1. < Lung Cancer

Pain after lobectomy (lung cancer) surgery: When will it go away?

Posted by allstaff @allstaff, Feb 21 8:00am

Two months out from lower left lobectomy and just started to feel better when pain started again all around the incision area and upper part of back and spine area. Almost like a stinging sensation. I have read this could happen. Has anyone experienced this?

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grandmasheri | @grandmasheri | May 15 11:08am
In reply to @jannam "I had VATS surgery to both lungs in 2020 and also still have pain. Pain management..." + (show)
@jannam

I had VATS surgery to both lungs in 2020 and also still have pain. Pain management is going very well BUT I am breathless most of the time.

Are you on oxygen?

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Yes I am still on oxygen, it seems to help

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1 reply
jannam | @jannam | May 15 4:49pm

Yes! I have been on pain management since 2020.

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jannam | @jannam | May 15 4:52pm
In reply to @aprilradek "Hi, Is it near the incision or your ribs? I had a lobectomy in September- my..." + (show)
@aprilradek

Hi,

Is it near the incision or your ribs? I had a lobectomy in September- my cancer mentor had one 10 years ago. She told me she still has pain from time to time. Is yours ongoing or does it come and go? Are you on Gabapentin? If not maybe that would help.
I have pain but I am not that far out from surgery. I take gabapentin and use a lidocaine patch at night.
What does your doc say?

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I take gabapentin and Cymbalta….. The combination works wonders!!

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jannam | @jannam | May 15 4:59pm
In reply to @grandmasheri "Yes I am still on oxygen, it seems to help" + (show)
@grandmasheri

Yes I am still on oxygen, it seems to help

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Hi Sheri, I would really like to chat about your breathlessness.
I can’t find your first post…. Can you please share your story?

Did you happen to read my story? I am trying to figure out why I am so breathless and need to be on oxygen when the oximeter reads normal. I personally think it’s from both VATS surgeries in 2020??

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jerri0 | @jerri0 | May 15 7:03pm

8months ago I had a right lower lobectomy . I am feeling swollen under my right breast. Only able to wear a bra once in a while. Wondering if anyone has had the swelling and how long this will last. I am doing very well and very thankful it was caught soon.

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Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | May 20 1:49pm
In reply to @jerri0 "8months ago I had a right lower lobectomy . I am feeling swollen under my right..." + (show)
@jerri0

8months ago I had a right lower lobectomy . I am feeling swollen under my right breast. Only able to wear a bra once in a while. Wondering if anyone has had the swelling and how long this will last. I am doing very well and very thankful it was caught soon.

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Hello @jerri0, I've seen many members report discomfort in the bra area post-surgery, but as I understand it that's more commonly nerve pain or numbness. Have you found this discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sudden-numbness-2-months-post-vats/
Does the area appear swollen? Has your doctor had any suggestions or hope?

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mollie2 | @mollie2 | May 21 1:52pm
In reply to @lls8000 "Hello @jerri0, I've seen many members report discomfort in the bra area post-surgery, but as I..." + (show)
@lls8000

Hello @jerri0, I've seen many members report discomfort in the bra area post-surgery, but as I understand it that's more commonly nerve pain or numbness. Have you found this discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sudden-numbness-2-months-post-vats/
Does the area appear swollen? Has your doctor had any suggestions or hope?

Jump to this post

I’m 10 weeks since an upper right lobectomy and have no pain and have been pretty active. However my voice hasn’t come back completely….i can talk normally for a few minutes then I have to whisper and ultimately my chest seems so tighten and I have a cough attack….Ive been told my voice will take a few more months to come back which is distressing….Im told it was the surgical breathing tube causing minor damage to my vocal cords….Has anyone else experienced this ??

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1 reply
Mentor
Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | May 29 10:46am
In reply to @mollie2 "I’m 10 weeks since an upper right lobectomy and have no pain and have been pretty..." + (show)
@mollie2

I’m 10 weeks since an upper right lobectomy and have no pain and have been pretty active. However my voice hasn’t come back completely….i can talk normally for a few minutes then I have to whisper and ultimately my chest seems so tighten and I have a cough attack….Ive been told my voice will take a few more months to come back which is distressing….Im told it was the surgical breathing tube causing minor damage to my vocal cords….Has anyone else experienced this ??

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@mollie2 , You are certainly not alone in struggling with your voice post-surgery. Here's a link to a discussion focused on this topic, where members have mentioned this complication; @vic83, @trudyhs, @jannam.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-of-voice-aftre-lung-surger/
I'm wondering if you may have access to some form of vocal therapy? Over the past 11 weeks, have you experienced improvement?

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trudyhs | @trudyhs | May 29 1:58pm

I’m 12 weeks post op and still my voice is not normal. I seem to have a lot of mucous low down in my throat - I always feel like I need to clear my throat. I find using my voice a lot causes me to cough.

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