Hi all
I'm going in on Wednesday for surgery. They are going to do a lobectomy on my upper right lung using key hole surgery and a broncoscopy while I'm under. Can anyone give me a rough idea of recovery time please? I appreciate we're all different but I'm hoping it will be much quicker as it's key hole and less invasive
Thanks in advance
Hi Olli, I had a lobectomy lower right lung in October 2018 also keyhole I was in hospital for 3 night, had to take things easy for a few weeks I went from stage 1 to stage 2 so had to have 4 rounds of chemo not nice. I had a ct scan last week so hoping for the best. All the best, let us know how you get on Ellen
Hi and thanks for the information. I am stage one at the moment. I hope everything goes well for you going forward
Once again thanks so much for your input
Wishing you all the best for Wednesday Olli.
Hi, I had an upper left lobectomy in January 2020 and was also in for 3 nights, then recovery over a few weeks at home. I was ready to go back to work after 6 weeks. I was told that keyhole or not didn't make much difference as it's the internal that needs to heal. I had keyhole, but was surprised how big the key was!! Scar is around 6cm long. I was pleasantly surprised that breathing and talking felt more or less normal straight away. Good luck.
Hi Tinker456
I'm almost 3 weeks post op now. It went really well thanks for asking. Wasn't sure what to expect but feeling ok all things considered. I can be breathless on times but that's to be expected. My drain site and one of my wounds have an infection but on antibiotics for that. My follow up is in another 3 weeks time. I'll know then if I need chemotherapy. Hope your mum goes on as well as me. My daughter was as worried as you probably are. Do let his know
Kind regards xx
Olli
So pleased to hear you’re on the road to recovery, and feeling kind of ok, I hope the follow up goes well and that you don’t need the chemo - fingers crossed. Hope the breathlessness improves soon too, I think that’s one of the worries, how soon / if things will feel to be something like normal again? I’ll let you know how things go. Please update us if / when you can?
Take care xx
Hello Ollie.
I've had my top lobectomy removed in my Left lung on April the 22nd 2021. So I've had the keyhole surgery. I was in really bad pain for around 6 to 7 weeks I was walking around a little at 6 weeks.
does start to ease a bit when you are round 8 to 10 weeks. I will be at 12 weeks come July 22nd. I am still in pain now and the at moment and get very out of breath. My GP has given me an inhaler my breathing and still taking tablets once to twice a day. As at start was on tablets Evey 4 Hours. You should start to feel more better at 3 months and it's hard but just try to think positive good for me. Good luck Ollie. Joanne xx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007