attn Plymouthean

mrmust

You said you had a lobectomy? How long after did it take you to get back to "normal" with the breathing? My boyfriend had a complete pneumonectomy and then the "re-sealing" of the pneumothorax on the left. I know it will take him longer to recover but I would just like an idea based on your recovery.
Thanks!

Plymouthean

Hi. I had the upper lobe of my right lung removed after chemo and radiation. The surgery was performed on 10/2/01. It was a slow recovery, but in April, '02 I was well enough to travel, by air, to Las Vegas from Boston (Plymouth) Massachusetts. The first month was very slow, but physical exercise and breathing exercises helped me feel better, and able to recuperate more rapidly. The breathing exercises, I feel, were the most important, for they help supply the oxygen needed to move around. Once able to move around, even slowly, the pace and range of that movement will increase relatively quickly. Initially, it takes determination, but the feeling of improvement will give him more incentive to continue. You say that he has a good attitude, and that's key. Encourage him to exercise, but not to overdo it. Patience and persistence are the keys. Please keep us posted so we can follow his progress. P.S. Make sure that you, as a caregiver, take care of yourself, and take a break now and then. This is pretty tough on you, also.