Thoracic window

[Lifesab]

Hello there. Not been on here for a while. Following a nine year history of lung cancer and pneumonectomy I unfortunately had to have clagetts procedure last year which has now left me with a thoracic window. Having been reassured at the time that I would have a closure within months with a skin graft I have now been told I will have to live with this window for years if not permanently. For the last 6 months my wife has been applying an ileostomy bag over the 4cm opening to collect the exudate which she has to change on alternate days following cavity irrigation. We now found due to change in body shape we are unable to use the bags as they leak with hours of application. I would appreciate input from anyone who is living with this or from any health professional who may be able to suggest dressings that can cope with high levels of exudate. Thank you.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Lifesab

Sorry to hear of your cancer and having to live with the Thoracic window you have had since the operation. It must have been disappointing for you both to hear that at the moment there will be no further surgery to the thoracic window.

It sounds like your wife has done a great job in managing the ileostomy bag, however as the exudate is heavier and the ileostomy bags do not fit or seal anymore, you urgently need a reassessment from either your lung cancer nurse specialist or stoma care nurse.

Although a stoma care nurse specialises in bags for bowel surgery, they may be able to advise and assess what bag would be best for you and your skin care.

The leakage from a poor fitting ileostomy bag has the potential to break down your surrounding healthy skin, therefore this needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent any further complications for you.

You could contact your lung cancer nurse or GP to ask if they can reassess this or if you could be referred for an assessment by the stoma nurse.

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Lifesab in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thanks for prompt response. Sadly, we’ve tried all of your suggestions and not sure what to do next. We were hoping that another person had had a similar situation and could offer some advice.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to Lifesab]

Dear LifesabI shall send you a private message.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[BellaBe]

I’m afraid that I do not have anything helpful to say for your situation. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to reply to my post about brain mets. Considering what you have to live with every day I found it a very selfless thing to do and your words did help so thanks again.I wish you all the best and really hope you find a solution to your issues, I admire what you and your wife have to manage every day. X