Lung Nodule Surgery instead of Biopsy

[Domino13]

Having found a suspicious 15mm lung nodule (left lung upper lobe) from a CT and MRI scan for an unconnected issue I was sent for a PET scan. After a couple of stressful months and sleepless nights I saw the respiratory consultant today for my results. The good news was that nothing untoward had been found on the PET scan and the nodule had not lit up. She was still concerned that it could still be malignant and asked whether I would be willing to have an operation to remove it rather than having a biopsy. I said that I would prefer to have it removed even if it turned out to be benign. She said I would need to get my fitness level up and weight up as I have not been eating very well for the last few months and have lost quite a lot of weight. As anyone any tips on how to put on weight (I have always been a petite lady) and how I can improve my energy/fitness level. Do you think I am making the right decision in opting to have an operation to remove the nodule and has anyone else opted for this and what their experience was. She also advised I give up smoking to give me a better recovery after the op. Can anyone remmend any smoking cessation programmes they are aware of?

[Locket39]

Hi the only advice I can give you is on stopping smoking. I stopped smoking before I found out I had lung cancer and it really was the best thing I ever did. And trust me when you stop smoking you will defo put on weight. I was given medication called Champix to help me stop and it worked for me. It sounds crazy but I found snacking on strong flavours such as pickles really helped with any craving. I focussed on good foods to look forward to. It’s really not easy but I find I have more me time and lots more money now. Good luck and stay positive that you can quit! Xx

[Gymbuddie]

I found Alan Cart’s book very good at helping me to stop smoking. I believe he also does classes. Otherwise theNHS use to run courses in all areas. Your GP would be able to advise you.

[foodbankcupar in reply to Gymbuddie]

I stopped smoking twenty four years ago. Had to go cold turkey as had an Aortic valve replacement in heart.Was difficult though.

Seventeen years later I was diagnosed

With lung cancer!

Now in remission after chemotherapy, radiotherapy then immunotherapy.

Best wishes on your journey.

Kevin

[Mauranne]

Hello Domino

I have had the lower lobe of my right lung removed because I had a malignant ground glass nodule (adenocarcinoma). My surgery was VATS assisted which is better than the traditional surgery because the recovery is quicker and the scar is smaller.

A biopsy is done with local anaesthetic and a long needle going into your lung from your back and aided by a CT scanner. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

My lung team used a “watch and wait” approach when my nodule was discovered during a routine monitoring scan for another cancer I was being treated for. When they saw a change in it they decided to operate and that took several months. My understanding is that nodules are often benign but they can change. I still have nodules remaining but they are benign and have been stable now for almost four years.

Giving up smoking is a must, your GP will help you with that. Increase your calorie intake by eating lots of high calorie food, ice cream etc. You don’t necessarily have to eat more, just choose food with high calorific value. Google it. You don’t give your age but I am 77 and I had my op in Feb 2019. Get fit by having a brisk walk daily if you can. If you are younger you may be able to tackle more than that. Get advice if you are unsure. I would suggest you take the advice of your doctor too. I am currently well having been successfully treated and operated on for two separate cancers by our wonderful NHS.

Sending you my best wishes. I understand the anxiety you have. The waiting and worrying is the worst part.

Mauranne x

[Ianhick]

Hello Domino

Can't give much advice on giving up smoking, I gave up 20plus years ago and was cold turkey.

Macmillan do a booklet on building your body up for treatment called, The Building Up Diet. Might be worth picking one up from Macmillan or your local hospital. Ask your GP to refer you to a dietitian too. I lost weight before my diagnosis, though it was others that noticed not me, so before my surgery I just ate high calorie and fatter foods. I have to control my dairy and fat intake for cholesterol reasons, but decided a few months wouldn't hurt too much and cancer was scarier.

Swimming is good fitness building, brisk walks, cycling. If you have a gym or leisure centre close, it's worth popping in there and asking. Local authority run ones are fairly cheap and still have trained assistants the same as private ones. I will say being fit is a great aid to recovery. I cycle a lot and still had high 90plus percentage lung function even with my tumour, 7.8cm top right lobe. I had a thoracotamy then lobectomy 4 weeks ago and my fitness has helped massively. I was discharged after 3 days and have already been on my indoor cycle trainer a few times. I am youngish for lung cancer, just turned 60, but my recovery in hospital was quicker than some fellow patients and I put it down to being fit and more importantly a positive attitude.

Good luck, you can and will beat it.

Ian xx

[UdoUdo]

Hi there, Domino,

I started smoking aged about 15 and continued till 4 years ago ( I am 64). I gave up via Hypnotism, which I know is a bit left field but no-one was more surprised than me that it actually worked, Not touched a cigarette since though stupidly took up vaping.

