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Chest infection following lobectoemy

IllB
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Hi, my partner was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer and had a lobectomy in Oct.

Over the past week he has had a nasty cough and was seen by GP four days ago and diagnosed with chest infection and put on antibiotics.

He is a little better but not a lot.

Could this cough/infection be something related to his lobectomy?

he is due to see his oncologist early Jan re starting chemotherapy.

He wonders whether a planned flight/holiday to Iceland on Boxing Day should still go ahead.

Should he be seeing someone other than GP re this chest infection/ persistent cough.?

mny thanks 

  • Hi lIIB,

    Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.

    I see from your profile that you’ve joined our online lung cancer forum. I hope it will be a good source of support.

    After lung surgery, it’s important to have any symptoms of a chest infection, assessed by a doctor, and treated straight away. This is because it can be difficult to tell the difference between a chest infection and pneumonia.

    I’m not sure from your post how long your partner’s course of antibiotics is, and whether he is going to be seen again by his GP.

    Because he is not a lot better, we’d recommend that he gets back in touch with his GP today. If he can't speak to his GP, he should call NHS 111.

    We’d also recommend that he speaks to a clinical member of his hospital specialist team today, as they’d want to know that he has an infection and about his persistent cough. They will also be able to advise about flying and say whether this is safe to do.

    There can be increased risks after surgery, and other things to consider like airline regulations and travel insurance.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Sending best wishes,

    Carole – Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/ BG

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