Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

I am sorry to hear about your continued pain. Instead of going back to the surgeon you might try seeing your regular doctor; sometimes they can help with pain issues. Give yourself some time to heal. I am now 6 months past my robotic surgery; I am 78. Only recently have I begun to feel normal.

My robotic lobectomy was 8 weeks ago. While it has slowly improved, I still have some nerve pain. It is aggravated by lifting or doing a lot. I take gabepentin and Tylenol or Advil. Also used aspercreme roll on. Bra still uncomfortable! I did buy a few bigger stretch ones which help. Check with your Doctor about swimming. Beach sounds great.

Bunnie, hope your surgery went well. I think I mentioned that I had a sementectomy on Mar 22. I’m 78 and otherwise healthy. Some initial pain and numbness of skin, but all symptoms gone now. Best of lyck and a hug to you.

Bunny, I had a lobectomy, left upper lobe in July 2020, I was 69 at the time. I know there's two procedures, one is video assissted which greatly reduces the amount of invasivness of the surgery. I don't know if you're going to have it done this way, not all hospitals use this technique but I would highly recommend this because it makes a huge difference. I recovered physically quite well and gradually regained some strength again. I won't tell you that you're exactly the same person after going through this treatment but for me it was more mental stress that I went through but I think that's fairly normal. I've heard many people in our age group did very well with this type of surgery so don't fear, I'm sure you're in good hands, they also don't need to keep you in the hospital too long, about 3 days and then you can go home. I wish you good luck and a safe and healthy recovery.

Oh @dezines, I feel for you. This sounds like such a tough time. I don't blame you for being concerned about the swelling, and certainly if the skin is red or warm. If it gets worse, be sure to reach back out to the surgeon's office, and sometimes a triage nurse can be helpful, or even your primary care provider may be able to help. They may be able to confirm if there is reason to be concerned.
Most times people that offer to help really do mean it. Is there anyone else that can help with the house or a little cooking?
Sometimes a chance of scenery can be refreshing and can be a big help to your mental state. Would it be possible to try a mini-trip, just an overnight, before taking the longer trip to the beach?

Thank you Lisa, for reaching out to me. My husband (also my care giver) has been coughing for the past few days and he finally went to the ER today, after trying to get him to see his Doctor, I ended up being the care giver and yesterday I had a sore throat. Once his coughing began he slept in another room but he would be downstairs with me and touching remotes, etc. My last visit with my PT nurse was yesterday and she took his temperature and it was a little above 101 degrees. At that point she told me to also wear a mask. Something I hadn't done as it's difficult for me to breathe with it. He just returned from the ER and was diagnosed with Viral Bronchitis not sure yet what prescriptions they gave him. Besides concerns for him, I now am wondering how this could impact me? How long will he be contagious? I imagine due to his illness there won't be any trips. We'll wait and see.
I really appreciate your empathy, during these trying times. Hope to hear back regarding my concerns. Thank you.

to @debhol
Thank you for sharing we seem to be in the same boat as far as when we had our lobectomy and doing anything like bending or trying to clean my home I can only last so long and the pain is so bad I have to decide if it's worth it. Yet, dust is not a friend when you are trying to heal from this. I have a fairly large home and have never had anyone clean for me; nor cook, I was proud of how clean it had been up until about a year ago when I began to let things get out of control, as far as not putting things away. My husband tried to help me clean just my office and he was winded before me. Turns out he ended up in ER today for viral bronchitis. Although, that day we didn't realize he was ill. As for bras I also purchased ones that you pull up all elastic but large enough not to directly touch my wounds (especially one that is still swollen). However, can't wait to take them off. As for beach or short vacation, it may not happen now that my husband has become ill. He is coughing so hard and we are waiting for the meds to kick in and hoping in a few days he may get some relief.

to: @thieschafer
Hi and thank you for letting me know that it may take that long to heal. My regular doctor was unavailable to see last week and coming week she is away, and her schedule is full until mid July. Apparently, I made need a root canal and I also have a second appointment for another colonoscopy, one done a few weeks prior to my lobectomy, could only remove 2 1/2 pre-cancerous polyps; so that other half or whatever they hadn't got out is going to be hopefully removed. Just so many things are overwhelming right now. Spouse came down with Viral Bronchitis and went to ER early this morning and spent most of the day there. Worrisome for both him and myself, as I need to mask when around him. Hence he sleeps in another room now. But we are together mostly in our family room. Just too many health related problems to deal with at one time as I am trying to heal from this lobectomy.

Sounds like you are having a rough time. Make the appointment for mid-July and find other ways to manage pain. It never rains but it pours. Best of luck with the colonoscopy and the root canal will be over in half an hour. I had one of those last year; not fun. Hoping things get better soon.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I wish I could have had surgery. My NSC lung cancer is too prevalent in my lungs and my only option is chemotherapy and immunotherapy and probably for the rest of my days. Fortunately Mayo took me on as a patient and I’ve been in one clinical trial and will probably be in another this summer. Your oncologist’s words made me chuckle. He sounds really thoughtful. Bless you with continued good health.