mets to lung
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Hola Theziz
First dayhumid weather for me near Sydney Australia ..great news that your scans show improvement and breathing much better
My Lung mets still very stable nolung issues ..just SE with feet..only on letrozole so still very lucky.
Any hurricane weather near you?
All best cheers B
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Beight55 we had a really bad tropical storm that left hundreds of people with nothing.
Ziz
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Susan, Just found out brain mets los of lesions, weren't you scared I am really a scared. How do you find peace
A
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I'm 3 years out of treatment for breast cancer, happy with my regular clean scans. Because of breathing issues with Taxotere, I have had several lung CT scans over the last few years, always showed clean, no nodules, etc. I just saw a CT scan that was done in late 2016, because my MO ordered a follow up. It showed at least 5 nodules, all 5 mm or less, and in various parts of my lower lungs. I was told at the time, could be pneumonia scarring, etc, so I think I put it out of my head, but now that I'm looking more closely, and thinking I last had pneumonia/pleurisy 30 years ago. Surely leftovers from that would have been on all my prior scans? Then I thought maybe it was caused by a forever cough I had that might have been Valley Fever, but looked up those dates and it started a few months after that 2016 CT scan. I have to wait another week for a CT scan, and then longer for results b/c my MO is on a much needed vacation. Any thoughts or experience you can share?
And quick aside - my MO has never done maker tests for me. When I asked, he said too many false positives. Have you found the tests to be helpful? I'm sure he would order if I pushed, just wondering if I should be insisting.
Thanks, and blessings/peace to you all today!
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Hi, I am pretty confused about the whole nodule thing myself but I will tell you what I know. They diagnosed me with Mets to lungs after biopsy on node in lungs. A number of nodules showed up on the cat scan as well. I was told by consulting MO that nodules we're 99 percent chance cancer also. Treating MO went from saying good chance they are cancer in 2015 to now not thinking they are. I was also told could be from prior pneumonia but last pneumonia was Dec 2010 and cat scans in 2011 did not show nodules. Nodules did not show until 2015. They cannot get to nodules for biopsy. I know smaller they are better chance not cancer. I know shape is also considered. My understanding is if no other concerns they continue to monitor with cat scans and if no changes after 2 years they determine not to be cancer. Many docs don't do marker tests but it maybe worth further discussing with MO due to nodule concern. I would also recommend a 2nd opinion if you don't feel comfortable with your MOs explanation.
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hi single mom
Dont hestitate toask for another ct in 3mths time
If you have had bc already and nodules increase in the lung areas and size of newer nodules increases say after 4-6mths at next scan this would be a good reason to have a biopsy
Breathlessness also indicator for biopsy
Hope allis ok
Mine has been picked up early and on drug letrazole and now stable
Al the best B
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Hi Count it al
sorry should have addressed to you not singlemon
Yes it is worrying always be vigilant
Cheers B
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Count,
Request a Ct scan with contrast along with TM’s, CEA, and CA15-3 and get a second opinion from a MO who specializes in BC. I had shortness of breath which turned to be pleural Mets along with scattered nodules in the right lung. Be your own advocate and ask questions, it’s too important. Take care
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Excuse me I'm new here, I'll get caught up on the lingo.
I am a stage 4 ER+ breast cancer patient and it has moved to a lymph node, some bone, and pushing the fluid into my pleural area of one lung. I am currently taking ibrance and famara. I just started my second 21 day round.
I have a drain in place and they are draining every other day. My question is; when did you see a significant drop in the fluid? I'm getting worried that this is my only chance at time. I have three grown children but young grandchildren. I need time. My family needs time.
Thank you,
Kathy
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Hi Kathy,
I'm sorry you find yourself here but want to extend a welcome. I know it's overwhelming at first but you'll find a lot of good advice on this site.
In terms of the fluid, it can take months for the lung to dry up. I assume you are referring to a PluerX catheter to drain the lung? I had one from February to July when we finally achieved a spontaneous pleurodesis with a reduction in the amount of fluid. My lung was drained twice per week with almost a litre coming off each time initially. I did not see much reduction until it finally stopped very suddenly. I do have a small amount of loculated fluid (small pockets) but it's not enough to be a problem.
