BridgetO

Hi LindaMarie.  Yep, I had a right low lobectomy by VATS,  4 years ago. My surgeon took out 27 lymph nodes, meiastinal, from between the lungs. They were all benign. They had not been  previously biopsied. 

 I didn't get lymphedema from this. In fact, I didn't know that lymphedema was possible from this surgery.  I briefly looked at this on the internet and from a quick look, it seems like pulmonary lymphedema is possible but not common. 

I'm pretty familiar with lymphedema. I have it in both legs as a result of surgery and pelvic radiation treatment for a non-lung-cancer-related gynecologic cancer.  Prior to the surgery I asked my surgeon if I would be at risk of lymhedema from the extensive surgery and he said I wouldn't because he was not planning to take ot inguinal (groin) nodes. He took out 27 nodes from my pelvic and aortoc area and 2 were malignant. (odd coincidence  that it was the same number removed from my chest). When I develped lymphedema, the Physical Therapist that treated it saie that she had heard from other patients that that surgeon had told other women the same thing. He was otherwise an excellent surgeon. So I'm not sure how much I would trust one surgeons opini9on on this. On the other hand, the surgery and other treatment saved my life. My cancer was Stage 3 ane very aggressive and I had a 0or prognosis. I would have hae the surgery even if I had known the risk. I've been NED (no evidence of disease for 10 years.

You might want to get a second opinion on the lymph node issew: Is it necessary to taike them out ane what is the risk of yymphedema.

When is your surgery planned and is it going to be by VATS? 

I am well and doing fine. I just had cataract surgery. If you find typos in this message, it's because I don't yet have the right pos surgical reading glasses and It's hare to see what i've typed.

Bridget O
 

Hi Bridget thank you so much for replying to my question.  Your story has helped me so much I really appreciate you sharing it.

I’ve been researching and asking around and it seems that by removing the lymph nodes in the chest does not cause lymphedema whatsoever.  I’m relieved.

I wish you continued health and happiness💕💐