surgery.....

eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
in Lung Cancer #1

Hi, I am new to this forum although have been posting regularly on the anal cancer site for almost 4 years. 

4 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3b anal cancer and received treatment of surgery (ostomy) chemo and radiation. At my 1 year PET scan I was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. All clear for the past 3 years until my recent CT scan revealed a large 3.6 centimeter mass on my lung. The biopsy confirmed an anal cancer recurrance.

While I realize this is a lung cancer group I thought someone may have some encouraging words regarding surgery.  In two days (Feb. 3rd) I am having surgery to remove the upper left lobe followed by possible chemo. My surgeon is well recommended at his skill but lacking in conversation.  I keep reading about blood clot risks and am terrified of complications during or in the weeks after surgery regarding such. Has anyone here dealt with one? Also, I have limited help at home and am an otherwise active healthy 56 yr old woman that usually is the one taking care of others.....would you guess I would be needed help or were many of you who had surgery able to manage yourselves? Thank you all.....just feeling that old anxiety creeping in as I get close.

katheryn

Comments

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #2
    katheryn

    Me again, I post here as well, I don't remember any warning about blood clots, but I do know they will want to do a regular xray on you after surgery and about a week later.  I was 51 when I had my surgery.  

    My biggest issue was lack of oxygen initially and had to take it slow.  Eventually my oxygen levels improved to normal I just did a lot of breathing exercises.  I had quit smoking after 35 years on 5-4-9 before the anal cancer tx.  

    For the vats surgery I went in on thursday and out on sunday, my cousin drove me home and I ended up helping him cook something cause he was staying with me that night.  My sister then came and stayed 2 days.  That was all the help I got, although I was okay without them as I stocked my fridge well and only had to take care of my cats.  I went back to work after a month and I have a physical job.  Its just a slow process and you need to listen to your body.  

    It makes it easier to rest if you have a recliner so your at a slant with a nice fluffy pillow behind you.  

    This board doesn't have as many posters, so I post at the Inspire web site as well.  Lots of lung cancer survivors there with lots of great knowledge.

  • Donnamk1
    Donnamk1 Member Posts: 5
    #3
    z said:

    katheryn

    Me again, I post here as well, I don't remember any warning about blood clots, but I do know they will want to do a regular xray on you after surgery and about a week later.  I was 51 when I had my surgery.  

    My biggest issue was lack of oxygen initially and had to take it slow.  Eventually my oxygen levels improved to normal I just did a lot of breathing exercises.  I had quit smoking after 35 years on 5-4-9 before the anal cancer tx.  

    For the vats surgery I went in on thursday and out on sunday, my cousin drove me home and I ended up helping him cook something cause he was staying with me that night.  My sister then came and stayed 2 days.  That was all the help I got, although I was okay without them as I stocked my fridge well and only had to take care of my cats.  I went back to work after a month and I have a physical job.  Its just a slow process and you need to listen to your body.  

    It makes it easier to rest if you have a recliner so your at a slant with a nice fluffy pillow behind you.  

    This board doesn't have as many posters, so I post at the Inspire web site as well.  Lots of lung cancer survivors there with lots of great knowledge.

    First I want to wish you well

    First I want to wish you well my friend I had a upper left lobectomy in 2005 adenocarcinoma was my demon followed by chemo I had the open lung surgery spent 3 weeks in the hospital very painful ( I get so sick on pain meds I could not take much of anything) 2010 a mass appeared on my upper right lobe had wedge resection (surgeon did not get enough tissue mass to invasive) followed with 2 needle biopsies mean while mass still growing finally met a surgeon that said we need to do an upper right lobectomy before this thing kills you I had it done 1/16/15 yes a little over 2 weeks ago it was adenocarcinoma again he removed 10 lymph which were clean no cancer cells found I had the open surgery again because he had to clean up all the scar tissue created by the other 3 failed attempts I was so scared oh my but this go around with really a bigger surgery and oxygen level a bigger issue I was out of the hospital in a week my dear husband has been there to help me and you will need help at least for a couple of weeks I had an epidural for 4 days following the surgery which really help with pain they did try percocet made me dizzy sick ugg I was put on toradol for 6 days offered of course anything with nausia meds but I just cant take any thing I am managing with advill 600 mg every 6 hours not pain free by far but it takes the edge . Your fear of blood clots I think will be addressed after surgery you will have the special socks after that you will walk get up to go to the bathroom ect which will prevent clots you can do this

    God Bless Donna Please keep me updated I will pray for you

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #4
    z said:

    katheryn

    Me again, I post here as well, I don't remember any warning about blood clots, but I do know they will want to do a regular xray on you after surgery and about a week later.  I was 51 when I had my surgery.  

    My biggest issue was lack of oxygen initially and had to take it slow.  Eventually my oxygen levels improved to normal I just did a lot of breathing exercises.  I had quit smoking after 35 years on 5-4-9 before the anal cancer tx.  

    For the vats surgery I went in on thursday and out on sunday, my cousin drove me home and I ended up helping him cook something cause he was staying with me that night.  My sister then came and stayed 2 days.  That was all the help I got, although I was okay without them as I stocked my fridge well and only had to take care of my cats.  I went back to work after a month and I have a physical job.  Its just a slow process and you need to listen to your body.  

