← Return to Robotic Lobectomy: What can I expect? What is recovery like?

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@colleenyoung

Welcome @sjones55, it sounds like things are moving very quickly for you: diagnosed 2 weeks ago and surgery coming up this Friday. Let me bring in a few members into this discussion, like @merpreb @stanleykent @redman4466 @marshall8318 @onestepatatime @pat3017a @marylou705 @carlies @ta52 @speedy @vic83. Some of them have had robotically assisted lobectomies and all know what it is like to be diagnosed with lung cancer. They can help describe what to expect preparing for surgery and recovery.

While we wait for others to join the discussion, you may also be interested in this related conversation:
- Lobectomy scheduled—What kind of home help will I need? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lobectomy-scheduled-what-kind-of-home-help-will-i-need/

SJones, you mention that you've had 7 surgeries in the past 5 years. I assume that these were not related to lung cancer. How was your recovery from these other surgeries? What considerations were necessary given that you also have diabetes?

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Replies to "Welcome @sjones55, it sounds like things are moving very quickly for you: diagnosed 2 weeks ago..."

Hi, Colleen. In March 2017, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my left wrist and 2 weeks later on the right. A month later I had left hip replacement when the hip joint completely collapsed. 4 months after that I had surgery to repair a torn meniscus. In late August 2019 - right knee replacement followed by revision surgery in early September. In November 2020, right hip replacement. So, none related to lung cancer. Recoveries were tough. I have fibromyalgia, so any trauma to the body requires a longer recuperation time. Both hip replacements and the knee replacement left me with nerve damage, so I must have regular nerve blocks at a pain center and I have a plethora of spinal problems and am considering a spinal cord stimulator for the nerve impingement in my lower back causing pain in the back and down both legs - also had neck surgery scheduled for March 2 because of dangerously severe stenosis, but the neurosurgeon postponed it when the cancer was discovered. As for diabetes, I take Ozempic shots weekly and other than the normal diet restrictions, the doctors haven't really done anything differently as long as the blood sugar reading is below their tolerated limits before the surgery. But because of all the bone, spine, and joint problems that I have, exercise is limited and most time is spent off my feet, so the fact that I've become so unfit and weakened is concerning facing a major surgery. Thanks so much for making contact, Colleen. I will check out the link you mentioned and will look forward to hearing from the other folks you spoke of, too. Blessings!