VATS approach for lung nodule surgery: How was your recovery? Pain?

@vic83 they guesstimate the total I think. It's actually really frustrating. I have a relative that is a radiologist and she explained they look for anything growing and comment on the 3 largest nodules. But I've had nodules resolve before my cancer diagnosis and some that seem to just be stable. And now on Tagrisso all of them have gotten smaller and 2 of the 3 tumors resolved. I had a bronchoscopy at diagnosis and my 3 malignant nodules had different somatic mutations - so each one was a primary tumor. They were 12, 14, and 15mm. Now I think the remaining ones are in the 3-7mm range, but I'm not totally sure bc I get such limited info in the radiology reports.

Do you know about the INHERIT study at Dana Farber? I'm participating in it. They are researching familial/genetic cancer, especially lung cancer. My dad and his dad both died of lung cancer (adenocarcinoma/BAC) at age 41. I'm really curious if you might have the genetic T790M mutation like me.
https://inheritstudy.org/

@raffi 2 months after my RLL lobectomy, they went back in to fix a chylothorax I developed. Same relatively painless recovery from that as well. As others have mentioned, I think the worst part was the chest tube!

@mamajite They actually counted 30 nodules!!! Good for the reading Radiologist! What size were they?
In 4 years I have had many CT scans and the report description depends on the style of the reading Radiologist.
If 3 were primary (as in multifocal lung cancer where they are thought to be primary not metastasis) what are the others? So the immunotherapy got rid of them?
I am bilateral too, treated 5 nodules to date, there are "many others" but 4mm or less so they don't mention them much.

Lung cancer runs in my family too, only women it seems (my mother, my maternal cousin, and my niece all died from lung cancer and all much younger than me.

@vic83 I've only taken Tagrisso (2 years so far). my situation is a bit unique. I have ~30 bilateral nodules and 3 (now down to 1!) primary tumors, so I wasn't a candidate for surgery. I have a family history of lung cancer, so they gave me a liquid biopsy initially and discovered I have the germline EGFR T790M mutation.

@mamajite I had the Mayo Complete Solid Tumor Panel on my first surgery, but they never mentioned anything I could treat with immunotherapy. I have treated 5 nodules so far (2 VAT surgeries, photon SBRT on 2 nodules, and Proton SBRT on a nodule. I hope that takes care of me for awhile. I also have pulmonary fibrosis so immunotherapy, etc. can cause an inflammation, and I am already on oxygen. My treatment options are limited. Have you done a lot of radiation? With multifocal one has serial CT scans and PET scans and possibly radiation treatments. They discussed spacing out my CT scans in case I need one for other lung issues. Now if I need testing for something I look at the radiation involved and if it is the best option. Ordering medical person needs to consider one's complete medical history first.

I had a lobectomy in February of this year. I was in the hospital for 6 days because of the drainage. I had minimal pain because of Tramadol & Tylenol. I am not taking any type of pain meds at this time but I cannot wear a bra that is tight. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.
I believe in prayer!

Hi @marylb. I had a similar surgery this past August. The surgeon did a wedge biopsy in my upper right lobe, it was identified as malignant and so they carried on and did a lobectomy. I was discharged after two days. I had more pain than the others above, athough a couple of things may have contributed to that including previous surgeries and an allergic reaction to the adhesive dressing. I used Tramadol for the pain for about three weeks and am still using Lyrica for nerve pain. I agree with the tight band around my middle and can't wear a regular bra. Get a cotton sports bra (Fruit of the Loom makes a simple one, like a short cami that's super comfortable) and wear loose tops. I'm 68 and slowly getting back to my usual activities. You can do it. I think. you will be surprised.

@kenhorse
I had the same experience with two rats (robotic surgery) six weeks apart. The second surgery took a little longer recovery but overall just over the counter painkillers. NED from 2023 (2 and half years 😜)

@vic83 I'm really sorry that happened to you. Yes - I have a whole closet full of various types of respirators now. They really work to keep you healthy! COVID is especially tricky bc it can hang in the air like smoke. So even if a room is empty - if the air is stale and someone sick was in their before you, you can get infected. My aunt had a lobectomy and caught pneumonia afterward (she was going out to restaurants and such.) And she ended up back in the hospital. Thankfully she's ok now. I remember you also have multifocal lung cancer. Do you have a targetable mutation? I have germline T790M.

@mamajite Find an N95 that has a gasket to wear. It is easier to breathe.
I caught Covid four weeks after my first VAT surgery. I don't know how, because I isolated myself. Fortunately, I was fully vaccinated and just took the antiviral and was fine.
Better to be selective about the people you have around you!