Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 78 replies
  • Views 25621 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Pain 10 months after Lobectomy for Lung Cancer

kaz2
Offline

Hi I was diagnosed with nsclc in July last year, I had a small tumour in my upper left lung and microscopic cells were found in one of my lymph nodes. I was told I was lucky that the cancer was caught in early stages and was operable.  6 weeks after diagnosis I had half of my left lung removed.  This operation was very painful but recovery didn't take that long really.  I was given chemo which finished in December and went back to work in January.  However, I do still have pain which feels like it's in my left breast and in the centre of my chest.  I also have numbness to the breast.  I have had 3 clear scans and was just wondering if anyone has had the same operation and if they still had pains 10 months after the op.  The doctor doesn't seem concerned with the pain as the scans have been clear.

Thanks

Karen x

Parents
  • Offline

    I am really having a hard time with wearing a bra. Is there any females that can advise me on what they are doing to get thru a full work day without pain?

     

  • Offline in reply to popcorn7
    I have been struggling with this too. I had a large bit of my right lung removed 2 years ago, never smoked, as others have said, so a big shock. I am still wearing very soft non wired stretchy bra tops, the sort intended for sport, as my usual wired ones are agony. The back pain resolves if I lie down with a heated throw for a while and by the sound of what others are saying, this looks like being a long term thing. However, my cancer was caught very early, so lots to be positive about. Hope that helps
  • Offline in reply to glassbird123

    Hi all its been informative to read about all your experiences thanks for sharing. My mum was diagnosed with NSCLC in mid October and had VATS lobectomy surgery end Nov. She was doing well and was discharged after 4 days but we were out hosp 20mins and I had to turnaround as she wasn't right turned out her wound had infection and slight lung collapse so that set her back and she had a further stay for 10 days. She also had air trapped in her chest and found this painful. She is now due 3 rounds of chemo with cisplatin and vinorelbine - has anyone had this combination? How did you find it? She has had 1 lot of the double cycle. I am horrified and scared at the side effects. Just trying to do some research and see what's what.

    She is also suffering the pain you all mostly relate to and takes tramadol gabapentin. We are at hospital soon for 1st check up so see how that goes. 

  • Offline in reply to Alison_S
    Hello all, it's been a while since I posted my first post. The pain from the lobectomy definitely improves over time, although I do still experience some numbness. I was cancer free for three years but unfortunately, in Novemer 2015 my cancer had returned. This time it's not operable as the tumour is testing on my Aorta. I had further 2 sessions of chemo but there had been no change and I couldn't tolerate anymore. I also had extensive radiotherapy and thankfully the tumour, although still there isn't doing anything. It has remained the same now since January 2016 and I am being monitored with scans 3 monthly. I won't give up fighting and if there is any Change my professor will try immunotherapy. It will be 5 years in June since my first diagnosis and since then I've practically travelled the world. I am writing this post from Thailand! My future is uncertain as are many, but we always have today. Good luck everyone. Karen xx
  • Offline in reply to glassbird123
    Hi I've just had my lower left lobe removed march 2017,after having a wedge biopsy January 2017 have just have found an amazing vest top from M & S secret support vest £12.50 brilliant so comfy I had a mastectomy May 2012 it's really good with my false one holds in place really well. . Agree with the pain aspect but find a heated pad works wonders good luck everyone
  • Offline in reply to kaz2

    I also had a lobectomy. I had my upper right lung removed in Dec of 2016.It is going on seven months and I am takingGabapentin 300 ml 3 times a day for the nerve damage. It helps with the numbness but not the itching constantly. I have gained so much weight, but Lyrica is $450. a month,my cost , I cannot afford it and it does nothing for me anyway to stop the numbness. 

    I guess I will have to live with it. My 1st and 2nd ct scans were good and am keeping my finger crossed that my next one will be as good. If it comes back I will not have another operation. I have already told my doctors that radiation or cemo are not options for me. I have lost my mom, sister and neice to this dreaded disease and watched the effects of chemo and radiation. I will live with the cancer if it returns.

    God willing I still have many good years left and will live my life on my terms.

    Lots of Hugs

    Viver

  • Offline in reply to viver

    Hi Viver
    It will be 7 years since our golden anniversary and buying our dog Sally and in September when I had my operation to remove 2 lobes in my right lung. This was performed at a hospital in London. The following year a tumour appeared on the remaining lobe and the surgeon would not operate but suggested High Dose Stereo-Tactic Radiotherapy. The tumor was gone in about 10 weeks but my breathing was very poor, due to scar tissue, and could only walk 20 yards without sitting for a rest. The consultant advised exercise and self motivation.
    I bought a bike and an exercise bike and exercised many times daily and eventually walked our dog as much as possible
    I had to hand in my London Cabbie's badge and licence and have  never driven a cab since as it was near retirement age anyway.
    My advice is take whatever the doctors advise but motivate yourself to exercise, exercise and exercise. I now walk the dog 4/5 times a day and play lawn bowls a few time s a week in the summer.

    Good Luck

    Lungho777

Reply
  • Offline in reply to viver

    Hi Viver
    It will be 7 years since our golden anniversary and buying our dog Sally and in September when I had my operation to remove 2 lobes in my right lung. This was performed at a hospital in London. The following year a tumour appeared on the remaining lobe and the surgeon would not operate but suggested High Dose Stereo-Tactic Radiotherapy. The tumor was gone in about 10 weeks but my breathing was very poor, due to scar tissue, and could only walk 20 yards without sitting for a rest. The consultant advised exercise and self motivation.
    I bought a bike and an exercise bike and exercised many times daily and eventually walked our dog as much as possible
    I had to hand in my London Cabbie's badge and licence and have  never driven a cab since as it was near retirement age anyway.
    My advice is take whatever the doctors advise but motivate yourself to exercise, exercise and exercise. I now walk the dog 4/5 times a day and play lawn bowls a few time s a week in the summer.

    Good Luck

    Lungho777

Children
  • Offline in reply to LungHo777

    Thanks so much for your advice Lungho777. I will certainly use it. Do you have intense itching also? If so, is there anything that can be done? I have used cortizone,etc but nothing seems to help. My Dr. doesn't seem concerned and thinks it will go away but a friend that suffered nerve damage from an unrelated operation said she has had the itching for 25 years. Thanks again.

    Lots of hugs

    Viver

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.