Hi Flissy 100,

I had same procedure Feb 2019 and still have pain too. Sometimes it feels as if I have broken ribs! My pain area is mainly from top of my breast,along the ribs to my underarm. The wound site is no problem, so I wonder if it’s internal ‘healing’.  I am in my mid 60s, so maybe that’s another factor to consider. I see my consultant and oncologist next week so I’ll have plenty of questions on my list, lol. So, you’re not alone and I’m heartened to hear that your CT was clear. I’ll keep you posted as to my visit to Hospital.

Hi Laraine - interesting to note you see an oncolgist and consultant - I regularly see my lung consultant but as for oncologist have only seen him once - which was a month after operation when he said we will put you on 6 month chemo course just to mop up - I declined the offer as I was still pretty weak after op and As I said to him - lung consultant had said op was a total success and tumours were fully removed - I honestly couldnt see the point in 6 months side effects plus getting over op - oncologist didnt seem happy about this and dismissed me straight away
did you go on to have chemo after op? 
I am same age as you and ct scan show growths on left lung but recent ct shows no significant growth so I am ok to live with this as I have heart probs too which seems strange to say - heart takes presidence over anything else - its the engine sort of
I do hope your appts went well - please let me know 
Best Wishes 
Lin 

Hello again,

Well my ‘Consultant’ appt was changed at the last minute, by secretary ringing and informing me I would see the ‘lung doctor’ - I’ve seen him only once before. However, I saw the Consultant Oncologist and she was amazing!! Apparently most of my problems are normal, as for the pain around my ribs, breast etc., she recommended I increase my Tramadol intake. Which I now have done because the alternative was morphine and I didn’t feel too thrilled with that (had enough in hospital). Yes, I had Chemotherapy after my operation (about 6wks after). I didn’t think I was well enough but was assured I’d be ok.  I was ok having the actual treatment and apart from tiredness the initial side effects were minimal. I would have a full day of Chemo; Vinorelbine and then Cisplatin, with several ‘flushes’ of saline and other ‘stuff’ to clear the chemicals through my system. This would begin at 8 a.m. and finish between 5-6p.m. Loooooonnnnnggg day. The following week I would have just the Cisplatin - start around 9 a.m. finish 10:30 a.m. I preferred this one, lol.  So, the Oncologist reassured me that the pain will gradually decrease over time and use of Tramadol.  I think in my case, because of my age (although I don’t feel an OLD 66) it’s a slower process of healing internally than if I was 50 yrs old. I have worsened hearing (already got hearing aid), so today I saw Audiologist who tweake the hearing aid and I go back in 2 weeks. My fab Oncologist suggested Audiology, who in turn gave me an immediate appointment. I also have to see my Optician next week because my eyesight has deteriorated (already wear specs). On reading different articles on CRUK and MacMillan, it’s likely that the Cisplatin is to be thanked for these problems.  I try not to moan because I am alive. Yes, life is different, more difficult in some ways, but I can watch my grandchildren grow.  I really hope that your pain lessens soon and that you’ll feel better in yourself. Sorry if I’ve rambled, lol.  Sending you love and hugs and a damned GOOD future xx

Hi Laraine - hope you are feeling well and have eyes / audio sorted.
After reading your last post it has made me even more sure I did the right thing in not having follow up chemo after op. 
I have suffered with menieres for past 21 yrs which had already taken away hearing in right ear and damage to other - gawd knows what would have happened  also always wore specs and have noticed as we get older eyesight worsens so that seemed like another plus for me to say no
Still suffering the odd "twinge" bu have to say its not as bad so must be healing up 
Please let me know how you are getting on 
Best wishes xx Lin

Hiya, I am having nearly the sane issue after upper right lobectomy, I have tried in vain to totally come off oramorph but I am down to most days just 2 1/2 -5 mils at night plus paracetamol 4 hourly, this is working, I also have nerve pain samexarea and believe it or not I find baby powder such a comfort, I am no doctor but I find if you let the pain meds drop the pain creeps in, try keep them regular, on a really bad day I only use 10mls at most now, all the best  fiona

Hi

new to forum as I had rt upper lobectomy vats.I am on codine 60mg n 1gm paracetamol.I have tried to taper it many times but pain comes back not in the wound but ant chest wall n neck muscle.I am going tonosteopath as well.

v disturbed as can't go to join my job.any suggestion for pain as no other pain killer give any relief.what is the the right time to start taper.

Although my Consultant, Oncologist and 'Head Honco' Oncologist were all brilliant people they don' pre-warn you of certain outcomes. I've read a lot on the Internet (not American stuff, strictly U.K.). Found some honest truths on what you will experience and for how long. Obviously EVERYONE is different. That doesn't mean that you are doing anything wrong or not recovering properly, each case is individual. I had my Op Feb 2019 and I still get pain in my ribs, yes, after all this time. I had 8 doses of Chemotherapy 4 weeks after the Op to ensure the critter didn't return. Had MANY post Chemo problems.Still have 'Post Chemo Neuropathy' on the balls of my feet. I've been prescribed Gabapentin for this but like all long term meds, the body gets used to it. Sounds somewhat patronising but I say to myself and others 'I'M STILL BREATHING'. Which really IS a plus. I hope all of your treatments work, and I wish you well x

I had a right lobecctomy in January this year 2021 

i have been experiencing numbness of the right breast breathlessness (Which I never had pre op) and when I try to cough I can't take a deep enough breath to satisfy the cough, if you can understand what I mean. The breathlessness is or seems to be getting worse where I can't even hang washing out with gasping for breath. It's very frustrating. I've had a CT scan since my op and got another in September. I haven't had any results as yet and the surgeon had rung me once since the op. I've had no follow ups and when I was discharged from hospital it was like. There's your medication we've made an appointment with your GP nurse to remove the stitch (from the drain they took out.) Thete you go bye. No home care plan or anything I just can't understand why im still getting this breathlessness and numbness 7 months on.  Sorry edit to add It hurts when I take a deep breath 

so I'm not able to cough properly. I'm actually tearing up as I write this .... 

Hi

I had upper right lobectomy in Feb 2021, I am still experiencing pain and numbness in my breast, rib and underarm, I feel like I have a balloon  permanently underarm which sometimes seems like it gets bigger as the day goes on. I also feel more breathless now than I did straight after the op.

 I have mentioned it to my doctor and he says it is not unusual to still have pains as I am still healing but it just doesn't feel right.

I have an appointment next month with the consultant so will be asking again as it really is getting me down. At least I now know it's not just in my head