New to Grp. Had Right upper Lobectomy

Hi

Sorry to hear you are in so much discomfort, although it is very early days since your operation, also with it being open surgery it is much more invasive.  I don't have experience with surgery for lung cancer, my lung cancer was treated with radiotherapy, but I am sure you will get replies from people who have had the same surgery as yourself with help and advice.

Best wishes.

Ann

Hello Cyprusgirl, I'm sorry to hear you are having these problems after surgery.

I also had open surgery almost 12 years ago and remember recovery taking some time, although there was a gradual improvement over time.

If you haven't done so already, I would suggest you get in touch with the hospital and ask for their help / guidance.

Best wishes,

Derek.

So sorry to hear that you're in so much pain over two months post surgery.  I had a thoracotomy and upper right lobectomy for Stage 2B adenocarcinoma nine years ago.  I also got hospital acquired pneumonia afterwards and was in hospital for 9 days, with antibiotics, like you.  I had a little infection in my wound and received more antibiotics when I got home.  I think our response to the surgery, pain, etc is always very individual. I didn't have a lot of pain afterwards, only needed half the pain med in the pump they give you and then paracetamol and morphine after that and only needed it for a few days additionally after I got home.  I found it easier to sleep with lots of pillows and to be honest I didn't push myself to try and get back to normal too quickly - I took little walks and pottered about at home and rested when I needed to.  My husband looked after me very well, doing all the housework and cooking for quite some time, so I feel I got better as fast as I could.  If I had the pain you describe, I'd want input from my surgical team, or at least my MacMillan nurses (who were amazing!) to get it sorted out - I think the worry about it must be as bad as the pain itself. Meanwhile, rest and more rest perhaps, to allow yourself to heal - if something hurts, it's a warning sigh you might need to slow down.  Best to you.  Having lung cancer is very frightening.  Keep in touch with us too! 

Thank you. My lung nurse called couple of weeks ago for follow up. Basically she did not listen. She sent letter to GP all wrong medication on not mine. I slept on pillow again last night going back to basics and see how we go. I had a mastectomy in 2024 and that was easy compared to this so guess i was comparing. I have Lymphedema in left arm so sleeping positions bit awkward. Surgical team discharged me so will ask Lung nurse to get Respiratory team to see me. 

Well done, sounds like you're being pro-active, and may have to make the correction of the mistake with your GP that the lung nurse made.  Using lots and lots of pillows (I have about nine!) may help.  Remember to put one under your knees/thighs to stop you slipping down the bed!  I've known lung cancer surgery survivors to sleep in a recliner for several weeks too - whatever seems most comfortable, but being a bit upright certainly helps.  Keep strong!