Lung Cancer

Hi there,

Yes, the whole diagnosis and possible options are very scary. You are not alone. Firstly though, the surgeon would not suggest the operation if they felt you health wasn’t good enough. Pre-op, you also get to speak to an anaesthetist and they test you thoroughly. Stage 1 is very good for survival rates. I had stage 2 and had a lobectomy. My tumour was 43mm but not particularly aggressive with no evidence of spread. It’s also possible to live with only one lung. 

I was a smoker for many years and also have mild COPD and bronchiectices (not spelt right). I had my operation 12 months ago at the age of 70. Please contact me if you want to chat to me further. Wiing you all the best Daisychain

I'm 68 and now 10 weeks post lower left lobectomy . I was diagnosed with stage 2 and yes it is terrifying but I'm so glad I had the surgery, been told the margins and lymph were all clear. No more treatment just regular checkups, xrays and ct scans 

Thanks so much for answering. Really helps to know others my age have beaten this and its not the end of the line

Thank you. It is all very scary but everything takes so long. First found on lung health check, my third over 2 years. At first they said it wasn't behaving like a typical cancer. At my first appointment in February it was 9mm. That changed in May and is now 13mm. First off they said my only option was complete removal of my right lung. My body, apparently, would not tolerate radical radiation. I do have C O.P.D and mild emphysema, along with other medical conditions. Started this journey with my husband as he was the one they thought had bowel cancer. The day I got my results from the EBUS my hubby was told he was fine. We have custody of our grandson who is now 12 and leaving him terrifies me. They have told me over and over the outlook for stage 1 is very good, but it's not that easy when its happening to you, as I'm sure you know. So pleased for you that your op went as planned. All of this is like being back at school. Your not quite sure what will happen next. May take you up on that chat!!!  Find it too hard to discuss with hubby and kids

I used messenger for updating my 3 children although I did talk to them if they asked. I arranged for them to be able to call my cancer nurse if they needed further discussions. I didn’t discuss it much with my husband, just giving him the information as I received it. TBH. I didn’t want to go down the what if path, preferring to wait for info from the hospital. I used both this site and Roy Castle, talking to the nurses as and when I needed some reassurance or guidance. I also talked to The Samaritans on a couple of occasions when I needed to dump my fears etc. I’m having 6 monthly scan now with my next results due this Thursday. After reading many of the threads here, I’ve realised that even if the cancer comes back there are lots of treatments. 
 Love xxx

It's a totally normal reaction, but people dying on the operating table is very rare and most often happens in trauma cases.

You will be screened prior to surgery and one of the things they will look at is what your remaining lung capacity will be after surgery.  The intent of the surgery is curative.  It helps to remember that.

I first had SBRT for my cancer but it either didn't totally work or I had an early recurrence, so I had a lobectomy last year.  I  contracted covid in hospital so my experience was more miserable than most.

Like others, I needed no other treatment post-surgery.  I do have regular surveillance scans and I get quite anxious waiting for the results (I'm getting the results of my latest one tomorrow), but you do get used to the routine after a while.  It sounds silly but I forget that half of my left lung is missing most of the time.

It's totally mind blown wat they can do know for lung cancer , I too forget iv had it and don't feel a big dent in my breathing ,only when I exhert myself sometimes I think breathing more irrational with panicking instead of loss of lung capacity , but like your strength , got to power on , only time I worry is after scans waiting for results , I'm like doc please just disperse of thus foreign object, people say Tracy how'd u find the strength , the strength is watgot me to where iam today , strength n humour  

Hello Bubba12,

As others have, you'll have tests to confirm your fitness for the operation and they won't operate if there is too much risk. You'll have a good outcome for stage 1 - I was stage 2 and had a right pneumonectomy 9 years ago this month and still going strong.

Wishing you all the best for a successful outcome.

I'm so pleased to hear that. I know I'm not the only one facing this, and sadly I won't be the last. I've had lots of tests, lung function, walking, blood tests etc. I was told I couldn't have radical radiation as it would make me too ill and my only option would be right pneumonectomy. My daughter says I'm looking on the black side and that ain't gonna help. I just find it really hard not to think of what could happen. It makes me feel a little stupid when I read some of the  journeys, I feel such a baby. I'm so pleased for you.

The humour I can do with my daughter, we have laughed about all of it. But deep down it really isn't a joke and I know she doing it for me. I'm just not sure about having the strength. I know I have to find it I just don't know how