Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

Thanks for your reply. I hit the 3 week mark yesterday and I am definitely not better, maybe worse. They suggested Salonpas patch but I saw Icy Hot roll-on which has 4% lidocaine so I tried that. Can't say it helped much. I saw a comparison against Aspercrem and that seems better for our purpose. One should only apply to a small area - I could put on front and back left side! What dosage of Gabapentin are you taking?
I know it can take months to get better. My first VAT I only had mild nerve issue, it just seemed weird more than pain. That took maybe four months to go away.

2 weeks from surgery is a bit soon. At two weeks I was doing half a mile. I hit the 3-week mark yesterday, but I don't think I can go further yet. Yes, nerve pain is unpleasant and who knows how long it will last.

Bunnie, I understand your concern. I am 78 - otherwise healthy - and had Robotic Assisted Lung Surgery in March for adenocarcinoma. Had partial lobectomy and recuperated quite well. Talk to your docs. I was concerned about my age, too. It’s much more about your overall health. Hugs to you. Keep us posted.

And 78 is young! My first VAT surgery was at 80 and second one at 81. You are right. It is about one's overall health, how tissue heals etc.

I had my first VATS in August 2020, a second partial lung removal last year in June…my lungs weren’t strong enough for a second full lobectomy…this is the last time I can have lung surgery.. I remember after the first lobectomy I suffered mostly from the tube they inserted in my chest after the surgery, apparently this is a normal procedure but normally it’s removed in two or three days afterwards…sadly my lung took too long to heal so I was sent home with the tube…it was so painful to move around with not to mention the drainage I had to also cope…it was a brutal time but I was always thinking that the cancer is gone and I didn’t require anything else. When you get past the worst of your surgery aftermath you will feel a sense of elation that you survived it all and it makes you feel like a brave warrior who won the battle..give yourself a good pat on the back because you deserve it.

Thanks for the encouragement Franke! I did see a pulmonologist when I was back in the hospital Monday, I've never had one yet which i find odd. He was super nice and helpful...I may keep him 🙂. It seems when I can't get my breath I go into a panic and it just multiplies. When I was in the hospital both times they gave me zanex which seemed to somewhat keep me from freaking out but it also made me sleepy sooo.I feel amazing other than this one problem, never really had pain just soreness. This shortness or breath or air hunger is really hampering my ability to exercise and try to get back to a bit of normalcy.

Greetings everyone- My doctor gave me Lyrica for the nerve pain. I asked about Gabapentin but she said it takes about 3 weeks before it even really kicks in. Most use Lyrica because it’s immediate. If you are having bad nerve pain, you should ask your Dr. about switching you to it. I had my VATS March 24th, (11 weeks ago),LUL segmentectomy and a small wedge resection by the Lingula. I am doing and feeling wonderful. Walking about 2-3 miles a day now back to work full time and yesterday planted my rose bushes, and vegetable plants. Please don’t take this as bragging, just trying to let you know that you will get stronger and the pain will subside into the “weird” feeling, and eventually that will go away too. I did use the inspirometer for awhile after my surgery, at home while watching tv or just sitting outside in the sunshine. It helps exercise your lungs and make them stronger. Wishing you ALL the BEST! Think POSITIVE and WALK, WALK, WALK!
Cindy

I understand how you feel, not being able to get a full breath or being breathless with very limited movement..time is your friend and you will gradually notice that your breathing will improve and you’ll eventually feel like yourself again…sometimes I think our bodies heal faster than our minds and this took me longer to get past, I had to stop seeing myself as a cancer patient but rather a cancer survivor…I wish for you a strong and healthy recovery amen 🙏

I’m sorry I didn’t see your post sooner. I was 68 when I had the robotic surgery. Just a few minutes ago someone commented on a photo of me at a concert almost exactly a month post surgery. The comment was how happy and healthy I looked. That was five years ago. I hope you’re doing well.

I had an upper right lobectomy 7 weeks ago, with the Robot and the Tramadol was not working so they switched me to Oxycodone, which just too the edge off the nerve pain. Last week I started on the Pregabalin 25 mg., first week only 2 a day, which seemed to be helping but then not so much ( I think my doctor put me on low dose due to many allergic reactions) the one reaction I had was swelling of feet and ankles, which didn't seem to be an issue, so now taking 2 during the day and another 2 at nighttime. That had helped for a few days and now I am not finding much relief. Surgeon mentioned every nerve was nicked during surgery and wondering who else may have experienced this much pain. Was hope after 2 days after surgery and was shocked by the large scar and swelling above it. So it was more than the 3 or 4 holes from the robot. Still swollen even after it leaked one night for 4 hours straight. Also had a thorosentisis; but in another area (SO ADD ONE MORE WOUND). The scab on that one has crusted and I am trying not to touch it. My biggest concern is the large incision and the lump above (still swollen) was told it will eventually go down. Wondering when that may be, as wearing bras or anything that touches that site is painful. Due to having emphysema I have been basically a Shut-IN all through COVID. I realize at my age (75) I am not going to heal as quickly as many of those that are younger. I've always taken care of my home and now the smallest tasks have become overwhelmingly hard to do and leave me in more pain.
My spouse is doing is best but he doesn't know how to cook so I have had to fend for myself.
I am writing this and realizing how depressed I am, as we were going to try to take a trip to get away for a week. But I am afraid of these wounds if I am on a beach, does anyone know if both beach and a 9 hour drive may be too difficult for me now? I don't want to make my spouse have to be stuck home as we are both tired of being home.
Anyone that can give me advice, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. I realize it might be call your surgeon; but he seems dismissive of my concerns. Final visit after surgery only went by x-ray and never looked at swelling. He's in and out so no time to ask questions, so later sent photo to them on portal of how swollen I was.
My first time here! Sorry if this was lengthy just looking for advice from others that have similar experiences.
Thank you