. I think I'll quit."

My Dad quit 35 years before cancer. My Mother continued to smoke for some years but quit maybe 15-20 years before cancer.

Actually, re my parents there's another factor at play: I believe that the ranch house they moved into in 1970 had asbestos. The ceilings had this cotton candy-appearing stuff on it. They lived in that house for 30 years. I visited many times over the years but was only there for a week or 10 days at a time.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Positive thoughts and hopeful for many positive updates to come from you, Larry.

[Llarry]

Heartfelt thanks for all the positive vibes I'm getting from my friends in Bimmerpost OT.

It's been six days since I saw the pulmonary physician, who ordered a biopsy and a PET scan from the hospital radiology clinic. Not a peep since then. I'm going to call radiology in the next couple of days to ensure they got the order and perhaps get a feel for the timing.

[Gemini562]

Really sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My aunt went through something similar with breast cancer a few years back. She always kept her spirits high, even when things got tough. She’s been cancer-free for a while now, and she often says that staying positive was a big part of her journey.

So, keep that fighting spirit. Staying positive can really make a difference in how you feel and how you cope with everything. I just want to say, everything will be fine. I wish the best outcome for you and hope you stay strong through this journey. You've got this, and we're all here rooting for you!

[tranquility]

Cancer is a fpos. Sending good vibes. Kick its x for us.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Llarry

I dread hearing the oft-repeated refrain "We are short-staffed and so we can't get you an appointment until XXX" but I suppose I should be optimistic.

It turns out that just six days after submission of the order, Imaging called me this morning and I am scheduled for the biopsy next Monday, so my fear of an inordinate delay was unfounded. The PET scan is not yet scheduled but I am to call if I haven't heard anything by Friday.

I am satisfied that the process is moving along OK.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by Llarry

I am satisfied that the process is moving along OK.

Don't be. EVERY SINGLE DAY is another chance for it to metastasize.

I remember when my baby bro got an initial positive. My dad called insurance and said "IF this goes on more than a day, I'll pay myself, and sue you (insurance) for malpractice plus lifetime of potential income from a 12 yo boy" Insurance approved the treatment in a day.

OK, so maybe the lifetime threat of income isn't as much for you, but don't wait. It's now your job to get up every day and fight! Insurance, Drs., cancer. You got this!

[Maynard]

Don't throw the L-word (lawyers) about at any time. It will not make things better, and can occasionally really f things up. But do be diligent to make a nice polite f/u call every day or so that anything is not set up (keep a contact log with info on who is doing what when, and just check in if anything is still up in the air). Sounds like you are in good hands and things are moving along nicely.

And to keep your spirits up I'm going to try to maintain a steady run of stupid cat pics in the associated threads - clinically proven to improve mood, coping, and immune function. Albert and Max can probably also pitch in for that.

[Llarry]

The process of determining a precise diagnosis is moving along. I get my PET scan on Friday the 28th to determine whether there is any spread and, as previously posted, my needle biopsy on Monday, July 1st. I suppose I won't get any feedback on results until I see the pulmonary doctor -- I see him on July 19th, and plan to call to see if I can get in earlier.

Onward and upward!