It takes time for the Femara/Ibrance combo to show results so you need to be patient. And keep in mind that there are many treatment options these days so this combo is not your only option. There are a lot of ladies on this site who had pleural mets who have done very well for many years. The most important thing... don't listen to Dr. Google. The information on the internet is out of date and does not reflect the current treatments.
Please feel free to ask more questions - I'm sure you have many. There are many ladies (and a few men) on the site who will be happy to help.
Pat
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Kathy,
I am sorry you have pleural effusion. When I was sent for a chest xray because of shortness of breath, my left lung was not actually seen on the xray, it was all white as it was filled with fluid which was later diagnosed as malignant. I was hospitalised immediately and they put a tube to drain the liquid. It stayed for 4 days and they drained about 4 litres of fluid. Afterwards they did pleuradesis (sp ?) which is talc gluing the pleura and lung to stop fluid accumulating again. The pulmonologist said it works 50/50. I did not have instant relief from sob and it took more than a month to feel some improvement. Oh forgot to say I had chest infection too, which made matters worse. That took to clear up with a long course of IV and oral antibiotic.
I am on the 3 cycle of xeloda and have to say feel a lot better. I haven't had chest x ray since the improvement, but I am hoping the talc worked, as my sob is better, but I am sure there is still some fluid lingering in my lung. Hopefully will clear up with xeloda in time.
What I learnt is, while we are expecting a quick positive result, it's not the case. It's a very slow process and we need to be patient. With each cycle of xeloda, I feel better. From being bedridden, I am up and about now. Can do things about the house, go shopping, do dome cooking. I don't have to but doing these things make me feel a little normal. Still get tired though, but at east I can breath better now.
Hang in there my friend, take care of yourself. I hope your treatment works. Come here often as it;s a great place with a lot of knowledge and support.
I wish you well.
Love, Karina x
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Hi Everyone,
My mom was diagnosed with mets to her bones 4 years ago and recently liver mets in July this year, over the past couple of months she has gotten extremely breathless and fatigued (to the extent that walking to the bathroom requires a zimmer) - she’s just starting Navelbine tomorrow so I thought I’d come on here to read up on it. I’ve noticed that it seems to be given out when there are lung mets, my mom hasn’t mentioned this and I’m scared to ask her incase her OC hasn’t told her or that she doesn’t want me to know, do you all think that it might have spread to her lungs? And do you think the navelbine will help with her breathing?
Thanks
Ps you guys inspire me with all your positive thinking and energy, keep fighting!
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Wanted to bump this thread. Warrior, I don't have experience with Navelbine, but hopefully someone will come along soon that does. The breathlessness could certainly be from lung mets, or just from the disease. Even if it is lung mets, there is much that can be done, so take heart.
I'm on cycle 6 of Ibrance/Femara and had been doing really well. I had weird pains the first couple of cycles, but things calmed down after that, no chest issues whatsoever. This cycle I'm having lung pain similar to what I had prior to treatment. I'm also coming off a cold - not a knock-down-drag-out cold, just common variety that lasted about a week. Anyone experience anything similar? I'm trying not to jump on the crazy train...
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Hi Jaylea...
Thanks for bumping this baby up. I was dx lung and mediastinum mets in July on my 34th bday, 5.5 years out from stage IIb
Stopped hormone therapy to become pregnant. Sadly CT showed the crap in my chest. I started out with one single 1.5cm lung met and subcarinal and hilar lymph nodes. But two months later while waiting for my ovaries to shut down before starting Letrozole and Ibrance both lungs had tiny micro nodules starting. I ended up having rads to the lymph nodes at the time cause they were impeding my air way. The lung nodules were not radiated.I have had nerve like pain and chest heaviness periodically since DX. When my counts are really low on Ibrance I notice it is more frequently. No way to know if our pains are the same of course, but I think mine have improved since I started Ibrance. I'm on my last week of cycle 3.
