Upper left Lung Cancer surgery

Hello JayJay,

A warm welcome to the lung cancer forum, although I'm very sorry you have the need to join.

Lung surgery is a major operation and it takes time to fully recover as you're finding. My operation involved complete right lung removal via open surgery. I was 58 at the time, physically fit and it was nearly 12 years ago now so most of the recovery period is a hazy memory.

I do remember it taking many months to slowly recover and was given painkillers that I took for a while before gradually phasing them out but still needed paracetomol / ibuprofen for a while. I also saw a physiotherapist before being discharged from hospital who gave me exercises to do, these were quite uncomfortable at times but did help recovery. Regular walking was also recommended.

 I'd suggest you repost your question in our Ask a Nurse forum which is open Monday to Friday where you'll receive expert advice. This works Monday to Friday and you should receive a reply within 3 days. I've placed a link to this below.

Ask a Nurse

Hi Jayjay,

I was told Dec 2025 that I need a lobectomy of the lower left lung. I was shocked but going with it. I had my vats op on 7th January so didn’t know about nodes until I read it. I still have areas of numbness the outside wounds healed well. My biggest problem was other organs and diaphragm moving not the space, not wearing a bra pulled but I couldn’t tand one on for more than 10 mins to start with. I’m also trying to build up some strength from mild exercising.

Hi' JaJay. I had lower right surgery in 2024 this was following 80mm upper colom removal in 2023. I feel fine and more or less my normal self. There's a strange tenderness in the skin around the wound area. but that's all.

Getting along with the journey is all we can do and rely on the medical staff for our check ups. It is somewhat comforting knowing they are looking out for us. Good luck JayJay

Thank you for your reply. This week had 1st x-ray of the every 3months for next 2years. 

Yesterday saw my GP for blood test and assessment, as I think thyroid meds need increase due to tiredness and weight gain, although I eat as before all this happened. I was shocked  knew gained some weight but 2stone in less than 3months, this is not helping my breathing. I walk every day 2-3 hours with two dog's.

I'm sure something not correct  thou gave up smoking last November but not eating anything more than normal, drinking 2lt of water per day but not releasing as much

As anyone had this reaction following lobectomy surgery.