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Nerve damage after lobectomy.
It's been 6 months since having an upper right lobectomy and still having numbness and sensitivity in the back of my arm, abdomen, and rib area. Not real painful but just wondering given the time that has passed if this would be a sign that it would be permanent. Any input from people with similar symptoms would be appreciated.
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welcome to the group, only through experience of another type of surgery can i say anything. i had nerves grow back at a snail pace, three years from shoulder to fingertips and not a perfect alignment grow back of nerves but they did grow back and were stronger. every case is different and individuals are the dame thing. good news is they grow back. i had my left arm removed, bone shortened and then everything put back together. 3 years for total healing and it took a lot of hard work. just keep the faith. will send a prayer for you----- sent have a blessed day
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2 ReactionsJust had a lobectomy on my lower right lung 1 month ago. Feeling numbness on the right side of my chest. Not painful but different. 2 positive lymph nodes and trying to figure out what to do from here. I’m 78 and in good health other than this, which was an incidental finding.
@portside1 your doctors did not give you any guidance?
Will see an oncologist oct 14. Surgeon said immunotherapy. Was hoping surgery was enough.
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1 ReactionHello @portside1
Welcome to Mayo connect. This is a great group of people who are knowledgeable, kind and understand.
I’m sorry you are feeling this numbness. During a lobectomy the intercostal nerves can get irritated and can take time to rejuvenate. I had a right middle lobectomy 6 months ago, I do have numbness yet however it has improved greatly, especially from my one month mark.
Yes, not painful, just different and I thought quite odd to experience as well.
All the best for your upcoming appointment with your oncologist. Sending positive thoughts your way.
Hugs 🤗 Daisy
@portside1 for what it is worth, It is sadly not unusual to have residual nerve pain following lobectomy. I had lower left removed and four years later i still have sensation when i take a deep breath - tho i wouldn’t call it pain any longer. Just noticeable. I did have a couple of courses of prednisone in the period after surgery when it was painful and found that very helpful, so you might see how your doc feels about that.
Best of luck. Just know Time is your friend…
Welcome @portside1, Let us know how things go with your appointment next week. Knowing that you had some positive lymph nodes may influence the oncologist's treatment recommendation. Glad your surgery went well and you are recovering.