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Partner Diagnosed with Lung cancer due to have pneumonectomy

Lis1066
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Hi, My partner has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, doctors were unable to get a biopsy and so unable to give a full diagnosis.  His doctors and surgeon have said he needs to have a pneumonectomy (right lung) due to the positioning of the tumour.  Surgery is planned within the next couple of weeks.  From my point of view i want to know how best to support him through this, what should i expect etc.  Is there anything i should be aware of, side effects, overall health.

Also during this time of Covid I am feeling a bit personally overwhelmed as i am anxious following surgery he needs to be 'shielded' more then ever.  Since dignosis we have both remained indoors, except for exercise, to be fair we'd been doing this anyway, but is there any extra advice anyone might have i would be grateful.

thank you

  • Hi Lis and welcome to the Cancer Chat forum.

    Hopefully some of our members will share their advice and experiences with you soon but I hope this information we have about lung cancer surgery will help you.

    We also have some information about covid and cancer treatment just here but if you'd like to have a chat with one of our cancer nurses about this or your husband's treatment then you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Best wishes to you both,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

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    Hi Lis, I had my left lung removed in 2003 so if you have any questions feel free to ask (I know left lung is different to right but I can probably help)?  I hope if the operation has already happened then it has gone well for your husband, I know how stressful it might seem at this time with everything going on in the world.

    I think a lot is dependent on your husband's age / health generally etc but my pain was well managed in hospital and I was actually out in 7 days as I was quite young.  Again if you give me a bit more info I might be able to help :)

    The things I found most useful to have in hospital were things to do (internet wasn;t that available), nice snuggly socks to keep warm, layers of clothing, favourite treats and a good moisturiser as your skin gets very dry.

    One little tip which might seem a little silly, is once he is recovering is that for me it hurt to laugh!  So I had to avoid watching funny tv and film and just settled for something serious however much I fancied something funny!

    S

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    Hello Lis,

    I am sorry to hear that,but I m suspected for lung cancer too.I m an ex smoker quited 2 years ago used to smoke 13 years now on my 30s .I had so many test last years all came clear but now my right lung feels like is collapsed and painful and wheezy ,stats are normal. I m waiting again for tests and all .So scared that the radiation only onntop of my history in a few months might have done even more damage .Any words at least of how to cope .I m scared as  i dont even have any of my family here .Thank you. 

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