I had my left lower lobectomy by thoracotomy six weeks ago on Feb 1st, 2021 to remove a NET (1.6cm x 1.5 cm). I am a 51-year-old male. I am recovering well. Have slight pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the op area but nothing unbearable. I had stomach bloating when I was in the hospital.

Started noticing a soft bump (size of my palm) right below my left breast after the surgery. This area feels cold when I drink cold water and feels warm when I drink hot drinks. It is slightly painful when I sleep on my stomach. My pulmonologist said that it is because my intestines moved up to fill the gap created by the removal of the left lower lobe. Did this happen to anyone? Does this go away?  

 My first  op was my right lower lobe (Segmentecttomy) and the other was on my left upper lobe (trisegmentectomy). I didn’t think I would reach my 60th Birthday but hear I am now 66. 

I didn’t have the hot and cold feeling, I had tingling and was numb and to touch for some time after the first op but it did eventually go away. You need to give yourself time, I pretty sure you will improve in time.

i have been really fortunate as my second cancer was grade 4 but I believe all removed and no chemo necessary.

Hope you feel better soon.

My operation was same I was told by thoraxic sergeon it was my muscle and because they went in via chest wall the had to stretch the ribs and cut the nerves that's why I still feel numb under breast and chest area but saying that it kinda hurts too but the said the nerves are trying to reconnect so I get pains all over I get it now it will take a long time to heal fully remember it's major surgery so it takes longer than we think all the best

Hi Karen 

hope you are feeling much better with the pain, I had a lobectomy in April, had the lower lobe removed in my right lung, I also have pain in my right breast it comes and goes, also still have pain in the middle of my back, think this is down to the positive your in when they operate.

Lynne

Hi Karen sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I had much of my right lung removed in 2013 and I still have a lot of pain,mainly in my right breast, arm and all across my chest in fact it is so bad I can't wear a bra.  I constantly feel as though I have a tight band across my chest and I cannot carry anything heavy otherwise it causes terrible pain.  I find it verydebilitating and dread the cold weather as that makes it worse.  I feel guilty about complaining about  the operation which saved my life and think all this pain is perhaps a small price to pay.  I have never smoked.  I was referred to a pain clinic a couple of years ago but it was useless and my life is still affected by pain.  i keep hoping that one day the pain will receed and disappear altogether.  I take paracetamol daily which calms the pain a little but on a very bad day I take ibuprofen too. 

If anyone has any suggestions about relief of this pain I would be most grateful. 

Yours hopefully 

dayneb

Hello all,

im so sorry some of you are still suffering.  It's been 9 years since my first diagnosis and indeed my op.  The pain is much better now, although I do still get the odd twinges.

unfortunately my cancer has been back for a couple of years now.  I have a lymph node in my chest that is inoperable due to the fact it's so close to my heart.  I had chemo in January which did nothing , followed by a trial I started in March.  Since then it's remained stable but it's early days yet.  I have a fabulous doctor looking after me and I remain positive as always and continue to enjoy my life.

Good luck to you all.

Karen x

My heart goes out to you, we can only trust in the css as de we get ,and our own positivity! Good luck and keep that chin uoxxxx

thanks for the encouraging message.  it feels good to know there are others who sympathise. best wishes and love from dayneb xx

Hi Dayneb.

Sorry to hear about your persisting pain. I have had 2 surgeries to remove lung tumors. An open thoracotomy and a camera assisted surgery. I totally recognize the pain you describe. 
I have obtained a lot of pain relief with gabapentin 300 mg 3 times a day. If you have not tried this already perhaps you can have a talk with your doctor to see if this could be a possibility for you?

All the best 

Tatiana