Post lobectomy

Hi Reb,

A long time ago, so it's getting a bit buried now, I covered this here:
So what's it like to have a lower right lobectomy? Here goes...

The surgery itself, though major, should be painless thanks to meds. The biggest issue is breathlessness immediately after, but walking turns out to be the best solution. Full recovery, or near as dammit, after several months.

Surgery is a Good Thing, though it doesn't feel like it at first. It means the team is shooting for a cure and think that could be a viable option.

Here's hoping your Mum sails through it safely.

kind regards,
Steve

Thank you for your response.

I think my main query is why she may need radiotherapy post surgery? I thought the chemo/immunotherapy before the op is supposed to kill off any cancer cells in nearby lymph nodes. 

Hi Reb A it is quite common to have chemo or radiotherapy after surgery, to mop up any cancer cells left behind. Hopefully the nodes will be clear and it wont be necessary. 

Hi Reb,

What Chelle said. During the lobectomy, while they are digging around, they also take out neighbouring lymph nodes to pop under the microscope. (Not an issue in itself, plenty of spares in there.) That's to check for potential spread, just making sure they haven't missed any potential problems. If the nodes are clear then it's job done, otherwise they'll be back with the radiation.

kind regards
Steve

I suppose I just thought because she’s had chemo before the surgery it would’ve killed off any cancer cells that may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Thank you. 

Thank you.
It’s such a long journey isn’t it. 

Yes it is unfortunately, and decisions can change, treatments can change unexpectedly. It’s a real rollercoaster. 

My mum is due to have an Lobectomy this week too.  Just stumbled on this forum.  Hopefully it can help us.

Hi Festivalgirl welcome to the group but sorry to hear your mum is having a lobectomy. I hope it goes well for her. 

Thank you x