Surgery

Hi there. 
I’m in recovery from surgery VATS right lung bottom lobectomy and top has a segment removed 7th March

I really feel today that I am improving  I found it’s a case of listening to  my body mainly power naps are really beneficial

This isn’t my first op if you click on my name you can read my bio. TBH with my LAR I was warned six months recovery. However I was out of bed the next morning and discharged day five 

This op I thought it’d be a breezes well for my heart it wasn’t so I was six days in but I’m doing really well and so relieved the cancers in the bin. My heart has always been an attention seeker it’s nothing to do with the operation

The scars neat and tidy I’m gaining appetite and energy 

sending you a hug 

Hi, mine is non small cell in the left lung, Was caught very early due to persistence,  the tumour was only small so the only treatment option I was offered was surgery, think I am OK with the surgery but I am worried that something will go wrong or am I going to be really ill afterwards ,so many questions 

Hi Guardian,

To you this is looking really awful. I know, I've been there. Actually, it's a good thing: you've got cancer, like too many people, but for you it's been caught early and there's a good chance for a cure. Surgery is gold standard, it's only offered when there's no spread - everyone should be so lucky. You should expect to emerge from this process cancer-free. It's even the best time of year for it too - winter's over and the weather should start being nice for all those outdoor walks you'll be needing to get your breathing fully recovered.

Right now you have a week to prepare. When you return home it will be a while before you feel up to popping out to the shops/pub/whatever. So stock up now with essentials and/or get your online shopping/deliveries sorted. Also, get a good stock of paracetamol in - they won't sell much all at once so get a couple of boxes every day for a few days.

kind regards
Steve

Hi Guardian ,i had surgery last year to remove the middle lobe of my lung ,I had to wait 10 weeks for a surgery date ,so in a way you getting your so quick is good because you do not have time to work yourself up .My surgery went well and i was home within 5 days ,my nodule that was removed was 18 mm ,and i had no spread to anywhere else ,they say it is the best sort of outcome if they can catch it quick enough then things are better for the future .You are bound to be scared ,i too was terrified ,but the surgeon and her team were brilliant ,ask questions if it helps to put your mind at rest no matter how silly the question sounds .

Hi Steve, I have just read your profile, jeez you have been through a hell of a lot, my problems are nothing compared to what you have had to deal with, thank you so much for your reply, I have read it over and over and your reply has helped alot

Thanks again, take care

Caire

I can't help with operation advice as my op isn't until the 12th April but as my growth is around 40mm and near a blood vessel it's looking likely that I'll lose at least 2 lobes of that lung if not the whole thing. 

Don't feel that you have to be strong - that was always my shtick - but for this I've reached out to support and it's been amazing, from volunteers to drive me to the operation (40+ miles away) to sick pay (I'm over 65 so the company insurance policy doesn't cover me). 

I think because I already had a pre-existing condition (PMR) and had to have help over that made it easier this time but good luck with your operation and for the future.

Hello,

I had surgery last May and was in for 7 days as I had a chest infection. The Roy Castle website has loads of downloadable leaflets and one specifically talks about diagnosis and treatment. I had an upper right lobectomy and was up and walking the same day. The staff were very supportive and I was well supplied with medication. If you can, it’s good to get moving as soon as possible. Whilst in hospital I slept propped up and continued with this for about 2 weeks at home. It helps with keeping the lungs clear. I started to take exercise daily. Very short walks at first -  little and often. I also listened to my body and rested whenever I needed to. Initially I went to have an afternoon lie down and relax. Whilst in hospital you will normally have a chest drain until they are happy about your breathing. It’s a bit of a nuisance but necessary. I made sure I ate lots of vegetables, wholemeal foods and fruit to minimise any constipation from the morphine. It all worked well for me and I stopped taking the laxatives very quickly as they rather upset me. After the anaesthetic, I had a very weird taste in mouth that gradually wore off as the days went by. I found the best thing for me was citrus, including Starbursts, something I hadn’t eaten for years.

Wishing you a successful procedure and rapid recovery xx

I am having my surgery this Friday to remove upper left lobe but have been told to prepare to lose the whole lung. The tumour is in a bad place, right next to my heart and main artery. I have to have a sternontomy and will have to go on heart bypass during surgery. I am very very nervous and dreading it.

Hi Caire,

Big day tomorrow so all kind wishes that all will go well - I'm sure it will.

Pack for 4 days essentials in hospital but you'll probably only be there 3. Don't go crazy with the morphine or they'll take it away from you (they will anyway after a day or two.) Make sure they give you a goodie bag full of meds to take home - oxycodone is good but needs laxative to go with. Painkillers aren't about wimping out on the pain, they're to allow you to breathe properly. The wound will weep a bit for days after you get home so get some dressings included in your goodie bag. And, safety first, note down a phone number to call if you get any worries after you get out.

kind regards
Steve

Hi Steve thank you so much for your message, was lovely to read it and thanks for the tips, as soon as I am well enough to use my phone I will let you know how I am..

Thanks again

Caire