Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

Bunnie, I am a healthy 78 and was diagnosed with EGFR adenocarcinoma on Feb 25th. Stage 1b, nodule smaller than 3cm, no lymph node involvement. I had robotic assisted surgery at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. 1/3 of one lobe of my right lung was removed along with the nodule. I have had no adverse effects, including no noticeable loss of breathing. My thoracic surgeon told me if I were a biker used to 15 mile rides (I’m not!), I could comfortably bike 10 miles. Finally, what does your thoracic surgeon say? Mine was incredibly helpful and encouraging. I always ask doctors what they would advise their moms or wives in similar circumstances. Good luck - and ask what the consequences are of NOT having the surgery.

Hi- I had robotic surgery as well but upper L lobe, stage 1b . Mine was 3 weeks ago and I am still having lots of pain . Surgeon says it’s nerve pain, Wondering how long your pain lasted?
Thanks! Glad you’re doing well .

Hi- I had an upper left lobe segmentectomy for my 1.5 cm Adenocarcinoma, and a small wedge from my lingula which tested to be a granuloma. I had it on March 24th. Also had both breast implants explanted at the same surgery. I am only 58, but I did fine. I have little twinges of a pain here and there still but yes, still an ache in the rib area where my bra goes around. I was on Lyrica for about 2 weeks after surgery and Tramadol, an opioid, that I stopped after a week and a half. Also Robaxin, for muscle spasms. If I have any pains I take either extra strength Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I have the regular 200’s but I also have the 800mg. Those work really well. I was so scared before my surgery, but the best advice I got from this site and the doctors was to Walk walk walk. Good Luck to you! It will be okay.❤️

Franciekid,
That is encouraging! How long did it take you to get back to your regular routine? Were you in the hospital long? Its great that you're doing so well. My surgeon is also very helpful and encouraging (though I've only met with her once).

Thats awesome news! Thats exactly what my surgeon said....walk walk walk even before the surgery. Hoping I can get over being scare before the surgery date!

Hi bbtn,

I had an upper right lobectomy in 2018 back when I was still 58 years young to remove a 3 cm cyst. Do you know what type of surgery you'll have? I had RATS, or robotic-assisted, which is the least invasive and has the shortest recovery time. I was discharged from the hospital 2 1/2 days after the surgery because my surgeon said, "There are sick people there." I had 30 days of opioid pain medication at home following the surgery. After that, I took Tylenol when needed.

It IS major surgery, but had brain surgery two years later and the recovery from lung surgery is way faster. The good news is you have three lobes on the right side. After they remove one, the others will gradually expand until you've recovered much of your lung capacity. I know a long-distance runner who had the right lower lobectomy and was back to serious running a couple of years later.

I'm a dog owner, so I'm always walking which does help. I was taking short walks within a week of returning home.

Congratulation on finding this forum. It helped me a lot. Feel free to ask questions as there are a lot of helpful, experienced people here.

Hi Matthew
Yes mine will be rats as well. My surgeon suggested walking and more walking up till the surgery so I've been pounding the pavement through my neighborhood. I keep flip flopping between looking forward to getting this out of my lung and being really scared cause of well surgery. Its good to see so many people have had the same and are up and living their lives soon after though!

RATS is the best. I had four small incisions and almost can't find one of them anymore. As to the surgery, at least you're a woman. My wife and I had a consultation with my surgeon before the surgery. At one point, he turned to my wife and told her to be prepared because I would be depressed after the surgery for three reasons,
1. He's young. He said most people requiring this surgery were 20 years older.
2. He's a man. And we men don't emotionally handle such things as you women (talking to my wife), and
3. He's an engineer, and they tend to overthink things.
At that point, I replied, "Wheen, have I eeeever overthought anything?" Then we all had a good laugh, which my wife and I kinda needed about then.

You may have guessed I'm a pretty positive person, but I still had a bit of anxiety before. Sounds like you're doing fine and you're right. It'll be good to get rid of that thing. Plus, they'll be able to get a good look at it and definitively tell you what type of cancer you have which will determine future treatments. I have the EGFR mutation, so I take a small pill once a day. That's it!

Omg I love your positivity! I needed that! And that conversation could have been my husband and I cause face it...you guys are horrible at being sick 🤣

I honestly just had to start thinking and believing that:“This is what my surgeon says is the best thing for me and getting the cancer out.” There is No doubt that it’s scary! But once I put that in my mind, I just wanted it done. As soon as I woke up in my room, I asked when I could get up and walk. That is THE BEST thing you can do for your body. It helps get anesthesia out, it helps blood circulate to help prevent blood clots and it just makes you feel better because you are moving. I had the RAT surgery as well. One incision under the left breast/rib cage and three in the back. Three incisions about an inch long and one about 2 inches. Oh and the chest tube hole. All healed now, but like I mentioned, along the bra line is tender but very very manageable. Don’t even need any type of pain meds. I walk at least a mile every night and want to do a lot more but I am back to working full time and still have a family at home that I make dinner for and laundry, etc. Just don’t feel like sitting will be good for you because it’s not! Rest yea but then get back to moving. It also helps you remain positive!