New to the group

Hello, I had upper left lobe removed VATS in 2018 aged 66. I was reasonably fit , Zumba, dancing, albeit overweight. Op done on Wednesday went to HDU one night then ward, discharged on Sunday. I was amazed at incisions how tiny they were. Pain was more discomfort due to drainage tube than op. Unless told otherwise, get up and moving asap. Wish you well.

Hi I am also new to the group and had my left lower lobe removed September 12th, I am still struggling with pain at the drain site and with my breathing, I had a bad turn when stitches were removed too, which led me back into hospital. The good news is we believe the cancer is now gone, but the scars, pain and emotions, still linger for me. The incisions are small as JGBEDS said, and you are told to get up asap, and do those breathing exercises they do help. I think timescales are different for everyone, when reading guidelines I was getting annoyed with myself, still do, that I am not on track. I have tried going back to work but it was too soon and I am now back to recovery position. I go back to see surgeon on Monday, this was meant to be approx 6 weeks after op, so I will get more answers about my pain and breathlessness then.

Hi

Sorry you are still in pain and breathless. It's sounds awful.

Did you have your surgery done by a robot via key hole surgery?

Hi by a surgeon keyhole surgery 

I refused surgery for my lung cancer (diagnosed early September).  I spent a few days researching the pros and cons and side effects of surgery which led to my decision.  I live alone, and have done for 20 years, although I have supportive family nearby.  I am very independent and intend to stay that way.  I had breast cancer 33 year's ago, it had spread into my axillary lymph glands so an axillary clearance was done at the same time as a lumpectomy with 20 fractions of radiotherapy three weeks later.  I still have problems with neuropathic pain and still have tender scar tissue, which my oncologist said was permanent unfortunately. 

The breast cancer was on my right side, and this new lung cancer is on the left.  Having surgery and problematic long term side effects would take my independence from me, something I would I would hate.  After discussions with the oncology surgeon and explaining my reasons for refusing surgery, we both agreed that, because the lung cancer is still stage 1 and less than 3cm, I could be referred for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).  This does have side effects, but unlike invasive surgery, these are mild in comparison and having had conventional radiotherapy before I know what to expect. 

I am now having my planning CT scan and mark-up on Tuesday 21st.  The SABR will be 8 fractions every other day (Mon, Wed & Friday) over a period of two and a half weeks.  It is non-invasive, painless and I can get on with the rest of my day.  The oncologist was very reassuring and told me the curative statistics of SABR versus surgery is really not that much different.

I don't want to sway anybody in their choice of treatment, that is personal to them, I am just giving my opinion and only came to this decision after thorough research on the pros and cons of surgery versus radiotherapy alone.

Best wishes. 

Hi

Thank you so much for this wealth of knowledge. 

Could you possibly provide links to the research? I have not been told there are alternatives. 

My headspace is all over the place. Didn't know there were options.

Thanks Sally

Hi, thanks for your reply.  I basically researched many medical UK journals and medical research websites.  

I worked for many years (30) in the NHS as a personal secretary to various consultant surgeons, so I know about patient options etc.  Most patients are not given options as the "gold standard" is surgery, this is not to say they are wrong, but patients should be told they have options, it is your body and your choice.  But all options depend firstly on what type and what stage your cancer is, that is most important.  I have early stage non-small cell cancer at stage 1, and is contained in one area, meaning it has not spread.  I have had CT scans, a PET scan and a brain scan confirming this, also I have had a core needle lung biopsy that determined it to be non-small cell cancer.  Because of this it has given me the option of having SABR.  Not all UK hospitals have this facility and I have to travel 50 miles to a hospital that does.  

If you have the opportunity before your surgery date, I would discuss this with either the consultant or the cancer nurse specialists at the unit who diagnosed you.  I would discuss whether you are a good candidate for SABR or other types of radiotherapy, ask at what stage and what size your cancer is, also what type as there are two types.  Have you had a lung biopsy?

As I said in my earlier post, please don't let me sway you either way, and because I knew I had options, this was my choice.  It is only the specialist consultants who can give you the answers, but do contact them and discuss your other options, which you are entitled to.  My cancer nurse specialist is brilliant, I can ring her anytime and we have a chat about things, also she rings me for a catch-up.  

Best wishes for your recovery in whatever path you choose.

Me either, but as I have COPD also maybe it was not an option for me?