So it seems to be lung cancer....

[Scooter]

...at least that's how we're going to proceed until they cut it out and analyze it.

When I told my doctor that I was concerned about having three respiratory infections needing antibiotics in 18 months, after more than a decade without any (previous to that I was getting pneumonia or bronchitis 3 or 4 times a year), he sent me for a lung CT in mid-October (He tends to diagnose by eliminating the most serious alternatives first; when I was feeling dizzy he he did a head CT to rule out a tumour or something of that gravity

That's how i thought it would turn out this time. Until my doctor called me in to see him two days later,

The radiologist found a VERY small(8 x 6 x 5mm) nodule in my lower lung, that he said was more suggestive of cancer than any benign alternatives. Unfortunately position and size rule out a needle biopsy, could either do another CT in a few months and see if it grows, or guide a wire to it so a surgeon knows where to slice it out a wedge of my lung,

So that's what I'm doing, mid-December. If it's benign, I will be happy to have found out. If it is localized to the top layer of cells, that's all I'll need to do. If it has invaded deeper layers, I will have to go back in January to remove a larger piece. HIV increases the risk of non-AIDS defining cancers, so absent any other risk factor, it looks like the virus may yet get the last laugh.

And "you're lucky to have found it so early! is wearing really thin, especially when the American Cancer Society says 5 year survival for a stage 1 is 50-50

Meanwhile my sister has become a recent and fervent advocate of medicinal cannabis which she keeps pushing me to learn about

[Long Run]

I'm sorry to hear this. Best wishes in regaining your good health.

[Joe Guy]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I can't even imagine what you're going through right now. In the meantime, I wish you the best and expect good news in December.

[BoSoxGal]

I’m so sorry to hear this Scooter. I hope you won’t be made uncomfortable by me saying that I’ve grown very fond of you over the years of posting with you and I will certainly be working all the spiritual avenues I have to send healing energy your way. I’ve lost a few family members to lung cancer over the years and know a lot about the disease, so I understand your apprehension - but please remember the odds also include much more favorable numbers and nothing says that you couldn’t be one of those numbers!

[Gob]

Hay mate, chin up, hope for the best.

[liberty]

I am sorry about that; I hope you beat it. My brother and best friend both died of cancer.

[Lord Jim]

Very sorry to hear this Scooter...

Fingers crossed for a good test result.

[RayThom]

Scoot, I am saddened to read about your 'pre-diagnosis.' Is it in one lung or both? As you probably know, people can live fairly normal lives with only one lung, if it comes to that, so stay as optimistic as possible. There's always a plan.

You seem to be aware of prognosis, outcome, and sequelae. If the node is determined to be malignant, I hope, initially, you'll follow through with all the best treatments offered. At a later date, reevaluate your situation and do what you think is best.

To my way of thinking, working with, and not fighting, a pernicious disease is the best way to manage it. Fighting will sap your strength and resolve, whereas you can pace yourself if you work with it. Obviously, you have faced adversity in the past so I feel you're equipped mentally and physically to handle this, too.

Stay strong. I wish you well. Peace.

[Crackpot]

Good luck

[Burning Petard]

Scooter. I am sorry to read this thread. Read BS and Ray carefully. I see no bullshit anywhere in this thread. This is not fun. Thereby demonstrating the Plan B Forum is more than 'have fun, relax, ARGUE!"

snailgate

[MajGenl.Meade]

I wish you nothing but wellness, Scooter. May it be both benign and harmless.

[Guinevere]

I wish you nothing but wellness, Scooter. May it be both benign and harmless.

This.

To which I will add - if there is anyone who can beat this, its you. Be well.

[Econoline]

I don't know what to say or how to say it. All I can do is wish and hope for the best possible outcome. If I could pray, I would, but I can't, so hope will have to do.

[ex-khobar Andy]

Thoughts and prayers are with you, Scooter. Well - thoughts, anyway. Go Leafs! (Except of course when they are playing my Buffalo Sabres but based on the season so far you guys don't have much to worry about from them. There's always next year.)

[dales]

Scooter:

You can beat this!

I know you can.

Best Regards:

dale

[RayThom]

Scooter:
You can beat this!
I know you can...

Abstraction vs. reality. Sadly, cancer "wins" almost every single time.

Good management -- maybe gene therapy if you qualify -- will get you much further than trying to beat it with conventional therapy. Less prayer... more doing.

From previous experience you know what it takes to keep going, so keep doing that.

Resolve and resilience will serve you well. Live long and prosper.

[Sue U]

Just saw this thread and wanted to express my sympathy and support for you, Scooter. Of course I'm wishing the best of outcomes for you, but you already know how to take a disease in stride. Be well.

[dales]

Abstraction vs. reality. Sadly, cancer "wins" almost every single time.

BULLSPIT!

My father beat cancer when he was in his 60's.

But don't let me be the one who shakes your pessimistic world view.

[RayThom]

Abstraction vs. reality. Sadly, cancer "wins" almost every single time.

BULLSPIT!
My father beat cancer when he was in his 60's.
But don't let me be the one who shakes your pessimistic world view.

OK... if you say so.

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/surviv ... -away.html

[Crackpot]

Do I need mention that he hasn’t even got a cancer diagnosis yet Mr Sunshine?