HOME after lung met surgery

taraHK
taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi All - Just to let you know I am home from the hospital after my surgery for lung surgery. Yea! I shamelessly told everyone in the hospital that I wanted/planned to be home for my birthday, and sure enough -- they "sprung" me Thursday evening -- so I was home with my family for my bd on Friday.
As some of you may recall, CT scan a couple of weeks ago revealed a solitary lesion in my lung -- later confirmed with PET. I had hoped to have "laproscopy" surgery, which ended up not to be possible -- but I had a pretty small incision. The lesion was indeed malignant -- metastatic rectal. BUT -- it was small, clear margins, no lymph node involvement. All good news.
I'm a little achy and tired -- but I know each day will find me stronger. I still don't know if I will need further treatment (eg chemo). Just concentrating on getting strong now.
Tara

Comments

  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #2
    Hi Tara.

    So glad you are home. And Happy Birthday!!

    Sounds like everything went pretty well. Good for you.

    Now rest and get strong.

    Love to you,

    Barb
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #3
    tkd3g said:

    Hi Tara.

    So glad you are home. And Happy Birthday!!

    Sounds like everything went pretty well. Good for you.

    Now rest and get strong.

    Love to you,

    Barb

    Hello,
    I had surgery in October for the removal of two small lesions that turned up in Feb. of 04. All of my PET scans were negative until October. I was not allowed to do a laproscopic procedure either because they said if the did the "open" procedure they could feel around for other possible lesions too small to detect on a CT. Luckily there were only the two and they were "encapsulated"/ clear margins. I was told there is no advantage to having chemo in that case, also that way they can "save" the chemo for if it is ever needed in the future. I was also told that the odds are pretty good for no further problems. Mine originated in the Sigmoid colon, so I don't know for sure if it's the same for rectal, but I hope you don't have to have chemo either!
    It takes a while for the nerves under your breast to stop feeling wierd, but now, 7 months later, I mostly just feel numbness and I am backpacking and lifting weights again. Anyway, good luck w/ your recovery. I'm glad that your surgery went well.
    -Susan.
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #4
    Tara,

    Happy Birthday and I am so happy that you are finished with the "procedure".

    Rest and take care of yourself. Let us know how you are doing.

    Kerry
  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #5
    Happy B/D Tara, and best wishes for no 'mo mets.. bud
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #6
    shmurciakova said:

    Hello,
    I had surgery in October for the removal of two small lesions that turned up in Feb. of 04. All of my PET scans were negative until October. I was not allowed to do a laproscopic procedure either because they said if the did the "open" procedure they could feel around for other possible lesions too small to detect on a CT. Luckily there were only the two and they were "encapsulated"/ clear margins. I was told there is no advantage to having chemo in that case, also that way they can "save" the chemo for if it is ever needed in the future. I was also told that the odds are pretty good for no further problems. Mine originated in the Sigmoid colon, so I don't know for sure if it's the same for rectal, but I hope you don't have to have chemo either!
    It takes a while for the nerves under your breast to stop feeling wierd, but now, 7 months later, I mostly just feel numbness and I am backpacking and lifting weights again. Anyway, good luck w/ your recovery. I'm glad that your surgery went well.
    -Susan.

    Susan -- thanks so much for this. It means so much to hear from someone who has been through something similar. I can't tell you how it makes me feel to hear about your backpacking and weight lifting (I managed one lap around the track yesterday! baby steps....). Also it is very useful to hear your experiences with (no) chemo for this.... Many thanks.....
    Tara
  • neeliec
    neeliec Member Posts: 106
    #7
    Happy Birthday!!! So nice to hear that all went well and you are home!! I am glad that you have support of family and this group here that cares so much.Be careful and don't over do it even if you feel ok. blessings, neelieC
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #8
    Hi Tara,
    Welcome home and glad to hear that the surgery went well. Happy, happy birthday. Judy
  • Shandle
    Shandle Member Posts: 204
    #9
    Hi Tara, Happy Birthday Lady! Hope your feelin' better today! I'm inspired by your post! I have not had any lung surgery. Just currently trying to do radiation to deal with one nastly tumor blocking airway. Well Susan's posting was pretty encouraging! That's where I want to be! Hiking...and exercising again! So glad to here your on the road to recovery! Enjoy this weekend and get pampered!!! Hugggs ~ Wanda ....aka..xcw
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #10
    Not much of a better way to get stronger then to be with family on your birthday and eating some cake (hopefully chocolate)!!!!

    Way to go Tara!!!!

    Thanks for letting us know.

    Lisa P.
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #11
    Tara,
    I am glad that surgery went well. Happy birthday. I hope that you have a speedy recovery and remain cancer free.

    Maureen
  • rejoyous
    rejoyous Member Posts: 259
    #12
    Hi Tara,

    Happy birthday! I'm thrilled to hear your news: Small. Clear margins. No lymph node involvement. YAY! I was also glad to hear you've already made it around the track. I'm a big believer in the healing power of exercise, for both body and mind.

    Thanks for letting us celebrate with you. Welcome home.
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #13
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Glad you got out quick. My surgery was open also. The surgeons at MD Anderson told me they don't like to do lap thoracotomies because they like to examine the entire lung.
    I DID have chemo; after a long discussion with my onc. The studies in Europe show that for a solitary lesion, the chemo doesn't help at all. BUT, I wanted to have it just in case. Basically, either way is fine. No definate answer. YOu need to have your doctors help you decide what is best for you.

    I recovered GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I am working, working out, and doing everything now. Baby steps are the way to go. you'll be leaping and jumping in no time.

    jana
  • themis01
    themis01 Member Posts: 167
    #14
    great job!! sounds like you are bouncing right back.
  • drmrgirl47
    drmrgirl47 Member Posts: 129
    #15
    Thank God. You were always in my prayers.
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #16
    jana11 said:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Glad you got out quick. My surgery was open also. The surgeons at MD Anderson told me they don't like to do lap thoracotomies because they like to examine the entire lung.
    I DID have chemo; after a long discussion with my onc. The studies in Europe show that for a solitary lesion, the chemo doesn't help at all. BUT, I wanted to have it just in case. Basically, either way is fine. No definate answer. YOu need to have your doctors help you decide what is best for you.

    I recovered GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I am working, working out, and doing everything now. Baby steps are the way to go. you'll be leaping and jumping in no time.

    jana

    thanks for this. I haven't met with my drs yet but the impression I'm getting is that it is not easy to decide chemo or no in this situation. Your decison and information is really useful to me in this regard....and I have a lot of regard for MD Anderson....(one of my best friends is treated there -- for a different type of cancer....)
    Love,Tara
  • taunya
    taunya Member Posts: 390 Member
    #17
    Hi Tara,

    I bet it is good to be home. I am glad to hear that you came through the surgery well. Get well and stand your ground! I am sending you a hot cup of cyber tea and a very gentle post-op survivor style hug.
    Love,
    Taunya

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