Hello, I’m new to this forum so bear with me. I am 70 years old and have lung cancer. I am going for surgery on the 4th of August (4 weeks time) to have the top lobe of my right lung removed and a section also in right lung. I am petrified of the surgery, pain and recovery. I wondered if anyone has had a similar experience and give me any advice. Warm regards Lynne
Hi Lynne, sending you heartfelt best wishes for your surgery in 4 weeks. When I had my surgery (also top right lobe) 8 years ago I have to say that it was a whole lot easier than I had expected. I had a thoracotomy (ie not the smaller VAT technique) and lobectomy, and when I woke up I had a pump for the first few hours so that I could self-deliver pain medication to myself. Everyone kept reminding me to use it because really, it was not too bad and in the end I only used about half of it before they took it away. They get you up quickly and on your feet because moving about is important, and that's not fun. Also the very day afterwards I was herded off to the gym and started exercises which were compulsory every day. You will have a drain and paraphernalia which you have wheel about and take with you everywhere, they will take you for Xrays in a wheelchair every day so you have little trips around the hospital. My buddy in the next bed to me and I used to take little walks to the end of the ward several times a day which also helped. I had expected to be in the hospital for only 4 days, but actually it turned into 9 because I got Hospital Acquired Pneumonia. They sent me home with morphine which I didn't need for very long, and then it was paracetamol. I found that having lots of pillows in bed helped a lot - sleeping sitting up feels nice. I hope this helps. Take whatever pain meds anyone offers and don't try and be brave by not taking them, it helps to keep on top of the pain and do try and keep moving which helps healing too. On the other hand, you need lots of rest and will probably sleep a lot. Remember, those of us who are "operable" are the lucky ones! Best wishes.
Hi PamelaAnne, thank you so much for your response, it has helped tremendously
and has enabled me to focus. Also you have given me, my motivation back.
Your final paragraph has inspired me. I will take on board everything you have told
me, you are a remarkable woman. Thank you, thank you and thank you.
I send you Love and Light
Thanks for your reply Lynne. I do hope your surgery goes really well - it's so nice afterwards to know that you're doing the best you can for yourself by having had the tumour removed. Please let us know how you get on - you have lots of friends here and we'll be wishing you well. <3
Hello and good luck,
I fully support what has been said by the others. One thing I found good but silly. I’m not a great sweet eater but my mouth needed something fruity because of the weird taste in my mouth for a few days after. My daughter brought me in some Starbursts and they really helped.
We are definitely the lucky ones.
Good luck, Daisy xx
Daisy, I really appreciate your reply and will also take in some starbursts with me. thank you.
Love and Light
Lynne xxx
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