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Chemo for pT1a? Also two independent (primary) cancers
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Dec 6, 2025 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
I am back and I am worried that so is my cancer. FDGPET showed one hilar node SUVmax 3,9, CEA was 20 but somehow came down to 16. Could be unrelated, could be gastrointestinal problems, could be anything. There is possibility the node is entirely benign.
I have been advised to do bronchoscopy + biopsy and if malignancy, to surgery. Alternative is I go directly to surgery, intraoperatively check nodes for malignancy and if positive, proceed with open lobectomy.
Asked my surgeon that am I making the right decision and is this the best option? Answer: He would not advise me to do this and he would not be doing the surgery if he didn't think so.
Last time was VATS and recovery was easy. I am terrified that this will be completely different, unimaginably worse pain, for much longer duration and much longer recovery time. I have been trying to look for ways to manage pain. I hope there are means to do so.
Does anyone have experience with open lobectomy? Does anyone have experience with epidural for managing pain from open lobectomy?
Replies to "I am back and I am worried that so is my cancer. FDGPET showed one hilar..."
@janar You sound so much like me. I cannot stop the worry. I had a robotic lobectomy-not sure what an open lobectomy is. But my pain was very minimal. The worst part was having the chest tube in and mine was in four days. They did give me an epidural sometime during surgery so I suppose that helped with pain the first day. As I was groggy, I don't really remember much about the first day. While I was in the hospital (three more days) they gave me tramadol every so often but once home, I took Extra Strength Tylenol and that only for a few days. Never took any of the Tramadol they sent me home with. I know open is different.
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Hello @janar, I saw another post from you, and I believe you are having surgery. It sounds like you are in good hands, and your team will certainly do what they can to manage the pain. We are all hoping for a good outcome for you. Please let us know how you are doing when you are able.