Post thoracotomy

Hi @ladyblade,

sorry to hear about your husbands cancer, it is quite different to what my wife has so I do not really have so much in the way of direct experience to share. 

I did find a leaflet from Guy's and St Thomas' hospital that might be helpful and if you looked in Lung cancer forum or even posted there I am sure some people could make suggestions from what might have helped them.

<<hugs>>

Steve

Hi Ladyblade

My husband had surgery for lung cancer about six years ago.  He had the top lobe of his right lung removed.  When he came out of surgery he was put into a side room to make sure that he didn’t pick up any infection and he made a good recovery and didn’t need any chemo.

The scar healed well and he was given breathing exercises to help the right lung expand and fill the chest cavity. He was given a funny little gadget to blow into (which he didn’t like using) but I kept reminding him.   I was amazed when I saw his post op appointment  X-ray. - as a lay person looking at it I  couldn’t tell that he had had such a big op, the remaining part of his lung had expanded to fill the chest cavity.

When he came home he had to take things easy for a while, he was able to shower himself (I only needed to wash his back).  It was quite a big scar once the dressing was removed but that healed very well.  He was able to sleep ok.  

My husband had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s a couple of years before and also had angina and high blood pressure.  He had to go to the hospital for stamina tests to make sure he was fit for surgery - and I was quite worried - but as I say, he made a good recovery. 

He had a light diet for about a week but then he was back to eating normally.

I know I was extremely worried about the surgery, but it all went well although it did take a little longer than they had anticipated.

It is so hard not to worry, and you have the extra worry with covid, but try not to get too stressed (easier said than done - I know).

I hope your husband’s op goes well too, and keep us posted.

You may find the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s website has more advice - www.roycastle.org.

Also remember to look after yourself too - as caring for someone with cancer is very stressful.  

Take care,

VickiLynne

Thanks for the reply I can't tell you hjow much I needed this. Today was his surgery.... It was long 4 hrs+ and has had to stay ventilated post op over night... I can't visit and today has been tough... Thank you for reaching out you will never know how much it was needed

Karen xx

Hi Karen

So glad the surgery is over and that my reply has helped you..  Covid has made things so difficult and I cannot imagine how tough it has been that you couldn’t visit him today I do hope you will be able to speak to him by phone tomorrow.  I am usually in the bowel cancer group (as I had colon cancer) so if I can be of further support to you, or you just need to chat,  send me a friends request and I will get back to you.

I also hope your husband will be back home with you soon.

Take care,

VickiLynne

Thank you...Will do 

Karen