2 years out from lobectomy and wedge resection.

Congratulations!!! That is Great news! I pray that you will stay clear for many, many, many more years! Enjoy! Big Battle, Great News!

@kenhorse, Thanks for sharing your good news! It sounds like you were in rough shape two years ago. You've come a long way! Wishing you continued success and clear scans.
I had CT scans yesterday, clear and boring after 5 years. That's what we like!

I had a RL lobectomy in Jan 24 & am due for my 6 month ct scan on Friday & maybe because I've waited for 6 months this time instead of those 3 month checks, I'm so full of anxiety & fear. I was stage 1A & mild/moderate COPD. I've felt good over the months, no new symptoms, but I never had any before my dx. I've continued to smoke, but considerably less, I mean probably 6 a day, I know. Shame on me, but I'm 70 & due to stress- the loss of my soul pet, a huge court case coming up etc, it's been so hard. I've had this ongoing under my rib discomfort still on my right side that spreads across my stomach below the ribs. It went away for a long time, but it's back & it's concerning to me. Stress, anxiety from upcoming CT? Something new? Haven't healed yet? Gallbladder? I just feel frantic! I'm trying to be hopeful, but am so scared.

Dear minnie528 -
My husband had a lobectomy as well as 21 lymph nodes. Sure- every scan holds anxiety- totally normal. The pain may be normal healing, but be sure to tell your doc so they can check for scarring or other problems. Can you send a message via mychart? Just hearing from your doc might make you feel a bit better. All I can tell you is to be grateful for todays ability to diagnose and cure.
As for the surgery- 10 years out and still going strong! Remember that it is MAJOR surgery so give yourself time- raise concerns to docs and pray- if you do that. Certainly get support from friends and family or if needed , counseling. and PLEASE stop smoking- I watched COPD slowly take away a dear friend......

PRayers and best wishes - J.

Morning minnie528!
I had my LUL segmentectomy in March of 2023. Had the same pains you are describing. It’s usually the nerve that causes this. I still have issues with the bra bands as they sit right on that specific area, and on where some of the incisions were made. If I turn or bend a certain way I feel like something pushes up right under my left rib cage. It’s a weird feeling, but not painful. I have just come to accept some of these as part of the process of what our bodies have been through. 6 months post surgery is still “fresh healing” as I call it. When you have parts of your lung removed things shift inside because they have more room. It just means you have to listen to your body and maybe change some of the things like lifting, turning, bending your torso. Stage 1a is a good time to have this caught and taken out. We ALL worry about our next CT check up. As I said before, no one wants to hear that diagnosis again! Try, and I emphasize that word TRY, not to worry too much. Stress is normal especially around CT time, but too much is not good for you physically or mentally. Make some “me” time for yourself to relax and let go. Even if its only a few minutes a day. If able, try to do some very easy slow stretches. And again, if able, WALK. Walking helps you heal faster and is really good for your lungs to exercise. (Even if it’s inside around your house). Wishing you the best! God Bless you!🙏❤️

Great advice!

I had my 6 month ct scan Aug 1 & my follow up with doc today. I was hoping all weekend for the report to be on My Chart, but it wasn't so I stressed. Since my lobectomy for rll was in Jan 24, I've had the regular f/u scans 3 month to 6 month. In February's scan, it was reported a very small nodule in my upper left lung, but they'd see what, if anything had changed come 6 months to Aug 1. My report still isn't in my chart, but doc looked at the image today & seemed to be somewhat concerned & ordered a PET to be sure. I asked how big he thought it was (I'd never gotten a mm size in Feb because "it was small") & he said aprox 10mm. Ok, so now I'm scared- rll & now lul to PET, all within a year & 6 months. I was stage 1A1 with the rll nsclc. What are the chances now of this ull being cancerous? I really spent the weekend worried that my copd had worsened because of the occasional chest discomfort, but otherwise feel very good. No cough, I get mucus, sometimes short of breath depends on what I do, but overall good. I knew I had mild/moderate centrilobular emphysema. I have off & on quit/started & used patches for smoking since Jan 24 surgery with great struggle, but smoked aprox 6-7 a day. No excuse, but I lost my best buddy, my soul pet in April, my twin sister dealing with alcohol abuse & a major family issue so the stress level has been high. Now, the only thing I'm concerned about is the left upper lung. Btw, it showed faintly last PET Sept 23 & didn't light up. My opinion already is that it's cancer again even at Stage 1A 1.5 yrs ago. Not the best luck if it is. Thoughts? Pet scan is a week from tomorrow.

I so get your fear…..
I’ll say extra prayers for you & keep us posted.

Oh @minnie528 I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with this again, and so soon after surgery. We don't know that it's cancer. It might be, but it might not be too!
I'm just one case, but I was diagnosed as metastatic in 2020. Everything is still under control with a targeted therapy, but in early 2024 I had a new nodule appear on a follow up CT. It took a PET that showed low uptake and a couple of attempts at biopsy, but eventually they identified the nodule as fungal. Not cancer at all. So, it can happen.
I'm hoping that you find answers soon. And don't blame yourself for any of this, cancer isn't fair, and none of us should have cancer. You have a lot to deal with right now, but you're doing what you can to get the answers that you need, and sometimes that mean waiting for tests and results. Hugs.

Ty for your kind words. Prior to my rl lobectomy in 2024, they attempted to do a biopsy & had to abort the test & ended up doing the surgery. It was nsclc Stage 1a1 thank God. Wondering, I'm doing the PET Thur & say it lights up, do you think they'd attempt another biopsy? I sure want to do anything I can to avoid another surgery, especially the upper left nodules. I still have discomfort from the January surgery & just wondering in lieu of surgery, is it possible to do targeted therapy or radiation? I have a twin sister, who was dx'd in 2021 for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia & was put on targeted therapy. 4 years later, she's still in remission. It just seems there should be alternatives other than another major surgery. I'm not that young anymore lol, 70, been a smoker lifelong (I quit this week, using patches, after Jan 24 surgery I smoked about 4-6 day), so I'm really working on it. Is this cancer something that will continue to snowball or can it be kept at bay with treatment? Of course I'm scared for Thursday, but trying to be hopeful.