Upper right Lobectomy in the next few weeks

Hello Ixa

Yes, it’s shocking especially for you as you are young and it’s come out of the blue.  The good news is that they are going to operate to remove the tumour. I had an upper right lobectomy 3 plus years ago at 70 and as an ex-smoker with COPD I was concerned about managing afterwards. I was pleasantly surprised that I began to be active very soon after the procedure. I admit to being apprehensive as I’d never had an operation before but everything was very clearly explained.

Have you been given a specialist nurse or contact with support services yet? I expect you have lots of questions going round in your head. Please stay away from Dr Google. The information can be out of date and not very helpful. If you need to talk to someone MacMillan nurses or Maggies can be very helpful. In the meantime try to keep your brain occupied with something away from the cancer, maybe start walking to keep fit and eat as well as you can. My GP was very helpful and gave me some antidepressants that helped me to calm down and manage to sleep.

I found it best for me and my family to discuss my diagnosis with them when cancer was seriously suspected but that’s just me. Treatments have improved so much so I didn’t want to hide anything. 

Well, I’m wishing you all the best for future. I’m sure others will be along as well. We are all here for you so feel free to ask any questions.

Love Daisy

Hi, we will be able to empathise with you, the words float over the top and then hit like a train. I needed time to digest the news and only hubby knew and he was sworn to keep his mouth shut. 
I had lower left lobectomy in January 26, so 8 months ago. Leading up write questions you need answered because when you go to appointments your brain goes blank. 
I know how stressed you are and holding it together so reach out because everybody here is lovely and will share experiences etc.

As Daisychain says walk and doing deep breathing if you can to keep the lungs and strength. Also after op you need to do the breathing exercises and walking virtually straight away this aids the recovery. Reach out

I’m sorry you’ve had this news Ixa… I was told I had cancer in my lower right lobe on 15th July and that I would need to have it removed.  I’d urge you to tell all your loved ones… loving support is so important for you right now.  Also I would recommend you do some ‘prehab’. I increased my running and swimming in the weeks before surgery.  Being the strongest you can be will help you so much in recovery.  I’ve had my surgery now.. it was 3 weeks ago today and I am home and although achy and tired I am in no pain and fully mobile.  Try not to worry too much… this is a very common procedure and you will hopefully after it, be cancer free.  

Thank you so much, I have been given contacts etc I am starting councelling tomorrow. I go to the gym and walks everyday but I still find anxiety and need to cry everyday. I told my family just few days ago and it was even harder. I trust I will have a good recovery, it is just a bit daunting. Thank you for your words!

Thank you so much,  how was your recovery? Is there anything I should know about the process that none says,?

• Bless you, thank you! I have already told my family...now they all want to come from Spain for those days and look after me. Telling them was even harder than knowing myself. I hate being like this...just feel very vulnerable at the moment. I am keeping strong, doing the breathing exercises, probably this will go away after the operation. I guess there is always the ...if this happens what?  Thank you for your support 

Hi I didn’t know what to expect. When I woke up I was in my own room and noticed the chest drain while still groggy I was assisted to the toilet, it’s important to start moving asap. The next morning physio came in and showed me the distance they like you to walk, a lot didn’t do this and suffered both mentally and physically. 
I suppose I’m a stubborn mare as I didn’t want to be in hospital any longer than needed so cracked on, pain relieve helps and please take it.it can be very uncomfortable as mines keyholeand they go between ribs and its three scars one that goes into breast. 
no bras for a while and then non wired is best. Hospital will phone and check on you.

it will feel like you have a hole a vacuous space and it’s a strange sensation as mine was lower left lobectomy as the other organs move to fill the space. 
I slept on sofa for nearly 2 months as couldn’t get comfy in bed 

hope this helps somewhat

Thank you Hayley, very helpful. Can I ask you your age? Where have you been operated?

Hi I was 56 I’m a licensed dog boarder and dog day care provider.

i was in Bristol Royal Infirmary. If you have anything else you would like help with or answered please just reach out

Hello Ixa,

Sorry, I'm a little late to the discussion, however I had lung surgery just over 12 years ago - to remove my right lung due to non small cell lung cancer. I was 58 at the time.

It definitely helps to be as fit as possible before the operation and then follow advice to move and exercise during the recovery period. We had a physiotherapist on the ward to show us what exercises to concentrate on afterwards - and just walking is very good too. Just be careful at first and don't overdo things.

The good news is that surgery gives the best possible chance of a cure and I count myself to be very lucky I was able to have it.

I'm sure you'll be just fine and send you my best wishes for success.

All the best, Derek.