Just had VATS to remove a tumour

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Hi,

this is my second or third visit to these forums. This time as a lung cancer victim. Luckily, due to having bladder cancer from 2015, and having had a radical cystectomy 2016 and then when it spread to my left kidney a nephrectomy in 2020, I have had regular CT scans and check ups. A few years ago, they noticed a lesion in the right lung, that did nothing for a couple of years. Then last year it started growing, quite fast, so Urology (Blackburn) passed me on to the Lung cancer team at Blackpool, who said the best option was to remove the tumour.

So on January 21st I had my third major operation to remove cancer from my body. A VATS op at Blackpool to remove the tumour. Happily the operation has been a success, all traces of the adenocarcinoma have been removed and no spread to any lymph nodes detected, so no chemo to suffer.

As said, due to previous cancers, I was monitored closely, so the lung cancer was detected early and hopefully all gone and will not return (due to past experience I am somewhat cynical regarding thisGrinning).

Mentally, I am mostly positive and believe it is the best way for recovery, but must admit at the moment now the adrenalin rush of diagnosis, operation etc, has passed, I am feeling rather irritable and a bit down. I have had this feeling after my other operations, so know it will pass. Partly it is due to feeling weak and tired all the time, it is the frustrating phase of recovery, and partly boredom, endless reading or daytime TV, because you cannot do anything else... Daytime TV is the main factor, LOL...

My heart goes out to those whose journey is worse, as said I have been lucky, to have it caught early. Thank you for listening, I find it hard to explain to people who have not had cancer, what a roller coaster ride it is. Endless check ups, scans, tests etc, then the waiting for results, an emotional roller coaster that we have to ride.

Take Care. Smiley

  • Wishing you better soon and good health thereafter - just had tumour removed from rh lung too - sadly need chemo and am back to the hospital on 24th.  Op was five weeks ago yesterday (Monday 10th) today am feeling so much more like myself and happier.  Look after yourself and the new series of Unforgotten is available on ITV X in full - so far really  good!

  • Thank you. Sorry you have to have chemo, I was lucky, and the cancer had not spread. I had BCG before I had my bladder removed and that was bad enough. Good luck with the treatment.

  • Hi . I feel for you . I had vats on 28rh Jan to remove a nodule on right upper lungs wedge of middle lobe and lymph nodes . Recovering well but now have to see whether I may need chemo or radiotherapy but I won’t know until I see my consultant for my follow up .. I’m hoping not, but what you said about the endless scans bloods etc is so true, and I found the waiting for the results was the worse part . A very bleak time in my life, but I guess it could have been far worse. This forum helped me a great deal before my diagnosis, .. It’s not a pleasant journey to go on , and I feel for each and every person who is suffering this dreaded disease x

  • Hello MadMarc (and others).

    I had my right lung removed and also was advised to have chemo. However, this was in 2014 and I've been very fortunate to be OK in the lung department ever since. I have had other issues since but that's another story and I'm still doing alright.

    The message really is bear with it, the scans will eventually stop and although you never forget what you've had to face things do get easier over time and life returns to a modified normal.

    Derek.

    Made in 1956. Tested to destruction.
  • LOL, Been having then since 2015... When they took my bladder out, they said that was it... 4 years later when they took my kidney out, that was it and now 4 years (and a bit) donated some lung and a bit of cancer and again, that should be it...Joy Excuse my cynicism, I have Urology and now the Lung department, prodding, poking and scanning me... I have got used to it, but still get anxious when I get the letter, to go in for scan results...

    Love the tested to destruction... Grin

  • I know how you feel, although not quite on the same scale, just some major scares and prostate cancer found in 2016 which recurred early 2024 requiring chemo and now indefinite drug treatment.

    Agree on the anxiety when having periodic tests.

    It's certainly character building!

    Hope all goes well for you.

    Derek.

    Made in 1956. Tested to destruction.
  • Thanks!!  Not looking forward to at all.  

    Not yet tested to destruction but it’s coming - live long and healthy!