Still pain after lobectomy 7 months on

Had a lobe taken out in November via VATS procedure - I am still getting terrible pain from my chest down to waist - consultant says maybe adhesions - was given heavy pain killers but reluctant to use them as pain is sporadic - just grabs me now and again
have had follow up CT and shows no more growth on there - good! growths on other side have not grown either
Just wondering if anyone else has same procedure and still suffering

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  • 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

     

Reply
  • 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

     

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