Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

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.

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.

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!!

Really appreciate sharing your story. How many days were you in the hospital? Did you prepare your own meals when you went home? My dr said I would need someone with me after discharge, but I didn’t think to ask how many days. Thought it might have something to do with taking painkillers.

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.

I went home on day 5. I had prepared for food that I could open and manage with one hand because I (erroneously) assumed I would have pain in the arm on that side - but no such issue.

I had prepared some meals and froze them and bought frozen entrees I enjoy and squeeze peanut butter and ice cream
And having meals like egg cups and chicken pie etc already made was helpful. Also I would have band aids and maybe a few sterile bandages and tape for your incision.
Oh. You may ooze out of the incision. Put old sheets on your bed before you go, and a towel under the sheet where you will lie - because that fluid will stain linens and your mattress cover. Ditto old pajamas.

If your shower has a handheld attachment that makes it easier to avoid the wound when shampooing, etc. get a baseball cap or bandana because your hair will be a fright for a while. 🙂

On balance, I didn’t really have an issue caring for myself.

Best of 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.

Jessica, you got some helpful responses from @pb50 and @spikeb1. You may also appreciate the tips shared in this related discussion:

- Robotic Lobectomy: What can I expect? What is recovery like https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hello-from-the-bluegrass-state/

At Mayo Clinic, they give lung surgery patients lung pillows that are really helpful. Micheal, @corgimenow's husband is showing off his pillow post surgery here:

- My husband had lobectomy surgery: Mayo was wonderful! https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-was-wonderful/

Thank you for the links. What is the pillow used for?