Connect
Left lower lobectomy gone wrong or what's going on?
I had a right lower lobectomy Jan 2024, was stage 1A1 NSCLC, so a lot of my questions my friend's having with her left lower lobectomy I just can't answer because I didn't have the issues she's having. She had hers October 8 (an evasive doctor or something, but she still didn't know what stage & she's not too up on reading her chart herself), but this is what she's going through. She was hospitalized for 9 days because for some reason they had to go in twice. She had a bleed from what I understand. Since her surgery, it's painful to pee & she doesn''t know she's peeing unless she looks. Numb down there. They put a catheter in while in hospital & filled it & she didn't think she had to go. The big problem she's having is painful, stinging, tingling legs. She's had now 2 MRIs & no one knows why it's happening. She's a strong, but tiny gal, but never had this before surgery. At times, legs feel numb. It doesn't matter if she's walking or laying down. Also, when they removed her bandage on her back where the tube was, they literally ripped her skin off about 4" square. So now that's scabbing over, but it's been so painful. Her surgeon apologized for that many times & even said they have stopped using that kind of bandage! Too little too late. The scarring will be massive. I know from my lobectomy the pain & numbness, but mine was mainly under breasts/rib area, nothing like what she's going through. Any thoughts?? She is really struggling! Did they mess up or what? She had the robotic surgery done.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.
Connect
hi @minnie528 - I haven't had a lobectomy, but I'm so very sorry this is happening to your friend. It sounds to me (a layperson) that she has nerve damage from the surgery. Maybe the vagus nerve? My only suggestion is to have her see another more qualified doctor - preferably at a well established cancer center.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had part of my lower right lobe removed. That was about 6 months ago and I am still having extreme pain. My surgery was also done robotically. I have not been released by the doctor to return to work due to the pain. I started going to an acupuncturist because it appears I have nerve damage. I've had 3 sessions and have had some relief. I totally agree with the second opinion suggestion. I was put in touch with another doctor with that in mind. I wish I had gone with the second opinion BEFORE the operation. I'm so sorry your friend is having such troubles. You are a very good friend to have. Hope she gets answers soon. 💕
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@nannybb I hope the acupuncture and new doctor have more help/relief to offer you. thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you. And you are welcome.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIn reply to Minnie, what a caring friend you are. I had a similar situation as your friend in Oct last year. I'd had an upper right lobectomy and 2 days later I was back in theatre having emergency surgery. I too was never given a full explanation except that I had a clot in the lung and massive bleeding ( pleural effusion) . I later asked for a copy of the report of xray that was done just prior to that 2nd surgery too much to detail here but I also had numbness of my left thigh and 12 months later it is still numb also still numbness under my breast. I didn't know when I had finished peeing unless I looked, I had a stubborn UTI that took months to clear, struggled to walk due to weakness, couldn't sit up in bed without help and has taken over a year to recover.. I also had (have) a broken rib. Did your friend have blood transfusions? I had 9 units. I do hope your friend is ok but after having 2 major surgeries it will take months to heal and recover, she needs to rest and time to allow her body to do its job and heal. I have a dear friend like you too.
For people out there who are facing surgery you are anxious enough so don't let our experiences cause further fear as what has happened to us is so rare considering the amount of these surgeries done throughout the world. Glor
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions