Linking you to resources and support in the lung cancer community!
My Mom just had lung surgery
Hi Everyone, I was so grateful when I found this site. It was nice to read about people's experiences for comfort and guidance. Thanks to all who contribute. My Mom had her upper and middle right lobe removed about 3 weeks ago. The recovery has been a slow progression. But I was wondering if anyone could provide any more information for me. She takes half of oxycodone every 4 hours and intermittently takes tylenol and advil, we spread it out safely per doctor's instructions. She has started walking for about 20 minutes a day, twice a day, about 4 days ago, which is great. She gets nervous about her breathing, although the doctor says he wants her to get out of breath sometimes to expand her lungs. She is still in the same amount of pain everyday, I guess my biggest question is...when will the pain decrease? When will she begin to take less pain medication? And is there anything at all she can do to help decrease the pain besides more medication?
Thank you so much for taking the time
LLee
Views: 85
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by GADawg/MOD on -
Hi there, my mom had an upper right lobectomy 5 years ago. It took about 4 weeks for her to get off the strong pain meds. It sounds like you're on track. Walking, keeping up with her pain meds, etc. Does she do breathing exercises? My mom had a spirometer that she used several times a day in addition to walking. More than anything, I think those exercies helped the most with my mom's recovery. My mom also had to adjust pillows and her sleeping positions due to being uncomfortable at the incision points. Hang in there, it will get better!
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Permalink Reply by Cheryl C on -
Hi LLee, I had a RUL lobectomy on May 5th of this year. I am 54 and physically fit but must say, it took me about 3-4 weeks before I could totally discontinue pain meds. The first week I was taking them every 4 hours but after that I only took one in the am and one in the pm. I did feel some discomfort but I do think that is to be expected. I also took motrin in between. Breathing exercises help considerably as well as walking. My pain seemed to be more in the front rib area where I had 2 chest tubes. Everyone is different but time is a good healer. It sounds like she is on track. Make sure she is eating well balanced meals and extra protien helps. The body needs alot of mending inside. Sometimes pain meds might take away her appetite and you have to force her to eat. Good luck and God bless. Cheryl
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Permalink Reply by kindredspirit on -
Wow walking 20 minutes already! That's great! I had my upper left lobe taken out, and it seems like it took me a lot longer to get up to walking that much. Her pain will decrease slowly, but tell her to keep on doing what she is doing, as it seems great to me. She had a big surgery, and she sounds to me like she is right on target... Tell her hi for us and od Bless!!
Doris
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Permalink Reply by dianafeeney on
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I had my upper and middle lobes removed back in 2001 and things have come so far since then !! the biggest part of my recovery was probably 3 months, but the surgeon didnt get all the nerves "tucked away" just right when closing me up, so I still have pain even after 10 yrs. !! I remained on pain meds for 7 yrs, and since stopping them almost 2 yrs. ago and learning to cope with the pain, I must say I am much happier. I am not a zombie any longer and starting to actually enjoy life. I do see a chiropractor once every 2 weeks and I love that. I use a heating pad and/or ice packs when the pain gets bad. As far as having shortness of breath ?? mine is still noticeable after all these years, but you learn to adjust..sometimes you just have to take a "day off" and relax and give your body a break. Your mom's body has had quite a bit of trauma and it will take time to heal. God has blessed your mom with a second chance ..just let her take her time healing..dont rush it !!
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Permalink Reply by LLee on
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Hi All, this post has been so helpful to me. I can't tell you how much, thank you! I'm back now with more questions if anyone has any time to respond, I will be so grateful. To remind, my Mom had surgery in June of this year. She's back to her normal life but about every other day she still has pain on the right side of her tummy, but a little higher.
She hold it and rubs it and hopes it goes away. It is so hard to watch her be in pain. I'm confused as to why she still has consistent pain. She saw her doctor recently and he says it is normal. But just wanted ot hear anything all of you had to say. Thank you for any input. I'm not sure if the way she's sleeping is not helping or if it's her diet or her exercise. She rides a stationary bike and walks a lot, almost daily. Thanks for any advice or information. LL
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Permalink Reply by AmyLCA on -
Hi LLee,
It might be better if you post this as a new question. That way more people will see that there is something new.
I know your mom had her surgery on her right side. If her doctor says it's normal, if I were dealing with that, I'd want to know what specifically is causing it, not just that it's normal. It might have to do with nerve damage from where her surgery was, or it might have to do with scar tissue. Did the doctor say if it will go away or at least improve a little bit over time? Is there any recommendation (ie, seeing a pain management specialist) that could help the pain?
I am sure others who had surgery will be able to relate to this so hopefully they will weight in. I'm glad to know that she is back to a normal life though!
Amy
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Permalink Reply by kindredspirit on
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Hi sorry to be so long in replying. I agree with Amy you need to ask the Dr. the questions asked by Amy.
When I had my surgery, the only residule discomfort is when I get real tired my back aches . I cannot sit at the sewing machine and sew very long and also cook for long periods at a time like I used to.
And I also wonder if the pain is caused ny scar tissue? Hopefully you can get an answer from your Dr.
Doris
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