spot found on CT, next steps?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
spot found on CT, next steps?
5
Fri, 08-25-2006 - 6:24pm

I frequented this board from Jan-March when my mom went through lung cancer. She ended up having her entire left lung removed and we have been incredibly blessed since the cancer had not spread outside her lung, she is completely cancer free, isn't on chemo or radiation, and is having it checked via x-ray and CT scan every so often for the next 3 years. I love my mom more than ever now and cherish every day.

I found myself needing a CT scan about 2.5 weeks ago to confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis. During the CT scan, they found a spot on my lung. Small, only 5mm in size. However, I was instructed to go back to my PCP to determine next steps. Given my situation with my mom, we want this to be taken seriously. My current PCP is a guy who I didn't pick; he was DH's PCP. He's kinda weird, is 20 minutes away, doesn't have privileges at the hospital I had my appendix removed at and his specialty is actually geriatrics! I know, I know, I should've switched doctors a long time ago, but I don't get sick very often and anyone can give me a shot in the butt and a prescription when I get a sinus infection. I haven't needed anything more serious than that from him.

Anyway, I met with him today and it was a DISASTER. I was in tears leaving the office. He told me they couldn't do anything but repeat the CT scan in THREE MONTHS! I find that completely unacceptable. I know I'm young, I know I don't smoke, but I'm sensitive to this b/c of my mom and I want those feelings to be taken seriously.

So, I'm looking for recommendations for a new PCP. Someone who is easy to talk to and who is likely to be a bit more proactive in determining what this spot is. I don't want to take 3 months and do nothing until we know for sure it's nothing to worry about. THEN we can monitor it to make sure it remains nothing.

I just wanted to bounce my reasoning off those who have BTDT either with themselves or with their family. I know this board has a lot of cancer experts (unfortunately), and I wanted to make sure that my desire to be more proactive is the right one to take or if another doctor is likely to tell me the same thing and make me wait.

Thanks!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 08-25-2006 - 8:27pm

Hi


I took a peak at your profile to see what area of the country you live in.

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Fri, 08-25-2006 - 9:41pm

Thanks for sharing your opinion. Yes, I've heard wonderful things about the Houston Medical Center. My neighbor's mother has a very rare form of cancer in her ear and she's being treated at Baylor here in Dallas, which I've also heard is good.

I do the happy dance all the time for my mom. When I was in the hospital for my appendix, she came into town to help care for my 18 mo old son b/c my DH had elbow surgery 3 days before I got sick and had to spend a week in the hospital. I thanked my lucky stars EVERY DAY that she was healthy and able to help ME in my time of need. Sounds silly, but there's nothing like having your mommy around.

Thanks again for your thoughts. It means a lot.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 08-26-2006 - 2:04am

It's great to see you again and thanks for the update on your mom, such wonderful news.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Sat, 08-26-2006 - 1:08pm

Judy, thanks for all the information and opinions. I remember my mom started out with an x-ray, then a ct scan, then a biopsy, then a couple more ct scans (over different parts of her body) and then finally a pet scan. I guess they save the most expensive for last. :)

I'll look into whether or not my insurance will prevent me from having another ct scan. I would hope not since the first ct scan report clearly reports the finding on the lung and says it needs to be followed up unless other scans are present to refute the findings (which there aren't).

I have a couple of leads on new PCPs that I will check out on Monday. I'll definitely keep you informed!

Thanks again,

Erika

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 08-26-2006 - 2:17pm
Erika, good luck with your search for a new doctor, I hope you can find someone really good, proactive in their approach and someone who welcomes you being a partner in your health care.

Judy

cl-ivhjude