Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

Thanks for the encouragement Franke! I did see a pulmonologist when I was back in the hospital Monday, I've never had one yet which i find odd. He was super nice and helpful...I may keep him 🙂. It seems when I can't get my breath I go into a panic and it just multiplies. When I was in the hospital both times they gave me zanex which seemed to somewhat keep me from freaking out but it also made me sleepy sooo.I feel amazing other than this one problem, never really had pain just soreness. This shortness or breath or air hunger is really hampering my ability to exercise and try to get back to a bit of normalcy.

I had my first VATS in August 2020, a second partial lung removal last year in June…my lungs weren’t strong enough for a second full lobectomy…this is the last time I can have lung surgery.. I remember after the first lobectomy I suffered mostly from the tube they inserted in my chest after the surgery, apparently this is a normal procedure but normally it’s removed in two or three days afterwards…sadly my lung took too long to heal so I was sent home with the tube…it was so painful to move around with not to mention the drainage I had to also cope…it was a brutal time but I was always thinking that the cancer is gone and I didn’t require anything else. When you get past the worst of your surgery aftermath you will feel a sense of elation that you survived it all and it makes you feel like a brave warrior who won the battle..give yourself a good pat on the back because you deserve it.

And 78 is young! My first VAT surgery was at 80 and second one at 81. You are right. It is about one's overall health, how tissue heals etc.

Bunnie, I understand your concern. I am 78 - otherwise healthy - and had Robotic Assisted Lung Surgery in March for adenocarcinoma. Had partial lobectomy and recuperated quite well. Talk to your docs. I was concerned about my age, too. It’s much more about your overall health. Hugs to you. Keep us posted.

2 weeks from surgery is a bit soon. At two weeks I was doing half a mile. I hit the 3-week mark yesterday, but I don't think I can go further yet. Yes, nerve pain is unpleasant and who knows how long it will last.

Thanks for your reply. I hit the 3 week mark yesterday and I am definitely not better, maybe worse. They suggested Salonpas patch but I saw Icy Hot roll-on which has 4% lidocaine so I tried that. Can't say it helped much. I saw a comparison against Aspercrem and that seems better for our purpose. One should only apply to a small area - I could put on front and back left side! What dosage of Gabapentin are you taking?
I know it can take months to get better. My first VAT I only had mild nerve issue, it just seemed weird more than pain. That took maybe four months to go away.

I had robotic upper left lung lobectomy. I had lots of nerve pain . It’s been 6 weeks and it’s slowly getting better. Still taking gabepentin. My surgeon said sometimes it takes months. I used aspercreme roll on, alternated Tylenol and Advil.

Thats what the surgeon says...before my surgery I was walking about a mile a night. Now 2 weeks from surgery im lucky if I feel like walking to the mailbox. I guess I thought I could just pick up where I left off 🙂. I hope your nerve pain gets better, I've heard that's frustrating and painful to deal with daily.

I have always had shortness of breath. My oxygen levels drop with exertion. I am told to walk, walk and walk

Hi Vic,
Wow second VAT...I'm not sure I could do a second one. I haven't had any pain although I really expected it. I'm just having major shortness of breath which landed me back in the hospital for a night although my oxygen numbers are good. Seeing my gp and oncologist both on Monday...hoping if this doesn't resolve by then that they can give me something for it.