Diagnosed

Hi Pixie

I had the lower lobe of my left lung removed 8 weeks ago.  The first week was pretty brutal but I was unfortunate enough to contract covid in hospital so I wasn't discharged until a week after surgery.  Chest drains are painful so make sure you take any pain relief offered and be very loud about needing more if it's inadequate.  Never wait for pain to settle in before taking something or it will get ahead of you.

My first week at home, I couldn't do a whole lot of things around the house but after that I felt better each day and only needed help with things like vacuuming and making the bed.  I did find washing my hair a bit challenging for the first couple of weeks.

I saw my surgeon for follow up a few days ago and have no restrictions on physical activity now.  I attended an event with my family the other night and walked several km without needing  to stop and rest.

I was extremely worried about the surgery, too.  It wasn't fun but it also wasn't as bad as I expected. I would suggest clarifying how you will receive your histology results.  My follow up appointment with the surgeon was 8 weeks after surgery but I had known for weeks that no further treatment is required because my rad-onc had looked up the histology results.

Do you have a surgery date yet?

I had my operation to remove top right lung Monday before last and came out Sunday just gone. I too had a chest drain but it was removed before discharge. I’m moving around slowly and taking very short walks 4 times daily. I’m planning to increase this over the next couple of weeks. The discomfort in my right shoulder is not pleasant at the moment and I didn’t sleep too well last night. Food tastes a bit odd and I’m not sure if it’s the morphine or a hangover from the anaesthetist. Fortunately no constipation but I’m eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, protein and some fruit. The best taste for me currently is sour. I’m forbidden gardening because of the microbes.

I hope you don’t have to wait for too long for the operation. I found that very challenging and was fortunate enough to get a cancellation.

wishing you all the best xx