@elyser, I had an upper right lobectomy in 2018. I was 58 at the time and in good shape. The surgeon used the da Vinci 2 robot. I think they are up to da Vinci 5 or 6 by now.

The surgery and recovery were OK. As others have said, the chest tube was uncomfortable -- until I coughed! My nurse told me to clutch my pillow to my chest, and she was right that it's quickly over. I though sneezing was even worse, but fotunately, I only sneezed once. I slept in a recliner for the first few nights to stay more upright. After that, pillows in the bed were good enough.

I hurried into recovery exercises too fast. According to my physical therapist friend, that's common for people around 60! We know to rest at first, but then we think we'll bounce back faster than our bodies do at that age. So give yourself some time to recover and then ease into any stretching exercises your surgeon or oncologist provide.

All in all, it wasn't bad. I hope you feel the same after your procedure!