Hi,
Was diagnosed after a biopsy with adenocarcinoma in my left lung. I am having the surgery on the 4th of next month. They are planning to remove the left lobe. I work in Law Enforcement and was wondering if the reduced lung capacity would effect my ability to work the same. Any thoughts. Thanks
Blue tug, as it was explained to me before my lobectomy, the remaining lobe(s) on the side with the lobe removed will be able to expand somewhat after the surgery, thus making up for much of the lost lung capacity. Plus , in my case anyway, the removed lobe was cancerous and also had a huge emphesemic bullae so it was almost useless to begin with. My best advice to you is get up and get moving ASAP post surgery , and to really do the breathing exercises you will be taught. If possible, ask your Dr to prescribe a Aerobika or other ‘flute like ‘ device for use strengthening your lungs.
I’ve met a couple of survivors at educational seminars who took up running and karate after having lobes removed. I’m not one of them so I can’t speak to how long it took them to get back their strength.
Will they be removing the upper or lower left lobe? Please know that the heart may shift a bit as the body adjusts by filling the void with a gelatinous substance. Nature abhors a vacuum.
Hi Bluetug and welcome!
I am sure you will get some great information here - there folks are the experts and they are generous with their knowledge.
I would also highly recommend that you talk to your medical team/oncologist about your questions and concerns. If they know about your concerns a plan could be made to help with your recovery - physical therapy, respiratory therapy, etc. to help you reach your highest level of functioning post-op. Exercise, of course, is great for increasing heart and lung capacity.
But please remember, this is serious surgery so your body does need time to recover and heal. Be patient with yourself and talk to your medical team right away about any new symptoms or side effects you notice. Do you have a palliative care team? In some hospitals, they are the ones who help with any symptoms and side effects as you move through your surgery and any treatments.
Forgive me if you already know these things - just trying to cover some of the bases for you.
Best of luck, and please keep in touch. We will be thinking about you.
Peggy
I had same thing.....& in my 60’s with busy health history past few years. I found I was short of breath & fatigued easily to be honest with you. But many different factors and variables involved for different people. Best of luck.
Welcome Bluetug113. You have come to the right place for information, support and understanding. Many of us have been where you are with lots of questions and apprehension. This is not an easy road, neither is it easy being in law enforcement. You will do well. Your operative and post operative experiences will depend on many things including your age, general health, how much lung tissue is removed and the procedure used. As others have advised, move as much as possible and do the deep breathing exercises you are shown. Pain control will also be a big factor. The hospital staff will be most helpful there. Once you are discharged from the hospital, sleeping in a recliner is most helpful. I slept in one for several weeks after discharge from the hospital until it felt comfortable to lie flat.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. This is major, major surgery and your body will need time to adjust and heal.
Lots of prayers and good wishes for your Jan. 4 surgery and recovery. Let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it.
Jean
I had my upper left lobe removed 4 1/2 years ago. Like others have said, your ability to return to work depends on many factors. I went back to work for a short time, but my job wasn't even close to what you do for a living.
I was also told that my immune system was extremely compromised after the surgery.
The most important thing right now is to give yourself time to heal.
If you live in the US and find that you are no longer able to work, you should be able to get SSD, lung cancer is an automatic qualifier.
Please let us know how you are doing.
Hi again, Bluetug,
I just wanted to offer you our free Patient Information Kit. We also have many resources for help with financial issues, support, help with travel expenses, etc. Please just send an email to me at: pbezruki@freetobreathe.org and I will get the information you need out to you.
Will be thinking of you on the fourth!
It has been over 4 years since I had my upper right lobe removed, during this time I try to get a cardio workout a few times a week. That being said, I get winded faster and have to catch my breath when doing a lot of work outside in yard. I am just turning 58 years old, and you did not indicate your age or how active you have been in the past. Just remember to take it slow and listen to your body.
I had my upper left lobe removed 5/14. The space that was left was filled by the remaining lower left lobe. Depending on your age (I was 66), general health and activity you should be able to resume 'normal' activities in about 8 weeks. I was out of the hospital in 3 days. For 2 weeks no heavy lifting or bending over. I went for a 3 mile hike after 8 weeks and a year after didn't notice any shortness of breath. It took a while for me to get back to 'normal' because I did 16 weeks of chemo 8 weeks after the surgery. My surgeon told me he has had patients run marathons after lung removal! We are all different, take it easy and don't push yourself too much but try to walk some everyday and talk with your doctors about what to expect. Also check in with this group as there is a wealth of information from all the survivors here. Best wishes!
Thanks I am 54. They tell me8ll need four rounds of chemo. So far so good I had my lung removed on the 4th. They said the nodule was about the size of a wail egg. I am up and about in the hospital. Tomorrow they will put the shunt in for chemo. The sooner the better I think.
Thanks
Was your chemo because had spread to lymph node or the stage/size or what ??? Mine was caught early -- by "accident" ( I fell and cracked ribs) -stage 1b.. was "1.9 cm nodule--- adenocarcinoma, minimally invasive." Surgeon says was contain in LUL, they removed the entire lobe and are saying just surveillance scans every 3 months for first year, then 6 months for years 2,3 & 4 and then annually.. I don't WANT chemo, who does-- but just anxious that after being this blessed to catch early if a blast of chemo to kill any sneaky cells wouldn't be wise. .. especially since seeing so many on here reporting chemo. I am 52.. y/o.--. my General practitioner says if it was him he'd throw in chemo" just.to be sure" -- so of course that input adds to confusion
I had no symptoms except for a sharp pain one night that I thought might have been a heart attack but it went away quickly. I went to the ER just to make sure all was OK. They ran tests and there was no indication of a heart attack however another test they ran was off just a little which prompted the doctor get xray and then CAT scan showed a mass. I had to stay in the hospital until they did a biopsy which confirmed it was cancer. I was initially diagnosed as stage one. The nodule was 2.25 cm. CAT, PET and MRI showed only the one nodule in upper left lobe. However when the surgeon removed the lobe he took out 15 lymph nodes as well and 3 tested positive for cancer. The oncologist recommended the chemo to knock out any rogue cells. I assume your surgeon removed some lymph nodes as well? Were they clear?
Yes, the lymph nodes were clear. I too was symptom free-- had I not fallen and fractured ribs then no telling when would have found.
The story is a bit different from yours but I thought this might inspire you.
mobile.nytimes.com/2018/01/...
Thanks any story helps and shows me that there is light at the end of the tunnelk
Thanks so much for sharing this!
They removed my left lung and it affected my stamina. I just don’t have the air capacity I used to but I am almost 68
Everyone is different. I can breathe just fine its the pain and dis comfort 7 mos now
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