Hi Vivie, 

I'm glad to hear that your surgery to remove the lower lobe of your left lung was successful and your recovery is going well. It's great that you didn't need follow up treatment but it's completely understandable to consider the what ifs in this situation as you embark on your road to recovery.

Many of our members who have had lung cancer or have recovered from surgery for cancer will understand the thoughts you are having and I'm sure they will pop by soon to share their thoughts and experiences with you.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery Vivie and do come back and chat any time you like.

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you Steph .  You hear so much in the media etc that sometimes it seems overwhelming.  It's a silly thing but I don't know what to say to people!  Am I cured?  In remission?  I just don't know.  My doctor and surgeon are very good at the technical stuff and I can talk to them, my GP surgery has a new specialist nurse who will be in contact.

I will be nice to share thoughts with other members and coping strategies 

Hi Vivie, welcome to the forum from a member who has been down that road of having surgery to remove a lung cancer. I do know how you feel about the need to talk about "what ifs" with someone who either understands or has been through it.  I have found that unless the person we talk to has at least experienced cancer of some sort, most non cancer people can't handle those conversations. This forum has been a God-send for me in that aspect because people on here really understand what that means to those of us dealing with our disease.

I hope you find it helpful to converse with others in the same boat as I have. I know its' virtual and not in person, but believe me, it really does help.

Come back anytime and just write about what's going on for you and you will get responses. Just writing it down in and of itself is very therapeitic because it puts it out there and gets it out of our head and heart. That alone reduces the pressure of it and its' a bonus when someone replies with supportive responses.   

Take care. Sending hugs.

Lorraine

Thanks Lorraine 

It is wonderful to know there is a place to "what if!"  My husband can't understand and is afraid I'll go into a depression.  It was lovely to come across this forum and your words helped a lot .  We seem to belong to a special "club" don't we?

I found out yesterday that my cancer was an adenocarcinoma which has been completely removed and I didn't need any radio/chemo therapy.  I'm seeing my surgeon next month for the 3 month check up and I think that's why the what ifs are rearing their heads!

on the whole I'm feeling very positive about the diagnosis.  I've seen what some people go through and feel I've got off lightly with a scar and sore ribs.  The codeine really works well and since home I've never had to take the full dose.  I just take one in the morning and one tea time unless I'm doing something like the weekly shop.  I have to rest every afternoon but this is for comfort rather than needing to sleep.  I can't stand or walk far but it gets better.

thank you for your reply.  One bonus is that I've met some wonderful people on this journey. 

Hope you continue with your recovery

hugs and best wishes 

vivie x