1 yr 9 months post upper left lobectomy, shortness of breath

Posted by cercare @cercare, Dec 18, 2025

Hi I’m a 42 year old female who had an upper left lobectomy in March of 2024 for neuroendocrine cancer. I was healing well but at about the 1.5 yr mark I noticed a plateau in my healing, particularly with fatigue and shortness of breath. My doctors say I’m “fine” but is this something that still occurs years after this surgery? I should note that I do have multiple other chronic conditions not related to the lungs that could also be slowing me down. I had a pulmonary function test yesterday that showed my volume was low which was because of the surgery. I’m fine if this is my new normal, I just want to hear if other people are experiencing this. I feel like doctors just don’t understand.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 19, 2025

Hello @cercare and welcome to the NETs support group on Mayo Connect. I can certainly understand your concern after experiencing increased symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath. On Connect, we have numerous discussions on Lung NETs. Here is a link that will take you to many of those discussions:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuroendocrine-tumors-nets/
I would encourage you to post your question in one of these groups. In these groups, you will meet @tomrennie, @hollyann72, @jhhaas, @californiazebra, @stevestenberg31, @kathyzee, and others who may have some helpful experiences to share.

I see that your doctor did a pulmonary function test. Were any other tests or scans done? Have you considered seeking a second opinion for these bothersome symptoms?

kmcbride77 | @kmcbride77 | Dec 19, 2025

Hi. I can relate... I have inoperable stage 3B large cell neuroendocrine lung cancer currently in remission and although no lobe was removed (unfortunately) the changes in my lung due to blockage caused by the cancer then radiation damage due to treatment which is still being noted as progressing on CT scans has left me with decreased O2 levels, exercise intolerance, etc and I use an O2 concentrator at night. I have definitely had to adjust to a new normal as far as what I am able to do physically but of course am very grateful to be breathing at all. It was very hard to accept at first even being older (67). I hope that you are able to continue to improve, but if not definitely be glad for everything you are able to do and enjoy doing it to the max. It is a big adjustment no doubt. Very best hopes and wishes for your continued good health.