How should I feel after a lobectomy?

[Jagsmom]

I had an upper right lobectomy 6 months ago (Robot/VAT I believe it’s called). Should I be feeling “normal” now. Currently, I have pain below my breasts for which I take over-the-counter Percogesic. That works pretty well. And, my lungs don’t feel normal. I would describe them as feeling tight. Also, I get out of breath walking up stairs or hills. I walk a mile a day outdoors (flat surface and hills). Thanks.

[JanetteR57]

You should be recovering most of your functionality by now but we all heal/respond differently and of course, it depends on your levels of fitness/activity before surgery. Having said that, my upper left lobe was removed by open not keyhole surgery and although back swimming at the 3 month point, it took a further 3 months (i.e. 6 months) to be back at the 130 lengths I used to do previously. In the next months/years I went onto develop my lung capacity considerably and overall fitness levels by doing more each visit - eventually swimming 360 lengths in a single session and 980 miles in one year and 989 another... although did around 280 the year of surgery.. My surgeon said recovery was 'up to you - being active is the quickest route to recovery... being inactive won't help as the lungs are organs that like other muscles including the heart need activity to keep them healthy and the remaining lung would adapt/increase in size (but thinner surface like a balloon). Whilst I wasn't swimming in the first 3 months post surgery I walked again increasing distance each day but then developed tendonitis so had to stop that. I noticed a reduction in stamina and breathing capacity during this period as I have this year with the lockdown causing my biggest period of inactivity (despite walking) since 1990. Your upper right lobectomy means you have lost one third of your right lung so still have 4/5 capacity which with gradual increase should function well if you had reasonable lung function beforehand. Have you tried increasing your distance of walking - sounds as if your body has become used to it? have you tried other types of activity - I was recommended yoga and pilates as they focus on the breathing without being over strenuous in the aerobic aspect if that's an issue. Keep up the walking but maybe do other things too.... you may find these links helpful. good luck. blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

[Jagsmom in reply to JanetteR57]

I was increasing my distance every day - got up to 1.5 miles. My two problems are - I live in a hilly area so I’m dealing with a lot of hills which are strenuous. I found that my 1.5 mile walk left me with a slight dry cough so I was concerned it was doing damage to my lungs instead of helping them. Also, my paralyzed right diaphragm is pushing up against the bottom of my lung so I have a bit of a collapse in that area. That, too, impacts my lung capacity - probably by about 10 percent. I was very fit prior to surgery (69 years old, walked 10 miles last summer and 3 to 4 miles each day) but I don’t know what is too much. Is developing a dry cough a sign I’ve done too much or is that normal in the beginning? I’m seeing my pulmonologist mid September and hope to discuss pulmonary rehab with him. If I knew what my limits should be, and what signs tell me I’m doing too much, I wouldn’t worry so much.

[JanetteR57 in reply to Jagsmom]

Understandable - it took a lot longer for me to cope with stairs and hills so what you're saying makes sense and fits what I understand. The dry cough may be related to environmental factors - air quality, pollen, allergens etc - my suggestion would be to keep hydrated whilst walking/active and note if any particular time of day/evening, level/incline sets it off more than others. Not having had any surgery since my tonsils were removed pre-school for me, meant I had nothing to compare with and just went 'at it' overdoing it quite early on, coming off painkillers too soon etc. but I just rested up when I felt tired/breathing erratic etc. It's good you're due to see your pulmonologist in mid September - it may be a good idea to start a bit of a journal - daily noting any difference in your breathing/cough/recovery and what activities you've been doing - this will help him in your appointment. We often experience symptoms/signs that are completely unrelated to the cancer diagnosis or treatment - as we did before we were diagnosed, we can still be susceptible to many other conditions that can cause your symptoms - including infection, virus, allergic response etc. Not everything is or will be related but keeping a journal may help the clinician draw any conclusions or not from this information. In the meantime, you may find the enclosed lung surgery booklet helpful from Roy Castle as it suggests milestones and exercises. good luck with your continued recovery - sounds as if you're well on the way..... roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[Jagsmom in reply to JanetteR57]

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me and for providing resources. I’ve learned a lot. Just got back from a 2 mile walk and feel pretty good.

[JanetteR57 in reply to Jagsmom]

keep up the good work

[Beepers7]

Hi Jagsmom,

Just for reference I had wedge resection 5 months ago. I still have occasional sharp pains below my rib cage. Slowly getting better. I was in great shape(72 yrs old) before chemoradiation and surgery followed by more chemo. I continued to walk daily through out treatment with some difficulties. Breathing was an issue along with cough and surgery pain, but I just kept walking daily. I don’t think you can over do, but I listened to my body.

Now walking and hiking mountains though slowly.

So keep it going and continue to push forward. Wishing you the very best. 💕🙏

[Jagsmom in reply to Beepers7]

Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you the best too!

[Feelingblessed2013]

Walk as much as you are able, rest when you need to. Listen to your body.

[joe_s17050]

I had a right upper lobectomy 06/05/2008...so far all is good..i am 67 ..keep active..exercising and walking...it took time...i still get a very slight twinge where the incision was..but nothing uncomfortable..i go for my annual lung cancer screening sept 4...

my advice..stay active..be positive..keep the faith..pray regularly..God is good and faithful...

[Jagsmom in reply to joe_s17050]

Congratulations on 12 years. Hope I can say that some day. I got my first ever puppy two years ago when I was 68 and I promised him we’d grow old together. He keeps me active!