question about CT scan and nodule

[gqmom]

So I had to go to the ER last night with a racing heart....turns out to be anxiety after tons of tests. I did have a repeat CT scan of my lungs which shows the same nodule that was there on my last CT about 7 weeks ago (then 4mm)...now is 3mm. I only had 1 chemo treatment 3 days before. Now I'm scared that it could be cancer and is shrinking because of chemo. Can nodules just shrink? Be measured diffferently (different hospital/machine/radiologist)? Now you can see WHY my anxiety earned my trip to the hospital!! Ugh....Anyone? Help!

[Jackie07]

Have you talked to your oncologist about the finding? Has he discussed with you before what the 'nodule' in your lungs could be?

My take is that even if it is cancer, the 'shrinkage' signified it's responding to chemotherapy. If you look up the chart in the "calling all stage IV sisters' thread, you'll find many members with metastasis to other organs are currently NED http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48453&highlight=calling+stage+sisters.

I was so sure about getting liver mets one time after getting CT and then an ultrasound - until a week later my oncologist taught me a new term: 'hepatic hemangioma', and told me it's harmless...

[Rich66]

1 mm change is too small to judge anything by given the limits of typical scanner resolution...probably within registration error...especially if between facilities.