RE:Question on Lung cancer surgery - Cancer: Lung Message Board

marytbrla · 11-03-2004, 03:55 PM

Hello, Does anyone have info on what to expect with surgery to remove a malignant 4cm mass from the middle lobe right lung,with entry under the arm & side. What questions should be asked to the Dr., what to expect after surgery in hospital and at home? Recovery process?? and help is appreciated. Thank-you

mwessell · 11-03-2004, 04:02 PM

Is it malignant? Are they doing a VATS (with scopes) surgery?

I had a 1 cm nodule removed from my right upper lobe - it was a VATS surgery. It was done to biopsy it. If this is the surgery being done, I can tell you how mine was. I had it about 6 weeks ago.

marytbrla · 11-03-2004, 08:41 PM

Thank you for answering. The Dr. said the P.E.T. scan is showing it to be malignant.
I don't know what questions to ask the Dr. when I see him before the surgery.
I hope all goes well for you, Mary

Sbeth1966 · 11-04-2004, 07:08 AM

Hi Mary,
I posted this message below in another string, it may help you with your husband's surgery and what to expect. My husband's situation was similar. He had a four inch mass removed from the lower part of the middle lobe along with part of the upper part of the lower lobe on the right lung...a lung resection is what the surgeon called it. Pathology reports indicated it was indeed Non small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Below is a summary of what are experience was immediately following Bill's surgery. Everyone told us how lucky we were that they were able to perform the lung resection, as Bill's cancer was staged at IV with mets to the brain. While it didn't feel lucky at the time, I now realize how important that surgery was. If there is anything more I can help you with or if you need some support, please let me know.

Love and best wishes..
Beth

Dear Gail,
Bill recovered nicely from his lobectomy. He was in ICU for the first 48 hours, then in a step-down ICU room for another 48 hours and home on the fifth day. The first 24 hours were pure hell for me as well as for Bill. He was in a great deal of pain when the pain meds began to wear off and it was awful to see him so uncomfortable. He was hooked up to an epideral, a cathedar, heart monitors and the ever present drain tubes from his lungs. By the fourth day they were able to remove the drain tubes and he began to feel better right away. After we came home he needed to sleep in the Lazyboy for the first few nights because he was uncomfortable lying flat in the bed and a bit scared that when he layed down he wouldn't be able to get back up. He had a day when he had an bit of a panic attack because some flem was stuck in his throat and it hurt too much to cough and bring it up. He was afraid he couldn't breath and asked me to take him to the ER. Fortunately he was able to get it out and we were back home by the evening. Even now, six months later, he still has stiffness in his rib area and around the incision and looking back he agrees that the pain was like nothing he has ever experienced and hopefully never will again. All in all, we were much like you and Mike in that we found ourselves "grateful" to have the surgeon say they were going to remove part of Bill's lung....it's all about perspectvie. I hope my post helps you prepare for the surgery and doesn't make you nervous. [ removed ]

mwessell · 11-05-2004, 07:53 PM

I'm sorry yours is malignant. I was so lucky and it was benign. I had it removed because the doctors thought it showed signs of malignancy.

I didn't ask my doctor much...I figured I would deal with it as it happened. I was too scared. And then one day I woke up and was SO sick of being scared, and asked him what I should do to prepare. Try to get in the best possible physical (and mental) health that you can before the surgery. Take long walks every day, lift weights, spend alot of time with friends (especially the funny ones) and treat yourself to special things. Watch funny movies, pray, go to church, spend alot of time with kids!

As far as the surgery itself, the one thing ours will have in common is the chest tube. This thing is such a nuisance. Please remember that no matter how crummy you feel, you will feel like a new person when this comes out! I kid you not!

I wish you the best and you can beat this!!!