Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

I had an upper right lobectomy 7 weeks ago, with the Robot and the Tramadol was not working so they switched me to Oxycodone, which just too the edge off the nerve pain. Last week I started on the Pregabalin 25 mg., first week only 2 a day, which seemed to be helping but then not so much ( I think my doctor put me on low dose due to many allergic reactions) the one reaction I had was swelling of feet and ankles, which didn't seem to be an issue, so now taking 2 during the day and another 2 at nighttime. That had helped for a few days and now I am not finding much relief. Surgeon mentioned every nerve was nicked during surgery and wondering who else may have experienced this much pain. Was hope after 2 days after surgery and was shocked by the large scar and swelling above it. So it was more than the 3 or 4 holes from the robot. Still swollen even after it leaked one night for 4 hours straight. Also had a thorosentisis; but in another area (SO ADD ONE MORE WOUND). The scab on that one has crusted and I am trying not to touch it. My biggest concern is the large incision and the lump above (still swollen) was told it will eventually go down. Wondering when that may be, as wearing bras or anything that touches that site is painful. Due to having emphysema I have been basically a Shut-IN all through COVID. I realize at my age (75) I am not going to heal as quickly as many of those that are younger. I've always taken care of my home and now the smallest tasks have become overwhelmingly hard to do and leave me in more pain.
My spouse is doing is best but he doesn't know how to cook so I have had to fend for myself.
I am writing this and realizing how depressed I am, as we were going to try to take a trip to get away for a week. But I am afraid of these wounds if I am on a beach, does anyone know if both beach and a 9 hour drive may be too difficult for me now? I don't want to make my spouse have to be stuck home as we are both tired of being home.
Anyone that can give me advice, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. I realize it might be call your surgeon; but he seems dismissive of my concerns. Final visit after surgery only went by x-ray and never looked at swelling. He's in and out so no time to ask questions, so later sent photo to them on portal of how swollen I was.
My first time here! Sorry if this was lengthy just looking for advice from others that have similar experiences.
Thank you

I’m sorry I didn’t see your post sooner. I was 68 when I had the robotic surgery. Just a few minutes ago someone commented on a photo of me at a concert almost exactly a month post surgery. The comment was how happy and healthy I looked. That was five years ago. I hope you’re doing well.

I understand how you feel, not being able to get a full breath or being breathless with very limited movement..time is your friend and you will gradually notice that your breathing will improve and you’ll eventually feel like yourself again…sometimes I think our bodies heal faster than our minds and this took me longer to get past, I had to stop seeing myself as a cancer patient but rather a cancer survivor…I wish for you a strong and healthy recovery amen 🙏

Greetings everyone- My doctor gave me Lyrica for the nerve pain. I asked about Gabapentin but she said it takes about 3 weeks before it even really kicks in. Most use Lyrica because it’s immediate. If you are having bad nerve pain, you should ask your Dr. about switching you to it. I had my VATS March 24th, (11 weeks ago),LUL segmentectomy and a small wedge resection by the Lingula. I am doing and feeling wonderful. Walking about 2-3 miles a day now back to work full time and yesterday planted my rose bushes, and vegetable plants. Please don’t take this as bragging, just trying to let you know that you will get stronger and the pain will subside into the “weird” feeling, and eventually that will go away too. I did use the inspirometer for awhile after my surgery, at home while watching tv or just sitting outside in the sunshine. It helps exercise your lungs and make them stronger. Wishing you ALL the BEST! Think POSITIVE and WALK, WALK, WALK!
Cindy