Side and back pain: Have stage 3 lung... - Lung Cancer Support

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Side and back pain

Jeri1234 profile image
12 Replies

Have stage 3 lung cancer and had left upper lobe removed in May 2017.Now I am having severe left side and back pain. I have recently had CT scans and a pleural biopsy to check for fluid and it was negative. I am scheduled for a PET scan on Jan. 31st and wondering if anyone else have or had this problem.Oxcycodone is not helping the pain. Any suggestions?

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Jeri1234 profile image
Jeri1234
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12 Replies
frisk profile image
frisk

After my left lower lobectomy(2016) I had severe pain and meds did not help. Doctor put me on Gabapentin which has helped,still have some pain but bearable. Hope you find some relief.

Sharon

stutheit profile image
stutheit

I also had a wedge reduction in May open chest and I still have pain on my right side I take oxycodone and it does seem to help it doesn't take it away though wish you the best of luck

GranMia profile image
GranMia

I suffered the same after my second surgery and they decided I had muscle damage from surgery...my doctor did two nerve blocks a month apart and while the pain has subsided greatly I still get *twinges* but NOTHING like I was experiencing....good luck to you and keep being a fighter !! I just had my cat scan and follow up with my oncologist and am NOW considered a patient with *cancer history* PTL !

Jeri1234 profile image
Jeri1234 in reply to GranMia

Thanks for replying. Good luck to you and praising the Lord everyday

GranMia profile image
GranMia in reply to Jeri1234

Just keep on trusting in God...I wanted to also tell you that I am no longer on pain meds either so ask your Dr. about how your muscles are or are not healing...

Denzie profile image
DenzieModeratorVolunteer

Both open and vats thorachotomies usually result in damage to the nerve that runs along the ribs. frisk, my dr put me on Gabapentin. It has helped considerably. If gabapentin brings no relief drs will often try Lyrica.

Another possibility is fentanyl patch but the gabapentin and lyrica are usually enough. Gabapentin takes some getting used to but it also relieved neuropathy in my hands and feet.

Jeri1234 profile image
Jeri1234 in reply to Denzie

Thanks; Seeing the pain dr on 2/08' hope I can get some relief

Denzie profile image
DenzieModeratorVolunteer in reply to Jeri1234

Let us know how it goes.

I'm on gabapentin and oxycodone 10twice a day and on oxycontin 12 hour twice a day. The pain was horrible they don't tell you that this pain can happen I still have pain from the lobectomy. They damage the nerves I don't think theres much else they can do. If you find out anything let us know and we'll do the same. Jo

Jeri1234 profile image
Jeri1234 in reply to

I do have some gabapentin/ oxycodone and OxyContin maybe I can try this. will keep you posted and thanks

Jeri1234 profile image
Jeri1234

What to do for numbness of the toes and fingers

FtB_Peggy profile image
FtB_Peggy

Jeri,

I am so sorry you are so miserable, I hope your appointment on 2/8 brings relief! Meanwhile, have you told your medical team how you are feeling, and asked what you can do in the interim? If you haven't - I would definitely give them a call, if you have a nurse navigator - you could explain the situation to her/him. I just hate to think of you waiting all that time feeling the way you do!

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