Adenocarcinoma Robotic RLL Lobectomy: Does age affect outcome?

Posted by bbtn @bbtn, May 16, 2023

Hello all,
I've been diagnosed with NSCLC adenocarcinoma. The nodule is approximately 2.5 cm I'm told. I'm scheduled for a right lower lobectomy next week on the 26th at Vanderbilt. I'm really getting crazy anxiety about this and would love some input from people who have had this procedure. I'm 64 and wondering if my age is going to affect the outcome.
Any advice is appreciated
Bunnie

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@bbtn

Welp...tomorrow is the day for the lobectomy. Was supposed to be at 11am and they called and bumped me up to 8am. Totally nervous and trying to calm myself down.

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Bunnie, @bbtn, I hope things go well for you. Being nervous is expected, but by the time you read this, the surgery will be over, and hopefully you’ll be cancer free!
My heart is warmed by all of the support and helpful encouragement you’ve received here on Connect. The info will be a great reference for others in the future too.
Take the time that you need to heal. Let us know how you’re feeling.

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@bbtn

Welp...tomorrow is the day for the lobectomy. Was supposed to be at 11am and they called and bumped me up to 8am. Totally nervous and trying to calm myself down.

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My RATS lung surgery went well. A bit of discomfort first post day with chest tube, but not bad. I went home the next morning. Consider how many your doc has done. Nerves are normal, and you’ll be OK. Hugs to you. Deep breathing. ❤️

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@bbtn

Welp...tomorrow is the day for the lobectomy. Was supposed to be at 11am and they called and bumped me up to 8am. Totally nervous and trying to calm myself down.

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I had a lobectomy (upper left lobe) 6 months ago. You well get through it and things get slowly better over time. Best of luck.

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Welp...tomorrow is the day for the lobectomy. Was supposed to be at 11am and they called and bumped me up to 8am. Totally nervous and trying to calm myself down.

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@edieshelton

Hello, I'm 66, just had a bronchoscopy with biopsy; couldn't get much tissue bc of location. Thoracic surgeon recc upper left lobectomy (was hoping for a resection). Haven't see oncologist yet. Says I'll lose 15% of my capacity but as of now lung function is fine. I have other nodules but not growing. Feel like a load of bricks have hit me. Wondering how long it will take to recoup after reading this bc Dr said I could prob go home after 1-2 days and should do fine.

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I was in the hospital 3 days including day of surgery. They usually last around 5-6 hours plus all the prep and recovery time. Healing and recovery time depends on the person. Your health before surgery, mobility before surgery, weight, etc. I had my surgery on A Friday left the hospital on Sunday (stayed at a motel close to the hospital that night and then went home Monday morning. I’m now at 8 1/2 weeks post op and feel fine. Still get a twinge under left top rib and a weird feeling in the muscle there but not pain. Walk every day! Walking and moving will be the BEST thing you can do. I have an adjustable bed and that was a big plus! I raised the head so I could just turn to get out of bed. Otherwise get lots of pillows! You have to move slow at first until you figure out your limits. I was afraid I was going to be bed ridden and all kinds of bad pain, etc. Was NOT the case. I also used an inspirometer before my surgery and walked a lot to increase my lung function and kept them exercised. Good luck! Cindy

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@edieshelton

Oh my!!!! yesterday thoracic surgeon told me needed upper left lobectomy and I've been scheduled for breast explants due to silicon under muscle rupture. HOW did you get them to do both at the same time???

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My surgeon set it up with the plastic surgeon and she agreed to do it.Breast implants can be in the way of where thoracic surgeon has to make incisions. Also You would think that if you have a rupture they would want to get that cleaned out before cutting open your lung. Are you doing through Mayo?

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@cmcguire10

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.❤️

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Oh my!!!! yesterday thoracic surgeon told me needed upper left lobectomy and I've been scheduled for breast explants due to silicon under muscle rupture. HOW did you get them to do both at the same time???

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@debhol

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 .

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Hello, I'm 66, just had a bronchoscopy with biopsy; couldn't get much tissue bc of location. Thoracic surgeon recc upper left lobectomy (was hoping for a resection). Haven't see oncologist yet. Says I'll lose 15% of my capacity but as of now lung function is fine. I have other nodules but not growing. Feel like a load of bricks have hit me. Wondering how long it will take to recoup after reading this bc Dr said I could prob go home after 1-2 days and should do fine.

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@bbtn

Thanks Beth! Did you also have Robotic surgery? Glad to hear that your recovering well!

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Yes I did have robotic. Please let me know how your surgery goes. Best wishes!

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@balevine

Hi Bunnie, i had my URL removed Mar 15. I'm 65. I don't think age matters as much as general health. Today I feel really good. My healing was incremental, I went back to work (desk job) 3 weeks after surgery and continued to improve every week. I focused on what I could control before and after surgery, walking, eating healthy, etc. Best wishes! Beth

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Thanks Beth! Did you also have Robotic surgery? Glad to hear that your recovering well!

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