    It makes it easier to rest if you have a recliner so your at a slant with a nice fluffy pillow behind you.  

    This board doesn't have as many posters, so I post at the Inspire web site as well.  Lots of lung cancer survivors there with lots of great knowledge.

    z.....

    Thank you, and nice to see you here (well you know what I mean).  I read once in a while on the Inspire site but seldom post much....it seems like another helpful resource though.

    I have decided to quit looking at the "possible" risks and concentrate on more positive things. The recliner is a good idea and I did pick up a couple new pillows just because. My fridge is pretty well stocked so hopefully good to go!

    Thanks again

    katheryn

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #5
    Donnamk1 said:

    First I want to wish you well

    First I want to wish you well my friend I had a upper left lobectomy in 2005 adenocarcinoma was my demon followed by chemo I had the open lung surgery spent 3 weeks in the hospital very painful ( I get so sick on pain meds I could not take much of anything) 2010 a mass appeared on my upper right lobe had wedge resection (surgeon did not get enough tissue mass to invasive) followed with 2 needle biopsies mean while mass still growing finally met a surgeon that said we need to do an upper right lobectomy before this thing kills you I had it done 1/16/15 yes a little over 2 weeks ago it was adenocarcinoma again he removed 10 lymph which were clean no cancer cells found I had the open surgery again because he had to clean up all the scar tissue created by the other 3 failed attempts I was so scared oh my but this go around with really a bigger surgery and oxygen level a bigger issue I was out of the hospital in a week my dear husband has been there to help me and you will need help at least for a couple of weeks I had an epidural for 4 days following the surgery which really help with pain they did try percocet made me dizzy sick ugg I was put on toradol for 6 days offered of course anything with nausia meds but I just cant take any thing I am managing with advill 600 mg every 6 hours not pain free by far but it takes the edge . Your fear of blood clots I think will be addressed after surgery you will have the special socks after that you will walk get up to go to the bathroom ect which will prevent clots you can do this

    God Bless Donna Please keep me updated I will pray for you

    Donnamk1.....

    Wow, what a journey you have been on! I'm very glad you found a surgeon to clean up the old scar tissue and do your recent surgery.  My doctor did mention an epideral as well.....I've had five kids and this will be my first.  I do hope I can get up and move soon, and I know of the socks as I've worn them before. I had some minor clot concerns long ago after my last daughter was born so wear them often or support hose. 

    I will keep you updated and appreciate the kind thoughts and prayers.

    katheryn

  • FEB112015
    FEB112015 Member Posts: 1
    #6
    eihtak said:

    Donnamk1.....

    Wow, what a journey you have been on! I'm very glad you found a surgeon to clean up the old scar tissue and do your recent surgery.  My doctor did mention an epideral as well.....I've had five kids and this will be my first.  I do hope I can get up and move soon, and I know of the socks as I've worn them before. I had some minor clot concerns long ago after my last daughter was born so wear them often or support hose. 

    I will keep you updated and appreciate the kind thoughts and prayers.

    katheryn

    BLOOD CLOTS

    Hi, I'm new here also will be having right lower lobe surgery next wedsday they plan to start out with vats if all goes well thats it no large openings. I have seen on youtube that after surgery they give people shots in the stomach for blood clots. Some people want them and others don't you should talk to your doctor about them before surgery. I wish you the best of luck and hope you recover fast. Youtube has a lot of video and information which helps to know what it's like. I have found that ever one is different depending on where the tumors are and how easy it is to get to them. Recovery seem to be different for every one some little or no pain others lots of pain it just depends.

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #7
    update...

    Hi, I just want to let you all know I am home from the hospital and surgery went well.  I had a few rough nights due to painful coughing spasms and blood pressure issues but came home yesterday and so far so good.  I mostly sleep in an upright position either with lots of pillows or the recliner. I live in Central Wi and the weather is still pretty wintery so have not gone outside for a walk but have been up and walking around in the house in between naps.

    Thank you for your responses and tips before my surgery as I have found people with experience are invaluable in comparison to the info most doctors supply regarding what to expect and recovery, and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

    katheryn

     

     

     

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #8
    eihtak said:

    update...

    Hi, I just want to let you all know I am home from the hospital and surgery went well.  I had a few rough nights due to painful coughing spasms and blood pressure issues but came home yesterday and so far so good.  I mostly sleep in an upright position either with lots of pillows or the recliner. I live in Central Wi and the weather is still pretty wintery so have not gone outside for a walk but have been up and walking around in the house in between naps.

    Thank you for your responses and tips before my surgery as I have found people with experience are invaluable in comparison to the info most doctors supply regarding what to expect and recovery, and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

    katheryn

     

     

     

    Katheryn

    I am so happy your surgery was a success and you are home.  I know coughing does hurt.  They gave me a teddy bear to hold when I coughed and that helped some.  Its just a one day at a time healing process and it will get better.  Thank you for updating us and keep us posted.  Lori

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