Surgery on August 8

[Mar-C95]

I 'm having upper right lung removed for biopsy. They did a CT assisted needle in March, that was a little scary but all went well. That biopsy was negative. May 19 had a Pet scan, I had small area light up. I'm staying active around the house, it helps me not to dwell on my surgery. Finding this web site is helping me have more hope.

[Feddeb]

Keep positive. Keep busy. My surgery wasnt as bad as i imagined.

[Mar-C95 in reply to Feddeb]

Thank you, that's encouraging.

[Steph60]

I know it is scary. The way I made it through was to keep busy like you are and to tell myself that if others could make it through what I am going through then I can to! Keep telling yourself that- sending you a big hug.

[Mar-C95 in reply to Steph60]

Thank you for that positive boost. It helps Me a lot to communicate positive. I just retired in January. I got quite discouraged when that CT scan showed something like scar tissue.

[frisk]

Hi, hope your surgery goes well! Keep us posted.

[frisk]

I hope your surgery goes well!

[Mar-C95 in reply to frisk]

Thanks, this is my first major.

[Leigh222]

I just had that surgery on June 16th... it's nowhere near as horrid as I'd imagined. The first couple of days are uncomfortable because of the chest tube but the nurses take good care of you and before you know it, you're up and walking and going home and getting better every day. Mine turned out to be an abscessed sarcoidosis nodule, not cancer so try not to worry. Take care.....

[Mar-C95 in reply to Leigh222]

Thanks for the encouragement . I 'm trying to focus on the positive. You're right it may not be cancer. I'm makeing the most of my present abilities to do a lot outdoor physical activities that I enjoy.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Your outdoor activities will keep you in good shape. People who get regular exercise tend to recover faster with fewer negative side effects.

Whether you are having a video assisted thorochotomy (VATS) or an open one it would be advisable to sleep in a recliner for the first week or so. If you can afford one or can borrow one a recliner that also has a seat lift in it is even better.

Do you know if thelll be taking the whole lobe or just a piece of it? Please stay in touch.

[Mar-C95 in reply to Denzie]

I think it will be VATS , he will take the whole upper right lobe. I just keep trying to prepare myself mentally of the unknown amount of down time I'm facing. I've never had an illness in my-life that put me in the hospital more than one day. I've been blessed health wise for 24 years active Army retired in1995. Then worked another 22 years at the job I just retired from in January this year. But now my fear factor is intense. My wife calls me work aholic. Anyway, I put my faith in my Lord as I always have throughout the years of my life. I pray for a miracle, for the surgeon, for my wife and son, as they go down this path with me. In one week I know my life will be changed. I pray for all those out there fighting cancer. Thank you and bless you all for support you have expressed to me.

[JRuthI1946 in reply to Mar-C95]

God bless.

[anrean in reply to Mar-C95]

Please do not focus on the fear. All too often what we imagine is far worse than reality. Not having been seriously ill before, perhaps the hardest part is going to be keeping your mind busy with good things. Plan on some things you can do while sitting in a chair; are there movies you have wanted to see, friends you can talk to even if over the phone, books, planning a project you can do when you feel better? Anything, no matter how simple, that keeps your mind busy will help a great deal. Also, might want to ask your priest or pastor to make a visit - that was one thing that was especially helpful for me.

May God bless you and hold you in the palm of His healing hands as you go through this difficult time.

God Bless

Lauri-Anne

[frisk]

Hope all goes well for you! Had lower left lobe removed was not a piece of cake but was not extremely painful either. Keep us posted!

[Rita91]

Hello, I was diagnosed in 11/14 with stage IV lung cancer, it is a scary place to be. Stay positive and keep active. Wishing you best of luck with your surgery and a fast recovery. I'll be thinking and praying for you on the 8th.

[FtB_Peggy]

Mar-C95, Welcome. Thank you for reaching out to this community - you will find friends here. You have a lot on your side having been so active in your life, and having supportive family. Keep up the good work - you are doing all the right things. Remember to tell them right away if you have any side effects - they need to know to help. Good luck, will hold you in my thoughts.

[anrean]

If I were you, even though you only have a short window of time, I would most definitely get a second oponion and/or have a very extensive discussion with the doctor. It concerns me that you had a negative biopsy and from what you have written, the doctor is relying on the results of the PET scan to make such a serious decision. PET scans can light up without there being any cancer present. Things like an infection can and do make them light up. Don't mean to scare you, but dismissing the biopsy and relying only on the PET scan is not necessarily the best option for such a big decision. I would want ALL the information, and knowing me, I would go for another biopsy first.

You are in my prayers.