Out of breath

Hi,
I'm so sorry to hear that you have lung cancer. My husband had lung cancer also. He was short of breath a lot even after the surgeries. What helped him besides oxygen were nebulizers. These are small machines that sit on a table and you put medicine in them and then turn them on and breathe through a tube. Also he had hand held inhalers. Both of these were of a great help when he experienced breathlessness. Ask your doctor if they are suitable for your situation. If you do get any of these medications and they seem not to be helping, tell your doctor so you can get another type or brand. My husband went through several types before he found the right one that helped his breathlessness the best.
Also drinking lots of water helped my husband too. Plus eating good quality red meat to keep up his strength that the cancer was depleting. I made everything from scratch so neither of us got preservatives and the junk in processed foods. We also never ate out because it usually was full of preservatives no matter where you went. With all of these precautions and prayers, my husband lived with stage 4 lung cancer for 14 years. He died in July, 2024.
I wish you the best.
I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

Yes , shortness of breath after a lobectomy is normal. I've had 2 lobectomies 7 years apart and breathlessness both times. I'm 7 months out from last one and I still get very short of breath. I am worse in wet or humid weather or bending forward or when I get anxious. I try sitting quietly , closing my eyes and concentrating on deep gentle breaths, it helps me. Worth a try.

@mamallinda61 — I’m so sorry you’ve had to join this club none of us ever asked to be part of. But I’m glad you found your way here — this group has been a source of real strength and understanding for many of us.

Yes, a lobectomy does reduce your lung capacity, and it’s completely normal to notice that early on, especially during physical activity. The level of impact varies from person to person and depends on factors like age, overall health, and fitness. Your medical team is the best resource to help you understand what to expect in your specific case, and they’ll walk with you through the recovery process.

For context, I was 58 and in reasonably good shape when I had my upper right lobe removed — about a 15–20% loss in volume. I definitely felt it. But the encouraging news is that our lungs are surprisingly adaptable. Over time — for me, it took a couple of years — the remaining lobes expanded to compensate. I made regular use of the spirometer they gave me in the hospital, and I still use it occasionally to stay mindful of my breathing.

Recovery doesn’t happen all at once, and in the early weeks, walking and simple breathing exercises were all I could manage. Over time, those small steps built a foundation. Be gentle with yourself — healing takes time.

You’re not alone in this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way.