Cancer scare

[Melysjim]

I haven't had a cigarette and really don't crave one.  I have had scans to watch a spot on my left lung for over a year then covid hit and wasn't checked for over a year. Now I have two spots on the right side. Went in for a pet scan and areas lit up. Had a biopsy and came back negative for cancer (thank God). Can't figure out what is going if it's inflammatory, or infection.  I have to be scanned now every 3 months.  I just wish I had quit smoking years ago or never started.  I'm encourage my children to also stop smoking. Just an update. Haven't been on for awhile. Those scans definitely scared the hell out of me.  

[YoungAtHeart]

Good to see you; sorry for the scare.  Glad, though, that you shared your story.  Hopefully, it will reach someone to help them quit, or stay that way.

Nancy

[Barbscloud]

@Melysjim So happy that you got good news.  It sure is scary, but thank goodness for those scans.  They catch things early and have saved many lives.  I'm glad you're on them.

Barb

[sweetplt]

Sorry @Melysjim about your cancer scare, but what a wake up call...the best thing you can do, keep the quit and lead by example...which you are doing .. Colleen 906 DOF 

[Strudel]

So sorry this happened - I know how scary it is. My spot which lit up did turn out to be cancer - but, the good news is, they were able to remove it by removing that lobe of my lung. Still - a very sad story as a result of smoking. 
Thanks for sharing your story. And - congrats on your quit! 

[Melysjim]

Yes it was and still is scary especially since they still don't know what it is.  Its still scary and hopefully my next scan which is the beginning of Aug will show nothing changed.  They say I will be scanned every 3 months for the next 2 years and then if no changes they will go every 6 months for a year.  I'm glad you are doing good. Its bad that I look every thing up on the internet and try to decipher which article is the most accurate and then scare myself more.. The feelings of uncertainties within myself let alone my children cause alot of anxiety for all of us.  I know remind them to quit smoking so their children doesn't have to go through what they went through with all the emotions.

[Strudel]

Yes, it can definitely cause a great deal of anxiety. My surgery was a little over 2 years ago and I now get scanned every 6 months. (I think that will change to once a year soon.)  I like to think of the scans as a good thing - they are staying on top of things. Please continue to keep us posted and take care. 

[MarilynH]

Gentle hug coming your way @Melysjim, I read pretty much from the Mayo clinic,I was told it's the most accurate.....

[maryfreecig]

This is preventative medicine. It's for you. For all of us with the same risks. Getting that biopsy over and done with and having a treatment plan going forward is a powerful and positive approach to your health.  You may be fearful of the "what if's" that's so understandable,  but what if you hadn't quit, what if you just ignored your health?

Wishing you a peaceful day and all the best.