@bobca

You have come to the right place. Someone is going to post i am sure soon, links and groups for you to read. You will meet others in this virtual space who understand fear and the worry that can and will creep in as you navigate all that you have listed. I had 2 other cancers yet i have some spots in my lungs they are watching. That is why i follow lung posts.
Go up in the top subject box and put lung cancer. Until someone posts, that will be much to read.
Just know this Mayo Clinic Connect site will help you in so many ways. Give you hope and some calming words. We all know and understand and come back over and over to help and support others.

@bobca
Hello Bobca…....congratulations that your cancer was evidently caught early and is appearing to be at stage 1A! I was somewhat similar in that my lung was classified as stage 2A (a fairly large tumor but with no further spread). I had VAT surgery at Mayo-Phoenix in late 2022. I can’t speak to the process and recovery from robotic surgery however some people on this site have commented that they have minimal side effects while others have stated lingering issues with fractured ribs. My VAT surgery removed my right lower lobe and they had me up and walking that same evening and was discharged a day and half later. Important to note is that my surgeon employed a nerve block procedure on my right side which certainly numbed any pain that I may have had there for at least a couple of months. I took pain medications for only a couple of days after surgery and could drive a vehicle about a week later (although my wife was more than happy to do that for me for a couple more weeks). I was back to work in two weeks albeit it was work from home desk work. It is probably good to have someone close by to help you get around for the first few days and to remember to get some rest and not rush back into your routine. Given what information you have shared it sounds like you will get through this in very fine shape!

Question……you mentioned that your cancer was discovered by a yearly CT scan…do you have some other preexisting condition requiring a yearly CT?

Welcome Bob, @bobca, We all understand feeling scared. Cancer is scary stuff. There is a lot of hope and promise in your story. Your doctor is recognizing where you can get the best possible care and is willing to send you to another hospital to get that care. They sound like a great doctor!
I saw a surgeon at a local hospital (for breast cancer), but I had reservations about the surgical/pathology method that they were using. I went to another hospital as a second opinion, and I was so overly impressed with the surgeon and how the facility was run that I canceled the surgery with the local hospital. I knew that I was in the right place, even if it was away from my home. Hopefully you have a similar experience.
Have you met with the surgeon at the new hospital yet? What are the next steps?

@bobca Hi Bob I had Right lung lower lobe lobectomy and resection by robot assisted I was SCLC early stage.. Operation was successful in that they removed the cancer and checked lmpth nodes.. I had my 6 month Ct Scan in November last year no further spread of dicease... I'm 66 was terrified of surgery I will say that robotic is less invasive but 8 months post op I'm still getting the usual stabbing pains nerve damage and pain around the incision site taking 400mg pregabalin but almost getting back to were I was I've been diagnosed with copd shortness of breath but other than that om.. Im sure your procedure will be fine sounds your in good hands hope this helps and good luck with the op.