Really was hoping to get back to work after Xmas. Second lung op first one done 4 years ago second one mid Sept. How long have other people had off work after a lung op.
Hello Roz; hope you get some answers to the question you ask. Really though it depends on (a) the advice you are being given by your medical carer(s) and (b) how you are feeling yourself. Don't push yourself too hard if you are not up to it. There is no point in making yourself ill if you cannot cope as you might have to take off more time from work. So be realistic. Of course I don't know the culture in your employers business; I managed a department in a local authority amd know the difficulties of balancing the need to have bums on seats to get the work done and the overriding (in my view) necessity to care for staff welfare. If you want to get yourself back quickly then perhaps work shortened hours and break yourself in gently. In the meantime have a good Christmas - you have been through a lot over the last few years. Annie
Annie, Thank you for your reply. I really would like to get back but the company I work for not being very helpful. When I spoke to my manager and suggested I use my holiday entitlement so I could return on 3 days a week and then build up to 4 ect. This didn’t go down well and was told no time off in feb even though I asked her to book two day holiday. I work as a cleaner and do 5 hours a day. I wrote to the company and asked them to come out and see me to discuss my return to work this was two weeks ago but no reply. I will go back and talk to my doctor and see what she advises.
Just at the time when you need encouragement and help you are being given a hard time - what is the matter with these people (well, I know the answer - it equals money coming in!). Your employers should know that the law states that people returning to work after cancer treatment have certain rights - I attach a link below. I should send them another letter by Recorded Delivery so that they can see you are taking this seriously; you should set out the situation clearly and what you would expect from them. I should also keep a record of all contact (or lack thereof) with your employer. I realise you can do without all this hassle and just want to do your best both for yourself and for your company but they seem to need a nudge to respect your rights. Let us know how things go (if you so wish of course, you don't have to do this). Annie
I had my second ( right) lung surgery on Thursday to remove a late occurring Sarcoma lung metastasis .My original Sarcoma ( Chondra Sarcoma ) was discovered in my Sacro iliac joint ( pelvis and base of spine) removed and treated in 2009. I had the left lung surgery two months ago.
I was really relieved to make it home for Christmas and that my surgeries were done and dusted to start the new year afresh.
However I have been in terrible pain particularly with this surgery . The pain is a searing , burning pain which seems to tear through my right breast . Is this because the breast is so full of nerve receptors and this is referred pain or Could there be a problem like an accidental incision in the breast tissue and or an infection or abscess ?
Sorry , as I ask this question, I realise it’s not a fair one probably to ask other non medics but I find other sufferers often have a wealth of acquired knowledge. We’re lucky to have this forum for just this reason.
Also , any tips anyone for coping with the pain ? I’m on OxyContin and pregablin as I’ve been on these meds already since 2009.
Also , I’m really cheered to hear of patients for whom the surgery has meant long term survival
I want to try and be here for as long as possible for my children as I’m a single mum and they’ve been through so much already
Kirstene, I had terrible pain after surgery which did get better but then got worse. What you are experiencing sounds similar. When I spoke to my oncologist re my pain he arranged for the lung nurse to phone me and when I explained my pain she said it all sounded normal, my biggest problems is being so very tired all the time and pain when I catch my breath which seems quite often. Also seems very much worse at night. I still have a burning sensation around my breast area feels like it’s on the outside.
Have you been given a lung nurse that you can phone mine really helped me put some of my worries away.
To be honest my main worry is getting back to work. Unfortunately I do not have a good relationship with my Manager and even though I have written to them to discuss my return to work I have had no reply.
