So it has been 1 month since I read my lung cancer screening ct and saw the incidental findings of mild background centrilobular emphysema. I made an immediate appt with my primary and she cared more about the finding of nodules regardless of what the recommendation for follow up in one year and current risk. I had to see a pulmonlogist ASAP. Trying to get an appt when the report said follow up in one year and stating I had no SOB, cough, or symptoms was months out. The day, I went in to see my primary to get to lung ct my pulse.ox was 100. Since I saw the report, it is now 97-99. I did see a pulm. He looked at the ct, didnt seem too concerned, said, you have no symptoms, if we ran a pft, therapy would not change. He looked at every incidental finding and was so not concerned. It put both my husband and me at ease. He was like you quit smoking, prognosis is good. After this sunk in a week or too later, I was like prognosis is good? What does that mean. Today, I am okay? And compared to those out in the clinic waiting to be seen... I am not "sick" enough yet? Any how, I reached out to David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) with multiple questions. Like did I get blown off due to no PFT being ordered by the doctor and he answered each one. I talked multiple times with Jean IA State Captain who helped me understand progression and what was in my control. I understood from all three folks, the doc I saw who looked at each incidental finding with me and was almost calmly dismissive... to the folks at COPD Foundation... that I got a screen that showed something... lots of people are walking around with the same changes who do not know either still smoking or having quit. I just happen to now know. The progression from what I have learned is glacial. Yet, I have no idea where I am staged... as no PFT was ordered. Do I really want to know. I dont know. I wrestle with that. What if it is not mild or normal, which most are stating is highly likely due to my exercise capacity. Yesterday, I walked 4 miles on the treadmill at varying inclines at a pace of 4.2 miles, my oxygen stayed above 96 and once done throughout the day was 97-99. I lift weights every day. Legs one day, chest, shoulders triceps the next, and the back and biceps. Then repeat. I walk the dog a mile loop every afternoon, hilly with a 11 to 14 pound weighted vest. No problem with SOB.... but I still fear I am doing damage. I eat an optimal diet now. It was good before but optimal now.... I got up to date on all my shots.... but here is the thing. For a month now, I live in fear.... I wish I didnt know. But then I am glad I do. I keep telling myself focus on all I can do.... focus on delaying progression regardless of what stage I may be.... knowing the stage for me now I think would do more harm to me mentally.... I just long for the day that this is not my 1st thought and last. I look for signs and symtoms now. I do not know what "glacial means" is that years, decades... are trapping... is that now or later... I am nearly 52 being told, consider yourself lucky you know before you have any signs or symptoms.... bc you can change the course. What is the darn course????? That is what I cant truly grasp?