Hi all, so my partners three weeks after his lobectomy and recovering well As his tumor was breaking into his ribs he had to get four ribs removed also, it was squamous carcinoma nsc. We have just got some biopsy results back which is clear on the lymph nodes and the tissue surrounding it which we’re delighted with! We are just waiting on the bone biopsy which we’ve been told could take up to two weeks again.. Has anyone else had ribs removed because of the tumor? If so what was the outcome? The pain he’s having is really bad too it’s hard to know what the normal recovery is for this..
thanks
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Clareoh
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Sorry to hear about your partners cancer. This must be such a difficult time for you both, especially until you get results of the bone biopsy. Sorry also to hear of your partners pain following lobectomy and rib removal. This operation is most often done as a thoracotomy, and the recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, the health of the patient and other individualised factors, however generally it is common to feel tired for around 6-8 weeks and have chest discomfort and swelling for up to three months. As your partner sounds like they are experiencing significant pain, we would advise contacting their doctor, as the medical team should be able to provide adequate pain relief for your partner. Pain can hinder recovery time in many ways. Good post operative pain relief means your partner is more likely to be active and will encourage them to cough and clear their secretions both of which can aid recovery. You may find this leaflet helpful, as it provides information and tips for recovery following lung surgery.
All our information booklets can be found on this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp... range from diagnosis, staging of lung cancer, treatments and living with lung cancer.
If you are looking anything up online, we would advise that you keep to the following websites, that provide accurate and up to date information:
We have a range of support services, from one to one support to online support groups through zoom , if you are interested in any of these you can register through this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp... Or by emailing Ellen.Knapp@roycastle.org
If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600
thanks so much for your reply.. he’s on a lot of morphine and gabapentin from well before the surgery due to pain with the hope of weaning off after but he doesn’t seem ready yet.. hopefully soon. Yes I’ve seen your chat about zoom we’re both hoping to get on tonight thanks
Hi Clareoh, I had part of mine removed when I had my VATs done. This was in November 2022. They test and test again, apparently my rib is doing a tour of North West hospitals of England without me! It took 6 / 7 weeks for me to get initial results, and I still don't have the full results. This is because when they take a bone sample they have to 'decalcify' it, which 'takes some time' as I was advised. They are looking for markers that might help target treatment. I also have NSC lung cancer. In terms of recovery, everyone is different, but I was up and about fairly quickly, I'd certainly advise him to get mobile as soon as he can. And take all the painkillers, there are no medals for bravery! Happy to chat privately if you want. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Helen 🙂
thanks so much Helen that’s the most information we’ve got yet! Hopefully we’ll get some answers soon or at least initial results. He’s on a huge amount of morphine and gabapentin from before the operation with the hope to start decreasing them afterwards but he’s just in so much pain.. he’s thinking it’s coming from his spine and shoulder blade rubbing against the mesh. The thoracic nurse has said the pains to be expected for at least 8 weeks but it’s tough. He’s. due to start chemotherapy soon it would’ve been nice for him to be able to enjoy some comfortable family time before it starts but it looks unlikely
It's tough, he just needs to work with how he feels, and not be shy to ask for a review on pain medication if he needs it. Like I say, no medals for bravery. Weirdly, I felt much more positive once I got beyond diagnosis, it was all the waiting for the results that caused me all the stress. At least with treatment you feel as if they are trying to help you. I started chemotherapy and immunotherapy in late January 2023, and seems to be coping well on it, so far. 2 rounds done and 2 to go. Had a couple of infections, but kept on top of that and put it behind me. A bit tired this time around, but a small price to pay if things are working. Does he know what he is having yet? I'm on carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. It hasn't been as bad as I expected, given all the warnings of side effects. I don't know whether that's because of my age / and generally feeling well? There are positive stories about chemo, you just need to look for them! As for quality time, we grabbed a holiday in January before I started treatment, you've got to take all the positives you can, when you can. All being well, I want to get off again in late April when I finish the chemo, even if it's a minibreak with hubby and dogs! Make the most of when he is feeling on a level - and he will do - just see if they can tweak his pain meds to help. You need to advocate for yourself or you can be ignored. Keep me posted, and I wish you and your family well. Helen 👍🙂
Thanks Helen, he’s a really positive person I actually said to him no better person for dealing with it because he’s always looking for the positives!
We are a lot more settled now that we know it’s been removed, Sams been in extreme pain and hospitalised for 5 weeks previously to the operation so I think it’s just the constant pain is wearing. Our macmillan nurse is great and really supportive in regards to pain meds so that’s good.
We haven’t met the oncologist yet but are due to hear from them in the next week or two. So not sure what treatment is ahead, what type of cancer is yours? I’m so glad to hear it hasn’t been too rough for you.. hopefully you’ll be able to get a nice break. I’m looking at a cottage not far from home to go away with the children in the next week or two but that’s depending on Sams pain level.
Sounds like a very good idea! If he's on a level, then do it if you can. Make the most of making memories together, that's what it is all about. 🙂
I've got non small cell lung cancer, where there are no obvious tumours to target since they took out my very rude and unwelcome visitors in November. That's why they are doing chemo - nuke everything that's 'hiding', they are going after microscopic cells with that. The immunotherapy is to re-educate my cells to kill cancer cells. If I get through this induction phase OK, the plan is to do maintenance immunotherapy for 2 years after, if I tolerate it. So far, so good. (And everything crossed!) Let me know how Sam gets on, I'll try to make friends with you on here, so that if you want a private chat, you can do that. Helen 🙂
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