Lobectomy and challenges in recovery

I’m sorry that you’re feeling so bad andI understand to some degree because I’m also a survivor of lung cancer and I had my upper left lobe removed in August of 2020. I read that you had your surgery last October and it’s really not so long ago, it was a very big operation and can take a year or more for you to feel like your old self, the surgery changes us from who we were to our new self. I felt the tightness around my chest but I felt it was normal and I had it checked out to eliminate any problems. I have gained weight in my belly at times and I found that it made the tightness in my chest worse, our stomach also gets bigger inside and can put pressure on the diaphragm, it’s very good that you had it checked out to be sure…I don’t know why you’re gaining weight, did this happen without you changing your eating habits, if so then I’m not sure why this happened. I also thought perhaps it’s gas but this can be explained by the doctor. I hope that you will feel better over time and find the answers to this issue, good luck with your progress.

@lynda4548, I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. And welcome to the club no one wants to join!

I had an upper right lobectomy in 2018. Chest tightness afterward and for a while is normal. Anything to do with your gastrointestinal system is unrelated to chest surgery. After six and a half years, one of the hardest aspects of having cancer and receiving treatments is figuring out what symptoms are due to the treatments, which are because we're getting old, and which are a combination. I had several GI issues, but they turned out to be Barrett's Syndrome and microscopic colitis. Has your oncologist referred you to a gastroenterologist, or has your primary care doctor? My oncologist told me to go to my PCP, who referred me to my GI doctor... my cardiologist ... and my nephrologist (kidney doctor) ... and my dermatologist ... You get the idea! lol

To sum up, what you're experiencing may not be related to your lobectomy. Your PCP should know you the best. I'd check with her/him. Best of luck in your cancer journey! The good news is that more and more of us are living longer with lung cancer. It's on the way to becoming just another chronic disease.

Thank you. Yes they have referred me to a gastroenterologist which I have seen this week. More X-rays and cat scans of abdomen to find out what’s going on. I can’t wait to get this resolved. I am having trouble.

Now seeing a gastroenterologist to see if they can figure out the problem. Since the surgery I have had bowel problems and maybe this is why I’m so bloated. A month ago my waist line was 38” . Yesterday I measured and I’m at 47”. I feel like I’m going to explode. So crazy. I’m glad you explained the tightness around the chest. At least I know it’s normal. How long does that last? Not forever. I hope.

@lynda4548, that was over 6 years ago. I know I used the spirometer daily to keep my lungs clear. I also know I started the recovery stretching exercises that the surgeon recommended a bit too early and had more pain than I should have as a result. As the doctors say, "Every body is different.", so I can't predict how long you'll experience chest tightness. All I can do is encourage you to do your doctors' deep breathing exercises and listen to your body. Some pain is OK as you stretch your limits. Too much is not OK. Where's the line? Unfortunately, there is no simple formula for that. Overall, be gentle with yourself.

And good luck with the GI issues. It took my doctor 9 months to figure out what was happening, during which I lost almost 25 pounds. I certainly hope that your issue is resolved much more quickly.

Good morning Lynda- I had a LUL segmentectomy in March of 2023. The tightness in my chest lasted a while. My issue is that bras, and Ive tried several, irritate my chest and around to my back. I still wear them anyway. I’ve tried all different kinds! I also gained about 25 pounds. This is because you can’t run around and do what you used to. At least not right away! I also lost some muscle in my arms legs and stomach. I do walk everyday and a lot! I can even jog, but I don't want to or like to! As I am able to get back to my old self, I have lost about 14 of those 25 pounds. Muscle is slowly improving as well. I couldn't do one push up for about a year and a half, now I can do 10. I am not a work out person! I am now 60, but I don’t feel like it! I literally am moving and doing things all day! I don’t rest until I’m eating a meal or going to bed. I had bowel issues after my surgery but that was due to the Lyrica, Ibuprofen, and Hydromorhone. Medications can have that side effect. Once I was off of those for a week or so, that seemed to subside. I also make sure to take my Pre/probiotics faithfully every day. I did also do the spirometer and eased stretching. All of that does help.Walking will be your Best Friend in healing. As you make it farther you get more motivated to do more. I wish you the best of health! It will get better and easier!

So sorry to hear this. Have you spoken to your surgeon? Have you had a CT scan since surgery? Keep pushing your physicians for answers. I had my RUL removed in April 2023. I have a few issues all of which are tolerable. Nothing like what you have described. Sending best wishes.

Thank you. I guess that’s what I wanted to hear. Someone experiencing exactly or close to what I’ve been going thru. I’m now seeing. Gastroenterologist who had scans done and I M really having problems with my bowels since surgery. They now have me on meds and I think they are working. I’ve lost 2 lbs since I’m happy about that. And yes everyone in my care team tells me I need to walk. I hate walking but I will do it as soon as weather gets better. I hate the cold. I never could do pushups so I won’t try lol. At 77 yrs old I’m not going to start now. Thank you for your response. It made my day.

Thank you and yes I am heeding all the breathing exercises. I am looking forward to losing this weight. It will help me mentally. 😊 it’s such a long healing process that I was not expecting.

@lynda4548, Medications from surgery, and otherwise, can be really tough on our gastrointestinal systems. I'm convinced that every med comes with potential side effects related to GI issues. I'm glad that you had an appointment and are hopefully headed in the right direction. These issues can be miserable.
If you have a local mall, it can be a great place to start walking in the winter. You don't have to go far or fast. During the winter gray days, just getting out of the house can help the mental side of our health too. Take care and remember to take things one day at a time.