Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

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).

I honestly just had to start thinking and believing that:“This is what my surgeon says is the best thing for me and getting the cancer out.” There is No doubt that it’s scary! But once I put that in my mind, I just wanted it done. As soon as I woke up in my room, I asked when I could get up and walk. That is THE BEST thing you can do for your body. It helps get anesthesia out, it helps blood circulate to help prevent blood clots and it just makes you feel better because you are moving. I had the RAT surgery as well. One incision under the left breast/rib cage and three in the back. Three incisions about an inch long and one about 2 inches. Oh and the chest tube hole. All healed now, but like I mentioned, along the bra line is tender but very very manageable. Don’t even need any type of pain meds. I walk at least a mile every night and want to do a lot more but I am back to working full time and still have a family at home that I make dinner for and laundry, etc. Just don’t feel like sitting will be good for you because it’s not! Rest yea but then get back to moving. It also helps you remain positive!

Thats exactly the mindset I need to get to...thank you! You sound like you're as busy as I am so I will keep the walking routine added as I work back into my regular activities after surgery.

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 .

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.

Thats exactly the mindset I need to get to...thank you! You sound like you're as busy as I am so I will keep the walking routine added as I work back into my regular activities after surgery.

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.

I would have to agree with walk all you can. I had my two lower lobes of my right lung removed. I was about dead when I went to Dr. They made a 6 to 8 incision on my back, and of course smaller ones for chest tubes. So I was in the hospital about one month. But I left with no narcotics. Worked hard at Getting better. Doing good now. WALK

Hi Bunnie, I had much of my left upper lobe removed last week for NSC adenocarcinoma and I'm 60 years old. I have a second tumor on the right upper lobe which will hopefully be removed in 4-6 weeks. I am surprised at how quickly I am improving. My advise is to have some fun and relax before surgery. Positive affirmations are helpful. Also, it helps to strengthen your core if you can. For much of the first week post-op, I struggled to rotate my core when lifting myself. I was not able to sleep in my bed because it was too hard to get up or change position. At 7 days post, I am still on the couch with pillows propped behind me to sleep. I might invest in a reclining chair before surgery #2. Also, I found cloth ice bags to be beyond wonderful. I ordered a 2 pack on amazon and always had a cold one ready (they did not get too cold). Try not to worry. Modern medicine, surgery, and cancer care are amazing! Best wishes to you