Problems after treatments..

lynntaylor
lynntaylor Member Posts: 39
in Lung Cancer #1
Looking for advice for my father, age 69. He underwent treatment for stage 3A NSCLC (radiation and chemo), treatment ended one year ago. Thankfully, he is currently in remission. He is still struggling with the side effects from his treatment though. His right lung was severely damaged by the radiation. He has an exhausting, constant cough... has had several infections... shortness of breath, and the upper right lobe is collapsed and not functioning. His pulmonologist mentioned lung removal, but I am worried about the effects that could have on him and if it would leave him in constant pain. Anyone ever had VATS... can VATS be done on a collapsed damaged lung post lung cancer treatment?
Also, he is still fighting fatigue. He usually gets up for a few hours early morning and then goes back to bed with extreme fatigue. I had really thought one year out this should have passed, or atleast gotten better. Any thoughts?
LT

Comments

  • clarkcapers7234
    clarkcapers7234 Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Problems after treatments..
    I applaud you taylor for being there for your father. I had my own struggles as well and to be frank, i wouldn't have recovered so fast if it weren't for my family. They were loving me and patient of me even when i was throwing tantrums at them. So continue being strong for your father. I don't know much about VATS, but you said here that the doctor advised you guys to have lung removal, i think with your father's age, i am doubting if he has strength to survive the effects of that. Try getting second opinions, maybe there is another way out.
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351
    #3
    clarkcapers7234 said:

    Problems after treatments..
    I applaud you taylor for being there for your father. I had my own struggles as well and to be frank, i wouldn't have recovered so fast if it weren't for my family. They were loving me and patient of me even when i was throwing tantrums at them. So continue being strong for your father. I don't know much about VATS, but you said here that the doctor advised you guys to have lung removal, i think with your father's age, i am doubting if he has strength to survive the effects of that. Try getting second opinions, maybe there is another way out.

    VATS
    VATS is not a guaranteed treatment. I went in for a biopsy where they used VATS, but it did not work so they cutme open and did the biopsy. Depending on your fathers current lifestyle, then you have to weigh how bad this van be. My biopsy hurt me worse than surgery, radiation, drugs, etc. my lower rib cage is atill numb, I have pain in my upper chest. Understand that if VATS fails they will cut. Make sure to ask your Dr. About this
  • lynntaylor
    lynntaylor Member Posts: 39
    #4
    clarkcapers7234 said:

    Problems after treatments..
    I applaud you taylor for being there for your father. I had my own struggles as well and to be frank, i wouldn't have recovered so fast if it weren't for my family. They were loving me and patient of me even when i was throwing tantrums at them. So continue being strong for your father. I don't know much about VATS, but you said here that the doctor advised you guys to have lung removal, i think with your father's age, i am doubting if he has strength to survive the effects of that. Try getting second opinions, maybe there is another way out.

    @ clarkcapers
    Thank you for your nice reply. We are doing our best. He meets with the surgeon next week, and we will definitely have a lot of questions. And I agree, a second opinion seems very important.
    Thanks again for taking time to respond.
    LT
  • lynntaylor
    lynntaylor Member Posts: 39
    #5
    Samsungtech1 said:

    VATS
    VATS is not a guaranteed treatment. I went in for a biopsy where they used VATS, but it did not work so they cutme open and did the biopsy. Depending on your fathers current lifestyle, then you have to weigh how bad this van be. My biopsy hurt me worse than surgery, radiation, drugs, etc. my lower rib cage is atill numb, I have pain in my upper chest. Understand that if VATS fails they will cut. Make sure to ask your Dr. About this

    @ samsung
    I did not realize that. Thanks for the info.. I will definitely make sure my father talks with the surgeon about that.
    LT
  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    #6
    VATS
    I agree that it is important to know all possible outcomes of VATS procedures. Fortunately mine, like most, was successful. I have a 4 inch scar vs. standard thorachotemy and two sore ribs. My surgery was for a pericardial window and pleurectomy - not to have the lobe removed but this board holds many stories where it was used successfully to remove damaged lungs.

    Hopefully, when your dad has had the surgery his coughing will stop and he will be less exhausted. I am a year and a half out from treatment and getting stronger weekly. Getting regular exercise has made a huge difference there.

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