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Anyone have chronic pain years after lobectomy?

Posted by allyjane61 @allyjane61, Feb 8 10:45am

Hi,
I am almost 5 years out from my lobectomy for stage 3A. I had my lower left lobe removed, chemo, radiation, & immunotherapy. 2 recurrences in my back near the surgical site, and radiation again. 30 years ago I had breast cancer and the oncologist believes the lung cancer was most likely caused by the radiation I had then.
I am 1 year cancer free. I have had pain ever since my lobectomy. It was a robotic lobectomy. My ribs protrude on that side and the pain starts in my ribs near the surgical site and radiates up and down the left side of my back. I have tried PT, medication, though I won’t do the narcotics patch. I am currently taking gabapentin but am working up to a full dose slowly due to the fact that it makes me very tired. Currently using Advil Dual and have started massage therapy. The massage therapist seems to be the most knowledgeable about how I might be helped. The pain doctor has told me that she has a few patients with the same issue, PT tried stretching exercises. Nothing seems to help much. And no one has any experience with it.
Has anyone had the same, or similar problem?

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pb50 | @pb50 | May 31 12:04pm
In reply to @bwray "Im year out from lobectomy on left lung and complete thorocotomy wedge re section on right...." + (show)
Profile picture for bwray @bwray

Im year out from lobectomy on left lung and complete thorocotomy wedge re section on right.
Some days (like today) pain is almost unbearable.
I can lean over you know like a squat with my ribs in my thigh and it feels like my ribs are moving and the pain is unbearable.

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@bwray
I had left lower lobectomy with a lot of pain afterward - on inhale particularly. After things that might have been treatable were ruled out,

I didn't want narcotics and nsaids didn't touch it. But my rheumatologist gave me a round of prednisone and i had immediate relief from the post surgical rib pain. So that confirmed it is inflammation. But prednisone is not something you can take just whenever. You start at a specific dose and follow directions to wean down over days from that point. But talk to your doc
I will say that it has been 3 years next month since my lobectomy and pain is much less frequent. I have even been able to mall walk.
But I do sometimes get spasms in what feels like rib muscle. Not great but still better than 3 yrs ago

Hang In. Life gets better.

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esk123 | @esk123 | Jun 6 8:14am

Question
Do you have an Oncologist. I feel I should but was never recommended.

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