lung surgery anyone?

[~Tala~]

Hey there-

So for the past 2 years I've had to monitor this nodule they found by accident on my lung. Turns out with this past scan, it has grown a couple milimeters...so I have to make a decision about having surgery. I am already pretty sure I am going to do it--just because of how young I am now, and how much easier surgery would be now, rather than later.

Have any of you experienced lung surgery or know someone who has? I see the surgeon in 2 weeks to discuss the type I will be having, however any additional information is always nice. Thanks in advance!!

[Kya]

My great aunt has had the surgery done and I will ask my dad about her experience.

I hope all goes will and alot of *hugs* for you girlie.

[Mimzy]

Thankfully I have no experience with this. But wanted to say that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us up dated - good luck!

[oupiglet]

My Mom has had 2 lung surgeries. The first one was to remove her entire right lung and the second was to remove 10% of her left lung. For her surgeries they had to make large cuts and break a rib or two so the recovery period wasn't easy. But even with all of that she recoved fine.

[~Tala~]

Thank you so much for your replies thus far. The tumor is about 3.2 cm so I am not sure how invasive they will have to be when removing it. I can't imagine having an entire lung removed though! That sounds really scary. I just want this gone though...I don't want to have to worry about it. Plus--it's the only way they can 100% rule out cancer. Keep your replies coming if you have any. Thanks.

[*alissa*]

awww, no I odn't have any experiance, but offer lots of ((((((((((hugs)))))))))

[*Diane*]

Which part of which lung are they talking about? I haven't any personal experience with this but I worked in respiratory therapy...( kinda sounds like I played one on tv.. :) )

Please accept my apology in advance for being so intrusive- do you have any other symptoms? Family history? How was this discovered in the first place?

[~Tala~]

Diane-

It's in the upper right lobe. No other symptoms...as it was discovered accidentally. I was having chest pains about 2 years ago and they did a chest xray and discovered it then. The chest pains are of no linkage...they were from too high of a medication I take. Anyway, they have been monitoring it from every 3 mos, to every 6 mos...then once a year (by CT scan) and I have also had a PET scan done as well. No family history that we know of...

[Kelly]

I think it would be fine since you are so young, but :hug99: anyway.
no one in our family with lung surgery though..

[*Diane*]

Honey, that is scary but I feel better about it after you shared more information. :glomp: Whatever it is seems to be very slow growing but you are probably right to get it out of there. When do you go back to the doctor?

[Maria 05]

Aww sweetie I thought I had posted before but wishing you a get well soon and that it all goes well

[~Tala~]

Thank you everyone. :) I go back to see the doctor next week...on the 17th. I'll let you all know then what the surgeon says.

[*Diane*]

Did you get good news from the doctor today? :crossfing:

[~Tala~]

Okay, so I saw the surgeon today! Good news is that he agrees I should have the tumor removed. Unfortunately because of it's location...he will more than likely have to remove it invasively. So I will have a scar of about 5 inches right under my breast line..as they have to go in through my ribs. Once they remove it they will have it tested for cancer...and if it is cancer they will remove the entire lobe, otherwise they will just remove the area. But also, it's located near 2 major arteries..so they may end up removing the whole lobe anyway. I will be in the hospital for about a week. It's going to be at Stanford Hospital which is very well known and a good hospital so that makes me feel better. I'm just happy to have answers!! I won't be doing it until early January. Thanks everyone for your concerns.

[*Diane*]

It is my belief that the hardest part is not knowing. Now that you know, at least you know what you are up against. :hug: Please keep us updated.

[~Tala~]

Diane-

You are 100% correct. I feel so much better now that I know what needs to happen. I can deal with the scar and the pain...it's the not knowing that was killing me! :) I will keep you all updated. It will be written in my journal also...not sure how to put a link on my siggy though

[Mimzy]

:hug: Been thinking of you - glad to see an update!
If the surgeon thinks to wait till Jan. then he must not be to worried.
So that is a good sign. You sound really strong about all this - good girl! :) But remember if you need to chat - PM me. I've been through some tough medical stuff myself so I understand where you are right now. Try and get all things is good order - legal medical Power of Attorney, financial power of attorney, ect. If you can get your bills to be pre paid or automatic withdrawn - very helpful. Of course any child or pet care set up. And if you can arrange for a house keeper for a few weeks when you get home.
I'll keep you in my prayers.

[~Tala~]

Thank you Mimzy. DH is planning to take the week after I get out of the hospital off...that way he can be at my beck and call...LOL. Seriously though, I won't be able to do much! And bills will be paid and our cats taken care of...I'll just have him do all that. It's so weird to me, I keep thinking of this surgery as no big deal...which is maybe why I am sounding so strong about it? I don't know.. I think when it gets closer I will start to realize..."wow, this is major surgery!". But until then, I'm just going to relax and remember that this is for the best...I won't have to wonder what the heck this thing is anymore,

Thanks everyone for checking in, it really means a lot to me!

[Mimzy]

Aaahh - good guy! :heart:
No need to worry - it is very far away! Glad to hear you are doing OK.

[Poloke]

FFIL had to have a lung removed, cancer. It was a long road to recovery for him, but he made it.

You are much younger AND going to a good hospital so things should work out much much better for you. I'm glad you saw your surgeon and set out a plan of action and know what might/might not need to be done. You also have a great hubby who's going to be there for you... it's all going to work out, good luck!