Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

If it’s helpful I had surgery end of May this year. I am 73 and live alone. I had a lobectomy of my left lower lobe. So more tissue loss than it sounds like you expect. My only initial issue was some drama around unexpected copious drainage from where chest tube had been. I couldn’t easily reach the area to change the bandage, so before I left the hospital, I insisted on a case mgr and a brief period of home health to change the bandage. They dropped by for a few days to do that and otherwise it was fine. I don’t do narcotics and have a high pain threshold so I didn’t need to worry about being unsteady on my feet. Yes it hurts the first few days but I’ve had worse 🙂

Good luck!!

I am having surgery in Jan 2024 for a 13 mm typical neuroendocrine tumor. Dr. said will probably remove 10% of left lung. I’m female, 77, walk 30 minutes minimum at the Y on indoor track 5x a week, do another 30 minutes on rowing or elliptical. I was told it will be robotic and probably discharged two days after surgery. I live alone and am considering employing a caregiver. I understand we are all different, but am interested in a guesstimate of how many days I may need someone to stay with me.

Hi @llwortman @burrkay @alicantina1 @merilee @alvinw @shortshot80 @mryzuch @amws @pearlgee @cheris @annette1 @cheris @windwalker @lesbatts @major @bestcare and @sistergoldenhair

I'd like to invite you to the new group dedicated to discussions about lung cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn from each other. Whether you in treatment or caring for someone with lung cancer, or you're a lung cancer survivor, please join us.

Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi Theresa, I just hit my 4 week mark after LUL Segmentectomy and a small lingular wedge. Also had both breast implants removed due to encapsulation and calcification. All in the same operation. I too still have the soreness and aches and pains of under the front breast incision(for the lung surgery) and the back and side incisions. My surgeon recommended using those lidocaine patches to help ease those pains. Like Aspercream or Solanpas. She said you could cut them to fit the area but do NOT put them on any incisions. I know Mayo offered a booklet for Pain after surgery and how to deal with it without more medications and it talked about Yoga, Tai chi, meditation, etc. You may be able to go on to their website and find it. The best thing, of course, is to talk with your surgeon about what you are allowed to do at this stage of healing. Good luck to you and I hope you heal well!
Cindy

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You're so right!!! It's never long enough!! We will be married 61 years in June....and they said it wouldn't last 🙂 I'm Stage 4, and as long as I'm on this side of the grass, I'm finding something to be thankful for every day.....especially my guy!

Thank you so much for sharing as your thoughts, feelings, conflicts are similar to mine. Husband diagnosed in 11/22 with stage 4a NSCLC. Planning…..yes, it’s difficult, especially when it’s a part of your marriage to go, do, travel etc. My husband was admitted 4/13/23 to the hospital because he asked me to take him to the ER because of trouble breathing. He has had chronic inflammation since 8/22 and the cancer was diagnosed 3 months later. The inflammation has been treated with steroids and he is back on them. The hospital stay of 7 days revealed embolisms in R lung and leg. He is home using FT oxygen. We have plane reservations on May 15 that he insists on keeping. We never asked and were never offered time prognoses. We will be married 50 years in 1/24. To young couples, they may think, well you you were lucky to have had each other that long. It’s never long enough……

@fowlair Mary, I just want to let you know that I'm thinking about you, knowing that tomorrow is your anniversary.