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Right Lung Lobectomy.

Fireman
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HI I had Major surgery for Cancer in the right lung ( top lobe ). My Surgeon tried to go by way of VATS. However they could not proceed and after 2.5 hours had to resort to Thoracotomy. My top lobe was removed. This was on the 27th of October 2022. 

So roughly 11 weeks on and I am progressing well, However I am still seeing signs of blood in my Phlegm. I have COPD / Emphysema. I still have pain upon coughing and sleeping, is there anything I should be worried about.

Many thanks. 

  • Hello Fireman and thanks for your post

    It can take several months to totally recover from lung surgery and it seems from what you say that you are progressing well. 

    It is quite common to cough up blood stained phlegm for weeks or months following surgery. This is part of the natural healing process.  But if you are coughing up a lot of thick, discoloured phlegm, or have a temperature, contact your GP or hospital team. If you have a lung specialist nurse involved in your care perhaps they can provide you with further information. You often have to call and leave them a message and they will get back to you.  Do mention your pain when you speak to them and they can assess you and make sure you are getting painkillers to help manage it.

    I hope this helps. Give us a ring if you wold like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline

    Hi Fireman 

    I too had lobe removal lower left and like yourself VATS didn't cut it, had the whole major surgery type 6 hours of it.

    Pain 11 weeks on i think is normal, i was still taking 3 x daily tramadol when i went for my post op follow up after 12 weeks although surgeon didn't think i should be so weaned myself off 1 dose per day over the following 3 weeks until i go to zero. With us and the full surgery there's been a lot of poking about in there so likely why still in pain, i don't think you have any worry there unless it's extreme.

    However also with mild emphysema  i don't think you should be seeing blood that said you might have an infection or another simple reason for it. 

    Contact your lung CNS and make it known, I'm assuming you're seeing your surgeon for post op follow up real soon? Mention it there too.

    Best of luck.

    Xx

  • Offline in reply to hopeful65

    Thank you for your words. Take care.

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    HI thank your for your reply. Take care.

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