Well, it looks like it may be my turn to manage round 2 and I may need some help and hope. I have felt pretty fortunate so far, but this normally strong guy is actually shaking a bit as I write this and think of what I might be in for next.

I had my 2 year PET in February (which was a little inside the 2 year mark). All was clear except very minor uptake in a node under my arm which my team will monitor. In early March I coughed up a tablespoon or two of blood. Had a CT scan at an urgent care center that morning of the lungs which showed a couple of nodes that were not too concerning, but coughed up a small amount of blood a second time about a month later. I kept my CCC team in the loop and had a pulmonary consult as well as a visit with the ENT nurse practitioner. Pulmonary Dr, was also not too concerned but set up a surveillance CT in a couple of months.

Here is the concerning part. The ENT nurse scoped me this week and saw a couple of abnormalities in the lining of the throat. She said it could just be inflammation but spoke with the ENT Dr. who said we needed to do a biopsy which is scheduled in just over a week. It is not to hard to connect the dots from coughing blood to an abnormality in the throat to deduce that there is a recurrence.

To say I am scared is an understatement given what I have learned here and other sources about recurrences. My quality of life has been excellent since treatment and I cannot imagine giving that up. Assuming it has been detected early and is operable, it looks like surgery is the primary mode of treatment.

I realize more information may be necessary, but can anyone offer any insight into what to expect? Words of realism and/or encouragement?

Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, it's wait and see until the results of the biopsy are in, which is not an easy process to deal with. It could be as you think or any number of things, and hopefully is something minor, is treatable. Many here, including myself, had recurrences, I had 7, and was successfully treated for them. These days there are all types of treatments, including immunotherapy, surgical approaches, and radiation, including reirridation, so have hope in that if it's needed. You may want to occupy your time, exercise, read, a hobby or anything else that may help you.

Good luck with everything.

Paul,

Thanks for the thoughtful words and response. Looking at what you have gone through I hope to summon some of your strength.

Jasper

Jasper, I too agree with Paul. You do need to wait for the biopsy and the results. I know that you can only conceive of a recurrence, but it could be a number of things. Inflammation from reflux, maybe grazing from some food. I have been in this situation so I do know how this feels. Get the biopsy done and go from there.
Don't borrow sorrow from tomorrow.
I also want to reassure you that if this does come back as a recurrence there are plenty of curative intent options. My husband Kris, had his recurrence and Salvage surgery over 3 years ago now. This was with curative intent and he is doing very well.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Jasper, if you need strength or anything else you will find it, plenty of support here too, plus you did before, even for non cancerous life events most likely. I wouldn't say don't worry, have fear, I do, to me it's a normal process, not a negative trait as long as it doesn't paralyze you, and shows concern for your own welfare. Who needs strength anyway lol, we just do what we gotta do sometimes.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend!

Jasper,
I know it is easier to say than do but the fact is no further medical diagnosis is forthcoming until the results of the biopsy.

My observation here for two years daily now is that coughing blood is not that common. Most initial symptoms do not include coughing blood so hold good thoughts it is something else. And of course there is the old standby - "it's not cancer until is proven!"

As everyone said it could easily be something else... hoping your path is clear... hugs and fingers crossed.

I am coming late to this thread and in the meantime the point I would like to make has been made -- it is NOT cancer until a biopsy says so. It is upsetting but there is no point in scaring yourself until the reports are back. Immerse yourself in a favorite pastime until you go for your appointment.

Jason, sorry for the ramped up stress right now. That sure makes things extra tough. I had some similar findings on scoping and also have been coughing up blood, sometimes significant amounts, going on 6 years now and with biopsies, scopes, scans, exams, nothing has progressed. The doctors seemed to freak out intially but I have settled into the wait and see routine.

I'm hoping you get some results with good news.

All,

Thanks for all the right encouragement to get in the right frame of mind over the past week. Your responses were truly helpful and appreciated.

I need to get the full report from the ENT, but they biopsied three areas which showed inflammation in one spot, dysplasia in another and a mucous globule (??). The recommendation was to monitor and look again in 6 months. Again, I need to get the full report to be clear on the degree of dysplasia, but assume it is mild if they are monitoring 6 months out??

I searched the archive posts, but I am unquestionably concerned and again seeking any information, thoughts, realism and encouragement.

Thanks.