* Is this pain typical this long after surgery? Yes, I had my upper right and middle right lobes removed in 2000 because of 10-12 cm mucinous adenocarcinoma (what we used to call bronchial alveolar carcinoma in 2000). It took about a year before I could wear my bra. I still have pain 23 years later especially when the weather changes which I have learned to block out. Like you, I can't take pain meds.

* should I have full lung capacity back? I never got my full capacity back. I was an active 46 year old when they took out my tumor in 2000. Ever since then I've had shortness of breath going up the slightest incline. Speak to your family doctor and see if they can do a pulmonary function test to check your lung capacity.

* Are there guidelines somewhere about flying cross country in pressurized cabin? Sorry, don't know.

* is there something else I should be doing? Walking really helps. Healthy weight helps. I tried very hard to regain my lung function the first 10 years by walking and taking 3-6 hours of yoga classes per week. But eventually I just gave up and accepted I will never get my lung function back.

I am so sorry this happened to you. Did you do a PET before surgery? I am curious what the SUV was on your spot before they took it out.