Lobectomy experiences?

Hi Yin Yang I had my Lobectomy with lymph nodes on 3rd February and had a chest drain in place. I had the chest drain changed on 6th to one that I could carry around . The pain was managed  with morine, paracetamol and codeine. I found the pain bearable with the help of the medication, but be warned, you will ne d to take laxatives too  I was able to have a wander up and down the corridor wh n I had the drain changed. Anyway, I got discharged on 7th and had to keep the drain in place, with an appointment the following week with a view to removing it. I stayed with my daughter and my two granddaughters, two dogs and cat for a week as I live on my own. I managed fine and helped her with housework, dishwashing etc. Still had a bit pain but was determined to just have two co-codamil at bedtime and two Tramadol every morning.  Got my drain removed on 7th and stitch removed later. I actually manage fine on my own, had one of my daughter's wee dogs to walk twice a day (not too far!) And I do my housework, shopping etc and I am ready for bed at 10ish, but am usually up by 8am.

So there we are my dear, I was petrified not knowing what would happen, how I'd feel, even if I survived the operation! Crazy I know, but just the fear of the unknown.

However, the best news ever lady Friday during my follow up call from my surgeon, I am now cancer free and will have CT scan in 6 months with regular check ups for 5 years!!!

Please try not to worry dear and let me know how you get on. I am a survivor and I had my 68 birthday the day after my operation. All the staff were amazing and so lovely. They saved my lif and I thank God every day for themgood luck and positive thoughts, and look forward to hearing your success stories ory too xxxx

Hi Marjory Cam

Thanks for your message and for sharing your experience with me.  I’m so happy you got your all clear, a belated 68th birthday pressie for you 

I’ll definitely take on board the advice to get some laxatives in! Is it usual to still have a drain when they discharge you?

I had a call later on yesterday asking me to go for a lung function test before the op, supposedly if I don’t do well they may decide to do a wedge resection instead. I have asthma and can get breathless if I do anything too energetic, so they want to make sure I would be able to cope after the operation. 

I also have a dog and she’ll make sure I do my daily exercise once able, just hope she won’t jump all over me once I’m home from hospital.

xx

Hello, I’ve very recently had an initial diagnosis and the doctor intimated but it’s not certain that I will be having a lobectomy  as my initial treatment. They also suggested but it’s not certain that the lymph nodes are clear. I’ll be having a needle biopsy to check there is no other spread. It’s good to hear about the procedure and the after effects. I’m so happy for you that you have the all clear and belated happy birthday.

Love xxx

I'm having a lobectomy (lower left) on Thursday, so I'll be able to fill you in while the experience is still raw.

Like you, I'm anxious about different stages of the process - the operation itself, the time in hospital following surgery, the initial period after discharge, and - of course - whether surgery itself will prove sufficient treatment.

I have my anxiety about the surgery itself mostly under control, but I remain worried about the time in hospital.  Visitors are now allowed again so that will make it a little easier, but I really hope nothing happens which changes the current plan of me being in hospital for 4 days or less.

I'm hoping to mobilise as soon as possible after surgery, but whether that's possible will depend on whether I end up on the morning or afternoon surgery list, and I won't know that until Wednesday afternoon.

I'm going to ask for a consult with the pain team before I leave hospital so that I have a plan B if discharge meds aren't cutting it.  I'm fortunate that two of my children are RNs and will be able to act as my advocates if we run into any issues.

Hello there Lolie

i had r upper lobectomy on 30th dec. pain was extremely well controlled in hospital & I was discharged on the same regime. Thankfully no lymph node involvement so no need for further treatment. I was up walking around the early morning after surgery, (had op at 2pm & back in ward 7.30pm) physio, Drs & nursing staff were really happy, called me their star patient !! 
I am also an RN, but these nurses were amazing. Had follow up call from thoracic nurse, lung cancer nurse 2 days after discharge to see how I was doing. They won’t let you be in any degree of pain, & certainly won’t let you home if you are still uncomfortable . My drain was removed on day 5 & scars are SO neat. Follow up scans for the next 5 years to make sure this awful disease doesn’t come back . What I would advise is you may need laxatives to counteract the effects of pain meds !

hope this reassures your, good luck x

Thank you for your reply, Indian.

Off to get my PCR test in a couple of hours so I suspect it will all start feeling very real today.

Will be thinking of you, I know it’s all very scary but wishing you all the very best !! Let us know how you get on x

Hospital just rang me and postponed my surgery by three weeks.  I'm furious but there isn't anything I can do about it.

Oh no !!! Aww that’s awful Loli !! Especially when you’ve been getting yourself geared up for it, could you maybe call the consultants secretary & asked you you could be offered a cancellation if it comes up ? Let us know. Don’t blame you for being angry, it’s a worrying time already xx

Hello Yin,

 I’m a few weeks behind you and had my PET Scan cancelled and rebooked. I had it yesterday and now waiting for the needle biopsy. The waiting and cancellations do little for our state of mind with the brain going bonkers.

I hope your next appointment will go all to plan. In the meantime I’m sending you love and cuddles.

xxx