fearing my operation

Hi ugbug, welcome to the group, but sorry you have reason to be here. I can understand how worried you are about the operation, I would be the same. I am sure someone will be along soon to share their experience with you, which will hopefully put your mind at rest.

I wonder if you have called the macmilllan support line. There are a couple of services that will be available to you that may help you through the next few weeks. One service is counselling, which is available via telephone calls. The other is a buddy service, where you are matched with a volunteer who will call you on a weekly basis. You can call them on 0808 808 00 00 any day between 8am until 8pm. 

Hi Ugbug ,you do not say what type of operation you are having ,I had a lobectomy 18 months ago ,removal of middle lobe of my lung ,i too was scared ,and i know how scary it can be ,i just kept saying to myself that when i wake up after the op it will all be over and things can only improve ,.if it is a lobe removal they usually do it with keyhole surgery ,which mine was about a 3inch incision on the side of my chest ,and though it was uncomfortable afterwards for a few weeks it soon started to improve ,18 months have gone by my last scan was clear and i am more or less back to my old self ,talk to your lung nurse ,you should have a card with their name on or talk to the nurses on here ,i am sure someone who has been through the same will come along to help reassure you ,good luck

Hi Ugbug , I had a upper right lobe lobectomy 9 months ago , op went very well, recovery was aboutc10-12 weeks 

It was VATS operation i had , 2 incisions and then a drain incision , for me the drain incision was the longest to heal , as i got a infection 

Hi Ugbug,

I was just glad to get the operation out of the way and tried not to get too tied up in thinking about it. I too had a VATS procedure and few problems with the recovery. I had my top right lobe removed. I did all the exercises that physio gave me and made sure I did lots of daily walks, very short to start with and gradually extended them. The worst thing for me was the upset intestines from the anti-biopics and one of the drugs. I made sure I took all the pain killers after so I could do the coughing and sleep well. 
Try not to worry too much but as Chelle says you could talk to someone at MacMillan about your fears.

Love

Dear Ugbug

I had an upper left lobectomy, 7th Nov 2023,

Am not sure what surgery you are having, so can only refer to my experience.

The pre-op nerves are understandable.  Feeling scared is something everyone can relate to, you are in good company here.  

The operation in itself was successful.  RATS (Robot Assisted Surgery).   The pain was managed both in hospital and once I'd been discharged after 3 to 4 days. 

Everyone reacts differently.and heals in their own way.

Sometimes age,, physical and mental health combine to make our experiences unique.  

I'm 62,, female, average weight, and at times prone to depression and anxiety.  :)

This operation seems ages ago now already, just a part of this journey still being travelled.  

What is the surgery you will be having please?

Speak again and meantime...

Every good wish to you.

.

I was sore and felt poorly for 4 to 6 weeks

Hi Chelle, thank you for the reply, i have called the macmillan  support line a couple of times and found it very helpful

Hi Christie, i am having my left upper lobe removed it will be key hole surgery, i guess we all have the pre op nerves my biggest concern is iv'e had to wait quite a while and i'm worried they will discover it has spread, i feel strong enough for surgery & recovery if it is just contained in one place

Hi Diana, good to hear the op went well, i am also  having  VATS so hopefully quicker recovery, sorry to hear you got an infection, hope all is well now

Hi Daisychain, I will be glad once it's done but worry they will find more problems during operation as the tumour is close to a fissure so having to wait another 6 weeks after knowing this has made me worry more, I will certainly do as i am told to recover as best i can thanks for your advice

Hi Tingy like you mine is the left upper lobe it will be VATS so not too invasive, I am quite a positive person I know this operation has to be done & thankfully has been found early, I also have good support with family & close friends i will be glad when i wake up after surgery to start the recovery, thankyou for replying