Hello and thanks for posting

The pain you describe can sometimes be caused by nerve damage during the surgery.  Damaged nerves can take quite a long time to improve.

You really need to discuss this with your specialist team or GP as they have all your medical details and are familiar with your individual situation. If you have access to a hospital lung specialist nurse , then perhaps they can provide you with further information. You often have to leave them a message and they will get back to you.

Nerve pain tends not to respond to regular pain killers. Drugs such as gabapentin seem to work better. There are also different types of nerve painkillers that are also used to try and help control this pain, although sometimes it can take time  for them to do their job and there can be some trial and error to get the right dose to get on top of the pain. Your doctor may also suggest other management strategies to cope with this.  You may also benefit from having some physiotherapy input, so do ask your GP or specialist  about this.

Many people worry about the cancer coming back and this is a very natural thought process to go through. Hopefully, this will get easier over time  as you get into a routine with your follow up appointments and scans. When these worries affect everyday living it is important to get the support you need to help you through and to find some coping strategies to manage these thoughts and feelings. Maggie's has some information about this on their website.

The NHS's  Every Mind Matters has some resources to help people deal with change and uncertainty that may be useful to take a look at. If you feel you need some professional help then speak with your GP who can refer you for counselling.

I hope this is of some use and your pain improves for you soon. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene