Newly diagnosed with very early lung cancer

Diagnosis received today, there was talk of a segment or wedge being removed and bag used to suck out the dodgy parts of my lung. I didn't get the name of the operation. Any clues?

  • I'm sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with lung cancer Nicwnacw.

    Although I can't tell you what operation is being alluded to from the description you've included in your post, you may be able to find it by looking at the surgery for lung cancer section of our website. I hope this helps, but if you'd like to discuss this further with one of cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Hopefully you will hear back from some of our members soon as well, but in the meantime, we're thinking of you Nicwnacw and wishing you all the best with your operation when the time comes.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • I have to have an Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery and a Lung Resection, both sets of doctors are discussing stop gap measures and less than optimal surgeries because of the fear that my heart may give up with 2 major open chest surgeries. So they are talking TAVI instead of AVR for the heart prior to Lung resection (by open chest or keyhole) with some chemo. My preference would be to have the lung resection first as the stenosis is moderate and stable.

    Just wondered if anyone else is in this invidious position where doctors are scared to operate. The cancer is tiny and apparently easily removable as it is near the surface of the lung.

    Sandra

  • Hi nic 

    I have just had surgery on my right upper lobe or a wedge or segment as you call it . I had a 3rd of my upper right lobe removed due to a rare cancerous tumour called an NET CARCINOID . it sounds like you have a tumour or is it lung cancer . I had 2 options leave and monitor or have it removed my consultant advised me to have it removed so I did . They normally do the operation by VATS which is video assisted surgery or RATS which robotic surgery I had VATS which was not an invasive surgery small scare under my  ribs / armpit . The histology came back very positive I am now clear of cancer I don't need chemo or radiation as they got all the tumour and there was no spread in the lmyph nodes hope this helps 

    Regards stephen 

  • Thanks for this, I'm seeing the surgeon next week, it is lung cancer and very near the surface so easy to remove. The bigger issue has been the Aortic Stenosis, which, it was felt, by the medical teams, that would prevent the surgeons agreeing to surgery. I hope that it will be done by VATS and not open chest as I have that joy to come once the cancer is out of the way and I am recovered sufficiently. 

    No-one else has come up with a similar scenario, and I'm, glad it all went well for you.

    Sandra

  • Hi Sandra looks positive for you mine was the same as yours near the surface and the cancer was totally removed . The operation was not  to bad to be honest infact they sent me home  the  next day !!! Stay in touch and if I can help or answer your questions don't hesitate to contact me .

    Regards stephen 

  • The next day ! That's Fab I assume you are in the UK? I'm am considered to be at risk because of the heart and my age so I suspect it will be a few days. How long has the recovery taken?

    Sandra

  • Hi Sandra 

    Yes the next day couldn't believe it to be honest infact most of the patients we sent home in that time frame and there was a man opposite me who was 70 was allowed home so try not to worry I know its hard . The recovery has not been  to bad to be honest still a bit sore and a bit out of breath if I exert myself but I start my rehab Wednesday and yes I'm in the UK 

  • Hi Stephen,  

    Very happy to hear you are clear of cancer! I’ve also just been diagnosed with what you had. I’m just wondering how long you had to wait for your surgery once you met with the surgeon? 

    Jess