Kristal Russo

As many of you know, I have been going through some testing due to a lung nodule found in my left upper lung back at the beginning of July. I have had conflicting results on my test results. Biopsy said no malignancies, and PET scan said different. So after speaking with a few doctors, I was advised by ALL of them to have it removed. So...I go in to St Anthony's Hospital in Crown Point, Indiana on Friday morning(great thoracic surgeon there) to have my nodule removed. There are 3 possible outcomes for this surgery.
1. They are going to remove my plural effusion I have on my lower left lung. During this time they are going to test it for cancer. If it shows cancer cells, they are going to close me up and go a different route due to the fact it would be considered stage IV and management is the only option. WE are not anticipating this result!
2. They are doing a Wedge Resection, which is where they are removing the nodule and surrounding area. They will be testing the entire nodule, and if any certain staging occurs.....then
3. They would have to do a lobectomy. That is when they remove the entire upper left lobe of my lung. It would be a rough go, but it is best to remove any chance of spreading.
I will be in ICU after my procedure, then transported to a private room for a few days. I will be in the hospital for anywhere from 3-5 days if I only have the wedge resection, and much longer if I have the lobectomy. Either way recovery will be long and painful. Bed rest for at least a month. And no exercise for at least 6 months-DARN IT lol.
But I have to say, I am extremely lucky for them to have found this so early, on a fluke. My neck has not had any swelling since finding the nodule. And throughout all the testing, nothing has shown up regarding my neck....????? God works in mysterious ways. I may of had a little help from upstairs. Prayers and good thoughts are always welcomed. Thanks to my friends and family, we will get through this. Love to all of you, Kristal