Bit Concerned

[rowanwitch]

After about 4 weeks with a chest infection/ inflammation possibly due to methotrexate two courses of steroids and antibiotics had a chest xray on friday, told 3-4 weeks to get the results back. Had a call today ( and yesterday was a bank holiday) from the rheumatology nurse who told me there was an abnormality and I will need an urgent ct scan. Bearing in mind I have been called for further investigations before due to an area of old damage I asked if it was that (right lower) no this is left upper lobe. Considering what's been going on with delays etc and my own experience that's scarily quick. When I was the GP about twenty minutes later she was taken aback, and suggested sending sputum in case it's TB to save time. I,'m an ex nurse and have worked in cancer tracking, of course I am thinking the worse.

[Xeronema]

I can't help with the question Rowanwitch however I will send my best wishes to you, what ever the outcome may be. I hope all goes well hun, take care of yourself :) *also offers hugs*

[rowanwitch]

Just a bit stunned at the moment, expecting it to show resolving infection, at worse inflammation... Thanks for the good wishes Xero'

[barry1010]

Fingers crossed all is well, very easy for me to tell you not to worry but of course you are worried. Hope the CT scan is soon

[Sqad]

rowan, I am not going fool you as I know that you are experienced in the medical world.

That left upper lobe lesion could be malignant, as well you know.

However, benign nodules in that position are far commoner than cancer.

You will need further investigation...M.R .I scan and maybe biopsy.

[Peter Pedant]

No - - or Yes
calm yourself
you are on the diagnostic conveyor belt so you will be OK. Ask if you can SEE the scan when it is done. O NOT s/o tells you what it says)

I was turned AWAY with grade III lymphoma ( nothing wrong with you) 10 li ascites and a paloable liver. Oh and spleen. That is much worse
( no conveyor belt as they think there is nothing wrong with you...) 2012
so it cdnt have been that bad

if you have rheumatoid disease - this is the most likely
Small lumps can form in the lungs (rheumatoid nodules), as well as in other parts of the body. Lung nodules usually cause no signs or symptoms, and they don't pose a risk of lung cancer.

[rowanwitch]

Thanks Sqad, the info 're benign modules is useful. The good thing is I had a clear x-ray back in may, and if it is malignant it should be a good candidate for surgery I hope Mr Kalkat hasn't retired.

[rowanwitch]

Double thanks Peter,recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will keep everything crossed,

[carrot99]

Scarily quick is good if it means you'll be seen, diagnosed and treated promptly. Hope you get a good result as soon as possible to put your mind at rest.

[rockyracoon]

Of course you’re scared, anyone would be, but just remember, most of these things tend to be benign and until you’re told otherwise, try not to worry. I know that’s easier said than done.

[rowanwitch]

Trouble is my experience in the NHS in that hospital. means I know the system. If I were still a member of staff I could put it down to that. Not panicking however if I get a referral to certain consultants after the CT then I might feel differently.

[LadyCG]

It's a long time since I was anywhere near the Lung MDT but an indeterminate nodule is the most likely scenario.

In such cases a CT would be carried out for further characterisation.

It's good that they are being cautious but being widowed by such a cruel disease I totally comprehend your anxiety.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/expert-answers/rheumatoid-arthritis/faq-20058245

[rowanwitch]

I know the odds, and I have had the conversation with a fair few. patients but all that goes out the window when it's personal.

[LadyCG]

Yes I know it does and Lord knows I've been riddled with anxiety myself in this situation (breast cancer scare in early 2016) and no amount of reassurance assuages our fears but lung nodules can be associated with both RA and long-term MTX use.

I know Dave was a smoker but I can't remember you being one?

[rowanwitch]

Never smoked, unfortunately that is no longer seen as so important, statistically significant increase in NSCLC in women who have never smoked. Early menopause ( before age 44)is linked, I had a TAH And BSO age 40. Just have to wait and see.

[LadyCG]

It sounds like it will be done and reported quickly but yes, in the meantime, it's just a waiting game.

My best guess for now would be a rheumatoid-related nodularity.

[LadyCG]

By the way, thanks for the laughs yesterday. Your sketchings did amuse me :-)

[anneasquith]

Rowan, what other symptoms ( if any) have you had apart from chest infections ?

[gness]

Wishing you a good outcome, Rowan. We will both be thinking of you. Gx

[DTCwordfan]

same here as to fortune and the outcome.....Not a great start to 2023 but, hopefully, up, up and away.

[rowanwitch]

Just the usual, breathlessness,coughing slight haemoptysis, but only after really bad attacks of coughing may have come from my nose as it tends to bleed when I have cold symptoms of just from the force of the cough, it's happened before. , peak flow has dropped from 475 to below 250, , but I have had nearly a month of chest infection symptoms with wheeze.

Rheumatoid nodules are quite rare in women,especially as I texted negative for RA. about 6 years ago. far more common in men, only had methotrexate for 4 weeks, cough started when methotrexate increased from 10 mg to 15 mg p.w