Post Lobectomy

[janeths466]

Hey everyone. So my mom has been good so far, we will go to the oncologist soon, its been almost 3 months since surgery and she has been doing well. Is coughing normal at night? She seems to choke on her saliva alot. Also, everytime she drinks a liquid she says she can feel it in the lung area. She says she can feel the coldness of the liquid going down. Has anyone experienced this post lobectomy?

She was intubated prior to this maybe that has something to do with were the liquids are going. Nonetheless I worry. Also she says the are were the draining tube was put on is the only one that is mostly painful. Other than that she is fine but I wanna know if anyone has gone through this.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The coughing is normal. In part it is due to the scarring. That’s probably what she’s noticing when she’s swallowing as well.

[Spainy]

She should feel better and better with time as she heals. Stay as active as she can to build up stamina. Yes those darn drainage tubes are a painful challenge all their own. But again, with time this too will heal.

[Feelingblessed2013]

Normal part of healing, but mention it to her doctor just so they are aware. They can also reassure you and your mom that this is a normal part of the healing process.

For some reason the incision for the chest tube is usually the worst one with regard to pain and healing.