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Unsure about operation

Valleydweller
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I had a scan which showed increased size of 'nodules' in my lung compared with a scan taken a year earlier. I then had a pet scan. A biopsy was attempted twice but had to be abandoned as it was too painful despite pain relief and diazepam.  The multi disciplinary team decided an op to remove the affected part of the lung (by keyhole surgery) which is a small area I have been told is scheduled for next Saturday. I am feeling very scared of the surgery. As I have not been able to have a biopsy, I wonder if I am doing the right thing to have the surgery. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

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    Hi. I would take the advice of the MDT. They deal with this all the time and really do know what they are talking about. The PET scan would have confirmed the diagnosis. I know it's really scary for you but put your faith in them. I had keyhole surgery 4 weeks ago to remove a lung tumour which was the size of a lemon. I also had the lower lobe of my lung and lymph nodes removed. I hope I can reassure you that keyhole surgery is nothing to worry about. You will be uncomfortable for a while after the operation but you can manage that with painkillers. I would say that a week after surgery I was feeling a lot better. Today, 4 weeks later, I am more or less back to my normal routine. I just have to rest more and take things at my own pace. I think I just took Ibruprofen and paracetamol for the first week then I felt I didn't need it. I was lucky mine was caught early so I could be operated on. I hope I've reassured you. Please do reach out if I can help any further.

    Best wishes.

    Fi x

  • Offline in reply to Fi63

    Thank you for your reassurance it has made me feel better about the operation. I live alone as I lost my husband to cancer 5 months ago. Were you able to manage at home?

  • Offline in reply to Valleydweller

    I'm so sorry for your loss, this must be so difficult for you to deal with.

    I had my operation on the Monday and was discharged on the Wednesday. I could manage ok but I do have a partner. I felt a bit wobbly but if I was on my own I took my mobile everywhere in the house! After a couple of days my partner went back to work and I was fine on my own. I have my neighbour's phone number for emergencies.

    Do you have family or friends who could stay with you or visit? I'm very independent usually but it was nice having someone to make a meal or cup of tea. I did stock up on ready meals in the freezer and tins of soup! Also I do online shopping with Ocado. They are brilliant and will carry shopping in for you.

    Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready in the mornings and rest when you need to. I kept falling asleep in the chair! Practical advice get fitted for a soft bra that does up at the front and wear comfy loose clothes. Also,  make sure you can sleep upright for a while. I have a firm pillow I could sit up against and two softer ones on top of each other leaning against it. Also a small heart shaped cushion you can tuck into yourself is useful.

    I hope this helps.

    Best of luck, just be positive, you can do this!

    Keep in touch.

    Fi x

  • Hello Valley dweller and thanks for your post,

    I can understand how frustrating this must be that the doctors were unable to obtain a biopsy but it does sound like the key hole surgery will be a helpful solution.

    Lung nodules are common but when they increase in size it maybe a sensible precaution to have them looked at under a microscope to check that they are not cancerous.

    We have some information on our website about a lung biopsy which you might find helpful to look at.

    I am sorry that it is making you feel scared but doctors are experienced at doing this procedure and I am sure will put you at ease.

    If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call.

    the number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 40404 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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