[JanetteR57]

Having turned up in A&E mid October and a lesion showing on my chest x--ray, 2 months later seeing a thoracic surgeon who explained the PET and CT results with me saying there was a large mass in my left lung and needed removing with half my left lung. I asked whether a biopsy was necessary and he said as it clearly showed on all imaging and whatever it was it needed removing then sending off to a lab to determine what it was and any follow on treatment, I accepted his diagnosis. I had open thoracotomy and left upper lobectomy in December and was back at work and swimming by March. That was in Dec 2010 and in January 2011 learnt a 7cm tumour had been removed - mucinous adenocarcinoma, non small lung cancer. It all happened in quite a surreal whirlwind and having been a regular swimmer until my A&E admission and March, when returning to swimming it was an effort but I went onto swim much much further than I did before (I used to 130 lengths 2-3 times a week) and becoming fitter too. The water supports your weight and can help stop muscle wasting, even building muscle with regular exercise.

I've been involved in lung cancer research since end 2013 and involved with several studies about pre-habilitation for lung surgery - diet, fitness, being active can all help build up somebody's strength/resilience. Most lung surgery in the UK is now done via keyhole which wasn't around when I had my open surgery so shorter time in hospital, less risk of infection and shorter recovery time as well as being possible for less fit patients than open surgery is. Try walking if you can, or even exercises at home like pilates/yoga which are good for stretching muscles, breathing control and mind distraction - it's not necessary to run marathons to be fit enough for surgery.

Hospitals, GP surgeries and local councils public health departments all offer stop smoking services - some offer nicotine replacement patches, gum, some even vaping but stopping will help your lungs, your treatment be more effective and save you money.

build up your diet with greek yoghurt, olive oil added to dishes, home made nourishing soups and shakes, milky drinks and eat steadily - not necessarily large portions but what you fancy..... although many nodules turn out to be benign (i.e. not cancer) this information for those with lung cancer may help... roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

good luck....

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Domino13

It is encouraging that there is nothing showing on the PET scan of concern: you may be interested to look at our lung surgery booklet, where it details the pre and post op care, including timeline of recovery at home: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

You may be interested in our online forum for those who wish to stop smoking: healthunlocked.com/quitsupport

This link provides some advice and tips on how to stop smoking: roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

As others have said when you stop smoking, you may find that you put weight on easily. You may wish to discuss with the consultant if there is a timeline that you have between putting weight on and having lung surgery.

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Wishing you all the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[_Bimbo80]

i was diagnosed with left lung cancer had the operation .i stopped 2 weeks before the operation as i was very worried about it .this is now my 9th week off cigarette’s I used the patches to help me stop was hard when I get the urge to get a cigarette i get myself up and do something about the house. Good luck and i hope everything goes well for you.

[Calmrain]

Domino. Can't stress this enough stop smoking now this minute today. Read Allen Carrs easy way to stop smoking. You have been given a warning and a wake up call. Soon as you stop you'll start to eat more. Good luck and great news your having the op. Janet

[Domino13]

Thank you all for your advice and tips and stories which have all been very helpful and have helped me with my determination to do my best with weight and fitness and giving up on the smoking. I lost my youngest son aged 46 with a sudden heart attack which hasn't helped with my stress and eating problems but I know he would want me to do my best to stay around for a few more years (I am just turned 74) so I will try to do it for him.You sound a great set of people and I wish you all well in your ongoing journeys.

Kind regards

Domino xx

[Alisondee]

definitely

[Daisybarnes]

My early journey was similar to yours. I was encouraged to have the biopsy which confirmed cancer. I was tempted to go straight for surgery and was offered that option but reminded it is absolutely major surgery and if the nodule were to be harmless it would be for no purpose and require a long recovery period. In the end it was much easier going into surgery knowing it was absolutely necessary! Can't help with weight advice as I suffer from the opposite problem! All the best with your journey.

[Unicorn3344]

hi Domino I can’t advise you on whether to have the op or biopsy as I am not qualified or experienced but hopefully there are others in same position as yourself or your consultant who can advise you .As for the no smoking programme my husband went through his gp surgery and they put him on to a program which provided patches and or chewing gum and they give you regular phone calls to see how you are doing so hopefully your local go surgery will provide this too.My husband had surgery on his left lung and to help him with his recovery I bought him complan to make him strawberry shakes when he didn’t feel like eating also try and eat little snacks little and often like fresh fruit.My husband loves fresh pineapple and black grapes and has them every day .Sorry I can’t be of more help but hopefully you will get more advice and help Good luck and best wishes for your future health xx