I am 5 weeks post right lung lobectomy and still getting out of breath . Has anyone else experience it . I have never been out of breath before so since the operation this is new . I also seem to be reaching when I cough and my stomach seems bloated also a new symptom .
Any advice welcomed
Had same operation at end of February still got a cough and this makes me short of breath doctors trying different medication due for six months scan end August hopefully be OK by then hope you are feeling better now best wishes x
Hi there thank you for your reply . What kind of medicine have they tried . I also have problems with feeling full all the time as though my food gets stuck not sure what that is please let me know how you get on with your scan. Did you have right too lobe and lymph nodes out then followed by chemo. 🙋🏻♀️
Its been about 5 weeks since my biblectomy (probably spelt wrong, basically 2 lobes of the right lung removed). Am getting a bit of breathlessness when I get up from sitting down and go upstairs. I've just started getting out on the bike again which is a good way of putting the lungs through their paces. I'll probably have to have chemo also.
I went for a lung capacity test and ive gone from 4.3ltrs to just over 3 litres, so its understandable that lungs are going to have to work a bit harder. Sorry if I'm not much help, I don't expect my situation to improve greatly, its just going to be a case of getting used to the "new normal". Next step for me is to get out running again, but not sure how that's going to go.
wow i am impressed you are getting the bile out. I am 5 weeks yesterday and only had top right lobe removed . I don't think i am breathing correct;ly as i am still out of breath easily
Hi Ian just read your notes again your hard core if you had top and middle lobe of right lung removed that is massive . You are the same as me in time 5 weeks and sounds like your steaming ahead with healing
It can take a while to recover breathing but it will get easier. Did the physio prescribe any breathing or shoulder exercises before you left hospital? Were you given an incentive spirometer or peak flow meter? The cough can also take a few weeks to subside. Last year I was diagnosed with dysfunctional breathing as my vocal cords keep closing and my breathing pattern is all 'wrong' - suspected due to the various chest infections I've had in the last few years (and bronchoscopies). I had a lobectomy in Dec 2010 and recovered well and was back swimming and working 3 months later although breathlessness when climbing stairs took a lot longer to improve. Having waited months to see a respiratory physio and speech and language therapist, they've pointed out what I need to do and it takes time to retrain breathing. One thing they've said is if we're breathing incorrectly, the mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide is wrong and can make us tired, snatching at air (air hunger) can cause the bloating you describe as the stomach fills up with air rather than the lungs. I've been told I'm breathing in my neck/upper chest rather than lungs/abdomen area and this has happened over time so having to relearn how to breathe. When I said I had no instructions after my surgery like this, they seemed surprised. I've been told to slow my breathing down and be more focused and put one hand on my chest and one on my stomach when lying flat and consciously breathe more lower down, if that makes sense. suggest you try some of the exercises to 'retrain' your breathing. - unfortunately anxiety can only make the situation worse so trying to relax will help if you can....
Dear HenryEtta
Sorry to hear you have ongoing breathlessness and there have been some excellent replies and advice.
This is the link to our booklet on managing lung cancer symptoms, where you will find a section on breathlessness on pages 4-9 there are some diagrams for breathing exercises.
roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...
If you wish to discuss anything you can either email us at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200
Kind regards
The Roy Castle Support Team
I had a lower right lobectomy 18 months ago and had the same symptoms, breathlessness, noisy breathing and cough. Had many tests, lungs all ok. Looked up symptoms on internet and read about LPR (silent reflux) and read that 40% of patients who have had lung surgery get this.
I went to see a specialist and had a camera down my throat, they found just slight gastritis but nothing more. Went to another specialist who put a camera up my nose and into the back of my throat and he diagnosed LPR. It is not something that can be cured but it can be managed. I take Esomeprazole each morning and use Nasonex twice a day. It helps but I still get breathless and cough. My cancer is gone and my lung capacity is very good but the breathlessness remains and it's caused by post nasal drip which in turn can cause LPR.
Not suggesting you have the same but it might be worth checking it out . BTW ...LPR is very common and is not considered to be serious once it's managed. I hope this helps you.
Hi there I have post nasal drip anyway had it for several years before this lung cancer . Thank you though it has co firmed what u thought once you have a part of the lung removed you do get this reflux . Can I be rude and ask how old you are as the older we get the lung function goes down anyway .
Hi Henryetta
I will be 75 in November and I'm fairly active but not terribly fit. Gardening and a walk most days is my exercise! My last lung function tests showed 100%+. They said I had better than average lung function for my age. I gave up smoking in 1980 in case you are wondering.
The last three years have not been the best, I've had two bouts of anal cancer and earlier this year had chemo-radiotherapy for that which has finally knocked it on the head. This was stage 2 squamous cell cancer and not connected in any way to the non small cell cancer in my lung but I'm now feeling a bit more like my old self and incredibly grateful to the Royal Marsden Hospital and St Georges Hospital who performed my lung op. Where would we be without our wonderful NHS?
I really hope you feel better soon but it does take a good six months or so to get over cancer treatment. I remember feeling very low and anxious and that's apart from the physical symptoms of after surgery/treatment. So stay positive and stay strong. Best wishes X
Ah thank you so much for your positive words and sounds like you also have had your fair share of health issues . I think being positive is the only way forward . Please let me know how you are getting on and so happy you have kicked this cancer in the butt
Best wishes Annette
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