What can I expect after my lung surgery

Hi Cynthia, I think you will find this group very helpful if you decide to stick around. Can you let us know what kind of lung surgery you are having. I am 72 and had a lower rt lobectomy in mid Feb of this year. Not sure if my information is what you are looking for. There are lots of folks here who likely have something similar to what you will be having. Post op is very different for many people. What type of lung surgery are you having?

@donnademps Upper left lobectomy stage 1

@cynthia19591965, Hi, I can certainly relate to what you’re going through, lots of anxiety for sure. I will share with you my experience with lung cancer surgery, I also had upper left lobe removed for stage l in 2020, it was VATS, video assisted treatment which certainly helped with reducing the incisions which were 3 and very small, it reduced the aftermath healing and generally without any complications you get to go home in three days to heal. I went through a few problems with my surgery but everyone is different, I’m 75 now and I had a wedge removed in the lower right lobe in 2022 but thankfully I am still here, I hope you have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery, best wishes, amen.

I had stage one upper top left lung removal last September. I am 69 years old. Had robotic surgery with 8 small incisions.
I understand everyone is different. This is my experience.
For the past 9 months since surgery I have been in considerate amount of pain and my past life is just a memory.
Have a serious talk with your doctor about pain meds and have a plan.
I was given 5 days for going home. After that I was passed around from one Dr to another and receiving no help. Now Im at pain clinic and I have to jump through procedures epidural injections and now nerve ablation. It is such a struggle.
I'm so sorry I had the surgery. As I said before everyone is different some sail through and others seem to have lasting pain and disabilities.
I send you prayers.

@frouke Thank you so much for your input!
It is very stressful, but I’m trying to move forward..

@esk123 Thank you so much for your input. It is very stressful..

I was 62 and had a right upper 1a removed robotically. I was in the hospital for 4 days then recovered at home. The first two weeks were very painful but they gave me great meds to handle that issue. Took me about 6 weeks to be up and about again. After that just soreness, a cough and tiredness for several months. It’s been a year now and I feel myself again! I’m back to hiking and the gym. The cough is gone and my energy is back.
All the best for your recovery!!

Hi Cynthia my name is Jessica I'm 35 years old I've had a bilobectomy done in dec 2025 for typical carcinoid low grade tumor I was in hospital for 3 days sent home to rest with alot of pain medication it's been 6 months and under my breast is still numb and still hurts when I take deep breaths I'm hoping this will ease over time best of luck 🥰

Hi Cynthia,
I was just a little over a month shy of turning 65 when
I had my robotic assisted right middle lobectomy… stage 1 … that was 10 weeks ago today. I’ve done great ! 😊
I had pain after surgery, I came home from the hospital the next morning. Once home I found that Tylenol alone took the edge off the pain. As did walking, walking and more walking slowly around the house.
To help sleep and lesson discomfort I slept in a recliner with pillows along my sides for 6 weeks, as it created pain if I were to lay flat on my bed prior.
If you need stronger pain meds, it is a good idea to have stool softener on hand as they can be constipating.
I also used a throw pillow to hold against my side for when I coughed and oh for the bumpy ride home !
If you have any specific questions or any concerns please don’t hesitate, I’ve found everyone here is most knowledgeable, helpful and kind.
All the best 😊

Hi Cynthia,
Had a melanoma lesion removed from lower right lobe last July just prior to my 78th birthday. I’ve been on Keytruda immunotherapy every 3 weeks since October with negative PET scan last month. Good diet, exercise, coupled with🙏🏼/keeping the glass 1/2 full works 4 me. Chuck G.