Still have shortness of breath from lobectomy in May

[Babtino]

I had a left upper lobectomy in May 2023 followd by 4 sessions of chemo. I still have a little shortness of breath left over from my lobectomy. Is this fairly common?

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Babtino

Sorry to hear you have had surgery for lung cancer and hope you have had a reasonable recovery from both the operation and chemotherapy.

It is quite normal to have some breathlessness after lung surgery, and for some people it can take up to 6 months for their breathlessness to settle and it can be up to 12 months to get back to their normal lung capacity, for others it is less time. This can depend on many factors, age, recovery, other medical conditions, their fitness level before surgery etc.

If you feel your breathlessness is getting worse , or you have noticed any other symptoms, then do let the doctors know, I assume you have told them that you still have some current breathlessness, and be guided by them.

You may find our booklet on 'Managing lung cancer symptoms' of use: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

If there is anything that you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Susie215]

Yes totally normal. You may not ever go back to exactly what you were before. I had my right upper lobe lobectomy in February and still get short of breath with some activities. I suggest you get your Dr to get you into Pulmonary Rehab. It is helping me a lot. Your surgery wasn’t that long ago and you also had chemo. Give yourself time. Hang in there.

[janeg4]

Hi Babtino firstly your lucky you could be treated by surgery which hopefully will be curative . Yeah bit breathless for a spell but I've been disco dancing now for several years without getting breathless lol ...

Stay happy and keep positive !!!!!

Jane x