Lobectomy

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I had my lower left lung lobe removed, Oct 21, 2024. I was off work for 3 months and return the end of January. I am still having a lot of pain and swelling in my chest. My breathing is not bad and I very seldom cough. I have a knot under my left breast and that's the part that swells but only on the inside. You can see the knot all the time. My surgery was not VAT or small incisions. I was cut from the top of my shoulder blade down and around. No cancer was found...Praise the Lord! And when I sneeze, It fells like I am being stabbed. Is this normal?

  • Hi Grana,

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.

    I am so happy to read that cancer wasn’t found following surgery, but not so happy that you are having ongoing problems with pain.

    People recover from surgery at different rates, but it’s so difficult for the nurses on the support line to know what is causing your symptoms as we are separate from the NHS and don’t have any access to your medical records.

    We would strongly encourage you to get in touch with your GP or hospital team to let them know you are still experiencing pain. This will give you the opportunity to mention the knot you have noticed under your left breast. Following an assessment further tests may be requested to determine the cause of your symptoms.

    It’s always important to have any new or ongoing symptoms checked out by your doctor.

    I really hope this information was helpful.  Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.

    Take care and best wishes,

    Sarah (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 send us an email or use webchat.

    Ref: SMc/AR