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Wondering about problems after a Lobectomy, pain, etc. Fear associated with checkups.
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Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
- By jjbanker
- Posted September 26, 2009 at 9:03 am · 6 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - Stage I
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Anxiety Cancer Surgery Pain Lung cancer Physical therapy Vertigo
6 replies
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- Newest first
- By Chum
- Posted September 26, 2009 at 9:58 am
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If you can have the VATS, less invasive procedure, the pain is minimal (at least it was for me. I was back at work within a week and up to what I call "full speed" within three or four months. Didn't have to have pain relief at all.
But the fear/worry is another thing. You will ride a roller coaster, with drops very low right before follow up scans, and highs that are close to the highest I have ever been, immediately after the NED scans. The highs and lows become more level as the years go by, but there are still "thrills" and "chills" even as I approach the fifth anniversary.
Courage
Chum
- By jjbanker
- Posted September 26, 2009 at 10:06 am
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Thanks for the reply. My surgery was pretty tough. They removed a rib and I was down 6 weeks with oxygen 24 hours a day. But have worked right through it all and Thank God for vertigo or I would not be here now. Great to hear from you and I am working on the worrying, but I realize this will be part of my life now. Have a great weekend.
- By strawberrydude
- Posted September 26, 2009 at 11:56 am
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Like Chum I had no probs with the VATS out of hospital on day 3 am and no painkillers after coming out. I am walking just did 2 miles day 9 and hoping like him to be back at full speed in 3 to 4 months.
I used Hypno therapy for the anxiety and haven't had it since well just a tad nervous as I got on the operation trolley. See my profile for book recommendation.
Peace and love
Judy
- By nanag
- Posted October 5, 2009 at 10:41 am
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This month marks my 4 year anniversary of having my right upper lobe removed stage 1B. I experienced nerve damage and pain in right inner upper arm, under right breast and surgery site. (surgery and tubes) As a woman the hardest thing was trying to wear a bra. It felt as if there were ropes rubbing a burn site.
This past year I went for Physical therapy for my back and told the thereapist about this issue. He was able to relieve so much of the discomfort. It was amazing. I still have some discomfort but it is definitely more tolerable. More people should know that PT can help and insurance companies should understand this.
Anxiety is another big issue. I think we all deal with that individually acording to our own termperaments. I know that God has a plan for my life and when that is accomplished I will go home. That said I still can be so filled with tension around those dates. We are all human and cancer is frightening.
- By mawoni
- Posted October 5, 2009 at 7:10 pm
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I am 16 months post surgery. Still have medium level pain to deal with almost daily. The incision across my back and where the tubes were under my right breast. No way to even think about wearing a bra (thank goodness I am fortunate enough not to need one) and the thought of a mammogram sends me into a panic. I do remember how bad the pain was for the first few months and having to be on continuous oxygen. Now, though, the anxiety is the hardest part to deal with. I am seeing a therapist who hopefully can help me come to grips with my new reality. The scanxiety is a very real thing. Many folks on this site mention it. Guess it just keeps the beast at the forefront of our minds to have to keep looking for it.
Hang in there ... it gets easier as time goes by ... Deb
- By dachshundlover
- Posted October 5, 2009 at 10:16 pm
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jjbanker...it does get better...I did not have VATS...7&1/2 months out from surgery and getting better for me is taking life in week increments...what I could not do last week I can do now...and this has been for the way for me since the surgery...PAIN SUCKS...take your meds...
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