Welcome @corgimenow to Mayo Clinic Connect. Most people who have never smoked make up about 15-20% of cancer patients. There is a saying, that if you have lungs you can get lung cancer. But I think that this is true for all organs. It's just more of a shock for non-smokers.

There are also other reasons other than smoking that people can get lung cancer. Exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, or other factors can cause lung cancer. Workplace exposures to asbestos, diesel exhaust, or certain other chemicals can also cause lung cancers in some people who don't smoke.

I have had 2 lobectomies, both done the traditional way- open chest surgery. Post-surgery recovery was very tough and it took a long time for me to recover from the first one. (lower right lobe). My second lobectomy was the upper left lobe. It started out with a VATS (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treating-non-small-cell/surgery.html) but they wound up having to open up my chest due to a complication.

Cancer does alter the topography of the chest. So it will depend on how much is changed, the amount of lung tissue removed and other factors will depend on how quickly recovery happens. Recover with care, treat recovery as a special time to rest, and eat as cleanly as possible with lots of good protein. Drinking lots of water should help immensely. Also slowly let pain be your guide when exercising. Lungs need special care in recovery so don't push it. Slowly introduce each new exercise.

I was amazed at how much I could do!

Make sure that there is help with heavy lifting and home care. Follow what your doctors tell you. Do youhave any specific concerns?