Pain following lobectomy - has anyone else experienced this

I had a upper right lobectomy via VATS 3 weeks ago and all has been going well till day 3 post op when I developed surgical emphysema resulting in a swollen face and high pitched voice for a few days, once that subsided l then started with stabbing nerve type pain in my right breast tissue. It is also painful just under my right breast over the breastbone.It is relieved a little by wearing a bra or supporting/lifting my breast manually, the pain is worse of an evening. I am thinking this is probably nerve pain.

I am also extremely bloated and suffering from what I can only describe as trapped wind pain in my chest and back which occasionally radiates to my jaw. I have also developed tinnitus. Anyone ever had this experience? If yes, how long does it last and what helped.

Many thanks

  • Hello Sullivans and welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    I am sorry to hear about the pain you have been experiencing following your lobectomy. I think it would be worth mentioning all these pains you have been getting to your medical team as they will be best placed to tell you what might be causing this and whether it is linked in any way to your lobectomy. You could also mention the other symptoms you have described such as feeling bloated, the tinnitus and the trapped wind type of pain which radiates to your jaw. 

    I hope that you will hear from others who have had this experience before and that they will be along to share their experience with you. 

    I hope that talking to your doctor will bring some solutions to these issues and that these are resolved very soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator