Connect
← Return to Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?
Discussion
Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jun 25, 2023 | Replies (76)Comment receiving replies
Bunnie, I am a healthy 78 and was diagnosed with EGFR adenocarcinoma on Feb 25th. Stage 1b, nodule smaller than 3cm, no lymph node involvement. I had robotic assisted surgery at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. 1/3 of one lobe of my right lung was removed along with the nodule. I have had no adverse effects, including no noticeable loss of breathing. My thoracic surgeon told me if I were a biker used to 15 mile rides (I’m not!), I could comfortably bike 10 miles. Finally, what does your thoracic surgeon say? Mine was incredibly helpful and encouraging. I always ask doctors what they would advise their moms or wives in similar circumstances. Good luck - and ask what the consequences are of NOT having the surgery.
Replies to "Bunnie, I am a healthy 78 and was diagnosed with EGFR adenocarcinoma on Feb 25th. Stage..."
Franciekid,
That is encouraging! How long did it take you to get back to your regular routine? Were you in the hospital long? Its great that you're doing so well. My surgeon is also very helpful and encouraging (though I've only met with her once).
Bunnie, my story was very similar to yours. NSCLC adenocarcinoma with a tumor of 2.5 to 2.0 cm. I had 3 one-day sessions of chemo and immunotherapy, 3 weeks apart. Robotic surgery 4 weeks later. Removed the middle lobe of my right lung. Pathology could not examine the tumor, as found completely destroyed by chemo. Also, of 37 lymph nodes annihilated by robot, or sampled, pathology found no sign of cancer. Quick recovery of surgery, only spent 2 nights in hospital with good pain control. 3 Weeks later now, still recovering with mild pain medication. My 4 incisions are healing nicely. The area around the ribs is still sensitive to the touch, or when getting in or out of a car. I was told this is normal, related to both muscle pain as nerve pain because of handling of robotic instruments in between ribs. Could take some more weeks to completely heal. I am 7 years older than you, I do not think age itself would affect the outcome, being healthy is most important I guess. More advice : try to walk around a lot, especially the first week. I took my first short walk with a nurse only 6 hours after waking up from surgery. Also, when told to limit the weight in your hand at the surgery side to -say -8- pounds, please do stick to it…I had more, and regretted…Always listen to your body : sleep when it makes you yawn, rest when it says you feel tired. Most important : ask a lot of questions to your doctors, expect serious and honest answers, build up confidence. I had terrible anxiety in the early 6 weeks. Up to the moment that I received my diagnosis, and the proposal for the treatment. Decided at the spot. First chemo 1 week later. For me, that was the moment that most uncertainty vanished. As did most anxiety. Both are very related. Just my experience. Hope any of this helps. Good luck.
Connect
Hi- I had robotic surgery as well but upper L lobe, stage 1b . Mine was 3 weeks ago and I am still having lots of pain . Surgeon says it’s nerve pain, Wondering how long your pain lasted?
Thanks! Glad you’re doing well .