What cycle are you on? Have you had a scan since starting? I will be having my first CT since mid September at the end of the month. Hopeful but also pretty flippin' anxious.
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Hi Warrior,I am sorry, I don't have experience with navelbine either. I see it has been a few weeks since you asked about it. I hope someone will post soon to give you more information.
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Ashlyn, my heart goes out to those who get diagnosed so young. I was 47 when I was first diagnosed and thought that was young. After 11 years I thought I was in the clear, but last year was dx with mets to spine, hip, sternum, and small lesions on right lung. I'm on cycle 6 of Ibrance/Femara, and monthly infusions of Zometa to strengthen bones. I had my first scan 3 months in. It showed improvement to lung and lymph mets. Bones were mostly stable, but there was an area of 'inflammation' in my ribs. Also a new spot on my liver. MO wasn't convinced either was progression, but wanted to keep close tabs, so ordered another scan 2 months later. That one came back stable. So maybe ribs were flaring, and liver was fatty tissue. My ribs were sore at that first scan but my lung function was so much better. All my SE's settled down after that and I felt great at my second stable scan. First thing my MO asks is "how are you feeling?" So if you're feeling improved, that's very good news heading into the scan. Also, as I experienced, it does take time for the Ibrance/Femara protocol to fully engage.
Having said all that, scanxiety is normal and there's no way to get around it. Best of luck to you and keep us posted.
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Jaylea: thanks for the support and sharing your experience thus far. I'm glad to hear things have been stable for you! I definitely was feeling better the last month on ibrance. I had a feeling things were working for me.
I'm really hoping others with lung mets are doing well. Sometimes I worry that there aren't as many people who post how they're doing with lung mets. I like to think they're all stable or NED and living life, not hanging out here. Hehe.
This tread isn't as active but wanted to cross-post my good CT results from this week...
As shared on the Ibrance thread...
Very relieved to share that I received good news CT results yesterday!
After 3 cycles of Ibrance, 4 months on Letrozole and 10 radiation treatments to lymphnodes :
- mediastinal and hilar nodes have resolved (thank you radiation!)
- main lung nodule went from 18x18mm in September to 10x15mm now.
- several 4-5mm nodules in lungs are now 2-4mm.
- several 2-4mm nodules are gone / resolved.
- no other malignancies anywhere else
The word stable was used in the report. And others have shared they think it's better than stable which I'll go with!
Grateful for this space to share and feel hope each day.
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Ashlyn, that's a fantastic response, and only after 3 months! I see great things in your future on this treatment. So glad you're feeling better, too. P.S. my grandmother is from Victoria and I love your province. We were there a while back and my DH said "now I know where you get your polite gene from."
I love these boards, especially when we have good news to celebrate. They keep me from going off the rails.
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Hi Ashlyn,
I also had lung mets but mine were to the pleural lining. I don’t know for sure if there were/are any lesions as the view is obscured by consolidation.
I believe there are many with lung mets doing well but we tend to be more active on the threads associated with our treatments and/or other mets. Great news on the scan!
Jaylea, I live in Victoria. Small world!
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Hi to all.My mom diagnosed with stage 3 tnbc in 2015.She went through surgery,chemo,radiation and was doing fine until a strange feeling of tickling started in her throat.She had this strange feeling of tickling from past four months.This odd tickling sensation made her to cough always.it suddenly comes and cough is followed.She went to her onco who ordered her a pet/ct.On pet/ct they found one lung nodule in each lung.Both are subcentimetric and the nodule that is same side to her BC has shown mild activity on pet scan and is pleural based.Also they fou d a new primary in her remaining breast.
I am terrified now.Please help me.I appreciate all of your responses.
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hi katie
Sorry this has reoccurred
Early days yet till biopsies of nodules and other breast come back
Biopsy in lung can sometimes be difficult to test due to position...mine was so had to redo
All best for treatment options
Bright in hope
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Thnq bright for ur response.Her onco told us that it doesn't looked like mets.Her nodule is less than 8mm in both lungs.And the one in her right lung was there on her previous cat scan that was 8 months before.
