@jfried01, as @denzie suggested, I used a humidifier after my upper right lobectomy. Coughing and deep breathing exercises help keep the remaining lungs clear, so they are both good things. If the pain is too much, clutching a pillow to his chest will help. Other than that, removing part of a lung is significant surgery, and there are worse things than a cough, such as pneumonia. It sounds like he's doing well overall. Be reassured that this, too, shall pass. (This is my new favorite phrase as I have experienced very different renewed symptoms lately.)