Lobectomy in3 days

[AlisonPK]

This past year I’ve had a malignant melanoma, breast cancer and now lung cancer- all right side of body and all unconnected. Lung cancer was picked up at a radiotherapy scan by an oncologist who was to plan my radiotherapy. This tumour is 2.7cm and is upper right lobe. I’m to get a right lobe Lobectomy and I’m quite scared. It’s to be a vats procedure but this is my 3rd surgery since February. Has anyone been through this procedure. What are the complications after surgery I need to know about. Any suggestions welcome.

[dogsbody321]

i had vatsop 9 weeks ago felt rough first week just been taking it easy and doing what nurses and physios told me if iv over done it 1 day i rest the next most pain comes from ribs but is managed with painkillers feeling more normal now i had to learn not to rush it.its frightening but you will be ok good luck the hospital really took good care of me im sure yours will.

[AlisonPK in reply to dogsbody321]

Thanks

[Denzie]

Sleep in a reclining chair for the first week or so. Tuck small pillows around you to support the ribs.

[AlisonPK in reply to Denzie]

Thanks

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Alison

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear about all your illnesses, you must be feeling quite exhausted, physically and emotionally.

This link will take you directly to our booklet on lung surgery , which will explain your VATS (Video assisted thorascoscopic surgery) keyhole surgery, along with the post op care and recovery time. roycastle.org/system/file_u...

Make sure you have been allocated a lung cancer nurse specialist, if you do not have one this can be requested either by your GP, breast nurse specialist or Oncologist. They can provide lots of useful information and support.

Most people recover well from lung surgery and it takes about 6-8 weeks to start to feel getting back to normal. It is important to pace what you can manage and rest well in-between.

If you wish to discuss anything you can call us on our Freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200.

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[AlisonPK in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thanks. I have the booklet and a lung nurse allocated. I’m all set to go in today. I joined here to see what experiences others have had and get any tips so I’ll be keeping in touch.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

That is great Alison, all the very best for today.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[JanetteR57]

Good luck with your surgery Alison. I was going to point you in the direction of the lung surgery booklet as I wish something like that had been around when I had my upper left lobe removed in Dec 2010 to remove a 7cm tumour with open surgery (thoracotomy i.e. not keyhole/VATs) and was back at work and swimming 3 months later. I flew to Scotland 4 months after surgery for work. Sleeping propped up was easier for me, keep moving/active even if painful, try and walk a few steps around the house/garden/neighbourhood each day once home. Keep hydrated. Get sufficient rest and take the pain relief - don't try to be a hero and come off it too soon (as I did fearing dependency on medication). Take lactulose or similar to help constipation caused by the painkillers. Eat small meals. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[AlisonPK in reply to JanetteR57]

Thanks very helpful- I will post once I’m out the other side.

[jckjanetrosalin]

I see youve had your lobectomy now and are on day 2. I had left vats lobectomy last august. I got an air leak after where drain had to stay in. I was in 2 weeks with it and as its plugged into the wall behind the bed, i couldnt leave the room. I could unplug just to go toilet. I found that very depressing. After 2 weeks they let me home with a flutter bag. I had that in for another 5 days at home until i returned to the ward and leak had stopped so it was removed. I then got an infection in scar and had to go my surgery to nurse 3 times a week for dressings. The pain lasts a while but eventually does go. I used hot water bottle on my back as that is where i felt the pain. I didnt take pain killers.

I can see youve had a really rough time and i hope this will be the last time for a operation and cancer. All the best keep in touch. Im doing fine now running three times a week. Not bad with half left lung .I can run 30 mins and walk 10 mins with it.

[AlisonPK in reply to jckjanetrosalin]

I’m doing well and off everything. Hope to get hm today. I’m praying this is the last cancer and I can get my life back!

[AlisonPK in reply to jckjanetrosalin]

I’m doing well and off everything. Hope to get hm today. I’m praying this is the last cancer and I can get my life back!

[jckjanetrosalin]

Glad your doing well. Thinking of you x

[AlisonPK]

Thanks. Home now. Very sore but keeping medicated. Early days but I’ll get there.

[AlisonPK]

Day 6 and getting a little better every day. Sleeping is a bit of a problem and can’t seem to get comfortable. Managing the meds and no longer bunged up so that’s been a bonus. 1 week tomorrow since the op but baby steps are way forward. Onwards and upwards! Scars are not very nice but I’m sure they will calm down.