But the main thing that worried me is mild uptake in lung nodule on the left side.Is there is any chance that it is mets or mild uptake is common in nodule on pet scan.
Biopsy cant be done becauSe of small size and location.
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Hi Katie, sorry you're having to go through this. It sounds like your mom is in good hands. Without wanting to unnecessarily scare you, the short answer is yes, it could be mets, but of course could be other things as well. One of my early warning signs was an incessant cough, but also tightness in chest, shortness of breath, a sharp decline in energy, and after a few months of all that, weight loss. How is your mom feeling other than the cough?
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Thnq Jaylea.Very very thanks for replying.Otherwise my mom is fine no SOB.Just a strange tickling feeling in her throat 3-4 times a day.This feeling force her to cough.No cough otherwise.No weight loss.No change in energy.Also she has a big tummy.
She has frequent bronchitis and has asthma 10 years ago still taking inhalers.She is allergic to dust particles also.
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hi katie
It is a worry
Have a talk to asthma specialist...long term use of inhaler meds do affect throat /oesophagus..even nodules can be in throat ...this could be the problem
Lung nodues ...is a wait and see approach....stable over time is good
You are a wonderful daughter
All the best
Bright
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Katie- does Mo want to just monitor it? I was told if nodules don't change after two years they usually declare then not cancer and stop ongoing monitoring. Also, sometimes based on the description of the nodule that can help give an indication. There are some characters of the nodule that can lead them more towards thinking cancer. What does the mo say about the mild uptake?
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Thnq Bright55 and singlemom1 for ur precious replies.Her onco sent my mom for needle biopsy to a pulmonologist but he said that the nodules are smaller and cant be reached.
Now her onco said my mom to get a biopsy from new primary which lit up in her breast with max SUV=6.3.She Got a Core needle biopsy and now we r waiting for her results.
Also please someone can explain mild fdg-uptake on a sub cetimetric lung nodule means??
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A PET/CT scan uses a radioactive tracer called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose), to show differences between healthy tissue and cancer. Mild-fdg uptake means that the lung nodule showed low FDG uptake. Higher FDG uptake increases the probability that the nodule is cancer. Also the higher the FDG uptake, the faster the cancer may be growing. Subcentimeter nodules are smaller than a centimeter and often considered "too small to characterize by PET/CT." That means, cancer can't be confirmed. So, small and mild FDG uptake are good signs!
Mediastinal nodes with FDG uptake often accompany lung mets. If your mom does not have mediastinal nodes lighting up on PET/CT that's also a good sign. Given your mom's previous breast cancer diagnosis, the nodules may be lung mets and should be followed closely. The only ways to confirm lung mets are biopsy or growth seen on a follow-up PET/CT or CT with contrast. And as someone else mentioned, if the lung nodules don't change on scans for two years, they are considered benign. I'm sorry that your mother is in this scary position. She is lucky to have a loving daughter to assist her!!
Best wishes!
Theresa
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Thnqtheresa45.No mediastinum lymph node showed any fdg uptake.But we are watching the situation carefully and the whole treAtment plan is currently dependent on the result of CNB.If it turns out new primary then the approach will be to check it out after chemo.but if it is not a new primary than we will watch it after 3 months.
Singlemom1 her onco told us that her pet/ct report is (+/-) mild fdg uptake could be because of some infection.It doesn't look like typical mets.But as i have read Ground glass nodule is heavily associated with some sort of malignancy.She also said if her new primary confirmed reccurence then they will treat it as mets to be on the safer side.
A sincere thnx to all of you for helping me.I am praying for all of you and my mom.
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I got the copy of mom's pet/ct report.I was shocked to know she had multiple ground glass nodules in both lungs.Pleural based nodules are also there.Radiologist wrote suspicious for mets.But her onco tells us that it looks like some infection. Mild fdg uptake is also noted.
please help.I know here ladies are most experienced.Please look at the report here.
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