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

@leathu Hi there, I haven't responded to anyone in a while. I hope you are doing okay - there have been so many ups and downs. Are you on alectinib? I continue to watch Dr. Li when I need a nutrition boost, also out at the dog park daily-- april

@babs1956 I had my left lower lung removed seven years ago as well. I have been complaining about the residual chest pain ever since. Sometimes it is quick and sharp other times it lasts awhile and feels like someone is wringing out a rag if that makes sense. I also have neck pain that radiates down my right arm. Occasional tingling and numbness in both hands and my fingers on the right hands will be purplish blue color and cold. I have gone to the emergency room and urgent care. I have been referred to a cardiologist who performed all kind of tests. No one seems to have any answers for me. I am happy everyday to get to be alive and "thriving" But the chronic pain is frustrating to say the least. I am not on any medications. Hot baths give some temporary relief. Generally I just grin and bear it

@danielleo77 I am so very sorry to hear this. Did they do robotic surgery?

I had robotic assisted upper right lung surgery back in May 2025 and I’m still suffering with chest tightness like a bra band a zillion times too tight or like being squeezed so tight it makes breathing somewhat difficult along with numbness under my right breast, poking and or knotted sensation in upper part of my ribs on both sides and feeling like a bulge in my stomach. I feel if I keep contorting my body to try to move the tightness and/or knot down (like adjusting your bra only mot wearing one) to get more comfortable but it doesn’t always work. Possible causes like acid reflux and gallbladder issues have been ruled out. There seems to be no consensus from doctors on whether this is a muscle or nerve damage issue and I’m left frustrated dealing with this very uncomfortable and sometimes painful situation on a daily basis. Although I’ve had several different test, the medical profession has basically just passed me on from one doctor to the other but no real advocate to help me to understand what this is and/or offer treatment options. I was on gabapentin for seven months and was told to stop taking it since it was no longer beneficial. I was referred to Physical Therapy who stated they didn’t know how to treat my symptoms. I’m finally being referred for a fluoroscopy and to see a Physiatrist but wondering if anyone else has gone through this experience.

@betty2025 eight years ago I had my upper left lung removed. The tightness will get better. It takes a long time. I work out six days a week and I find that helps it a lot. Try to stay active. I think that will help it a little bit. I hope it gets better real soon for you.

I still use Tylenol which was given to me in the Hospital...usually 1 or 2 in the evening...I am still numb in the entire right lunch area side. I had mine done June 24, a wedge on the upper lst lobe by the shoulder then the lower lobe also on the rt side of the lung.
I have a cough that at times just comes up and at times i have a hard time stopping.
I still use my machine that helps my lung expand and drop into the cavity of the bottom lobe cavity

@victoriaa eight years ago I had my upper left low removed. I had robotic surgery. It takes a long time for the healing. I stay active. I work out and it seems to help a lot. It may hurt a lot of the beginning when you start working out but as you keep doing it, you’ll feel better. You could walk every day or maybe join a gym it will get better so sorry.

I also had a lobectomy upper left using robotic surgery. My pain comes & goes but not enough to use pain meds because it usually goes away after a couple of minutes. I have a hard time wearing a bra. My surgery was in February of this year.

@carolman210
Bras were and at times are still brutal!

@babs1956 what kind of workout helps you? Do you think its strengthening that helps, or more the mood boost?