Thank you. He has an appt today for bleeding in the ear. When i made the appt for him i requested they check out his shortness of breath, coloring, etc. I may get in trouble because my dad is in somewhat of denial about the whole thing. I just know like you said he could feel better with some treatment. Besides all his friends tell me something should be done. I really feel like the doc should have picked up on this with his swelling leg and all. Thank you again for your answer.
Your description of your father's symptoms does indeed suggest the diagnosis of COPD and, even at age 83, it is likely that he would benefit from drug therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, including an exercise program. He might also be suffering from oxygen deprivation, in which case his life and health could be improved by the provision of supplemental oxygen. With the exception of cough, his symptoms would not be caused by a nodule.
You should ask his doctor whether he and the radiologist believe the nodule to be cancer or not and, if not why not? Also ask him for a more definite answer to the question, "is treatment an option."? If not, why not and if yes, specifically what treatment would they be considering, for example surgery vs. radiation therapy. You and your father have a right to get answers to these questions. You may have to get a consultation from a pulmonary specialist to get valid answers.