Lung lobectomy - waiting for lymph node biopsy and feeling anxious

[Moosers22]

Hi! My mum was found with a ground glass nodule about a year ago and after many scans went in for a VATS wedge section to remove the nodule in November. The nodule was caused by her rheumatoid arthritis but the surgeon noticed some “ dots” around it and “ specks” on her lung so sent it for a biopsy. A week later he called and unfortunately it was cancer so she was brought back in 4 days later for a left lung lobectomy. The surgery went well although she had problems with air leaking from her lung and had to go home with her drain attached, she seemed very depressed and emotional and had absolutely no appetite. Just before Xmas she had her drain removed and was like a new person. We are now waiting for the results from her lymph node biopsy and I am suffering badly with anxiety. Everything Iv read suggest that’s it’s a positive thing she had the surgery and was eligible and the surgeon did said they think it is early stage. Has anyone else been through something similar! Advice and calming words would be appreciated

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Surgery is only done with curable intent. While I’ve not had surgery, I’m a 10 year survivor of lung cancer. At patient educational summits I have met people who had a lobe or a whole lung removed 25 & 30 years ago. They stick around to advocate for research into early diagnosis.

I send hope that your mom does as well as they have. There will be follow up CTs for a couple years. Please let us know what you learn about the biopsy results.

[Moosers22]

Thanks so much Denzie! That is really helpful to know. It’s been a month since she had the lobectomy and the final hurdle is the biopsy results. I am hopeful and positive that it can’t be anything much more. I am reading it is common to be offered chemo as a way to ensure it is all gone - is this something you know much about?

[JanetteR57]

Your anxiety is understandable but it's great news that she was eligible for surgery - so many aren't detected early enough or the tumour in an awkward place near other structures so your surgeon is correct - that's good news. I had my left upper lobe removed through open surgery (keyhole/VATS is now more common in the UK) on 16th Dec 2010 and diagnosed on Jan 13th 2011 as a 7cm adenocarcinoma. I was told the specific type I had (mucinous BAC) was rare and didn't respond to chemotherapy so I have had no further treatment apart from 'surveillance' or 'watchful waiting'. I was back at work and swimming by the end of March 2011 and lead an active working life and resumed travel - until the pandemic stopped that, I've been working internationally as well as leisure travel. The surgery is major surgery and it knocks people for six - my surgery was done when there was snow on the ground so I only had my partner visit once a day and 2 friends called in once (on foot) during my 6 night stay and I was in a room on my own so nobody to talk to or observe and didn't feel like reading, watching tv. however once home I was determined to recover and keep active - started walking to the local postbox - usually a 5 minute walk each way but the first time it took over 40 minutes stopping every few paces but it became a goal - so I wrote letters to those who'd sent Xmas cards to wish them happy new year etc and took each one separately to the post box visiting twice a day most days.... then when I was stronger I started walking in the park where I live.... when I saw my surgeon at the time of diagnosis on 13/1, he told me that recovery was up to me - if I recovered activity (I'd been a regular swimmer since 1990) the lung would redevelop and reinflate like a balloon to refill the space but if I didn't keep active, the lung would not redevelop and would be a weakness. His words motivated me to feel I had some 'power' or 'control' in my recovery and a book I read at the time 'anti-cancer a new way of life' by Dr Servan Schreiber added to that hope.... I never imagined I'd now be well involved in the world of lung cancer research and advocacy (since 2014) or that I'd say 'ten years ago....' but I've met patients who've survived more than 20 years. When TB was around, it was common for people to have a whole lung removed and recover their lives so I guess it depends on our perspective.... having watch my dad recover and return to work after his two bowel cancers in his late 50s (I was in my 20s at the time and 52 when I was diagnosed) when we hadn't expected him to reach 60 - he will be 91 next month - had spurred me on. hope this helps your mum but in the meantime, this booklet from Roy Castle which my local Trust helped create may reassure her with some of the recovery milestones etc. Good luck to you both. roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[Moosers22]

Thanks for sharing your story janette! I am so pleased you have managed to overcome this and enjoy life. Truely inspirational! My mum just had her results back and it’s great news. They managed to get everything with the surgery and no further treatment is required. She will be followed up with scans in 3 then 6 months! The relief is amazing! Thank you for your support and advice xxxx