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Describe your recovery from lung NET surgery
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (98)Comment receiving replies
I am wondering about recovery at home and what are some of the issues people faced once discharged from the hospital. after having had a lobectomy. I am 77, live alone and am facing a right lower lobe lobectomy. I know everyone's recovery may be different, but in general did you need help at home and what type, and for how long. Were the doctors able to effectively manage pain at home? . I know they are much more cautious about dispensing pain killers now. How long before you can drive ? I am not keen on going into a nursing home to recover.
I am quite fatigued now and am wondering if getting the carcinoid out will improve that. I also get short of breath sometimes on minimum exertion. Did surgery seem to help with that issue once the tumor is removed? My concern is that the oncologist and cardiologist don't have a clear idea if my shortness of breath is caused by the NET or the heart disease. I had a triple bypass in 2020 and some major complications from it so having another chest surgery is something I am pretty anxious about. . Thanks for any information. I am trying to weigh the risk benefit of having this surgery
Replies to "I am wondering about recovery at home and what are some of the issues people faced..."
@stephanieann
I had VAT surgery in September 2025
I am age 78
If you are a patient of a competent Neuroendocrine Team , I would trust their guidance. I assume that your cardiology is involved,
If you have Medicare you are entitled to hom care services- ask to meet with a social worker
The first week I needed medication for pain- extra strength Tylenol did help .
You will need help with
food shopping and household chores
Have wedge pillow
lose tee shirts - bra is uncomfortable
Everyone is different but by the end of eight weeks the only issues I had were fatigue intermittent cough and nerve pain. I was told that it takes a year to recover and I have found this to be the reality.
I hope all goes well!
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You are asking good questions, @stephanieann. When you live alone, it is important to assess how much help you might need post-surgery. As you wisely noted, all of us recover differently after surgery; however, your medical team might be able to offer some general guidance on what your recovery might look like. So, these might be good questions to ask your medical team.
Have you been told how long you will be hospitalized after surgery? You might ask for a social worker to visit with you before your discharge to see what services might be available to you when you return home. Hospital social workers are a wealth of information on post-surgery matters and the services available to patients.
It would be good to consider the support network you currently have in your life. Do you have friends and family that you could call on if you need help with transportation, food, or picking up prescriptions? Do you belong to any groups such as churches or community groups that could help you? Could you use food/grocery delivery services? Could you prepare food in advance to freeze and have it ready upon your return from the hospital?
I see that you are weighing the risks/benefits of lung surgery. I also see that you have had triple bypass surgery in the past. After the heart surgery, was there a reduction in your symptoms? Has there been any change in your heart disease since your last follow-up appointment with the cardiologist?
I realize that there is a lot to consider. Has your surgery already been scheduled?