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Hi Beth and Happy Birthday, I can really relate to you with the depression and feeling down. With me it comes and goes. Most of the time I feel pretty good and then all of a sudden I get zapped with one of those depressing days. I guess most of us do with the situations we are in. I should be feeling really good after a successful surgery and no sign of cancer left in me right now but I agonize for the people on this site and elsewhere suffering from this horrible disease that are not as fortunate as me. That's what really depresses me. I'm not a big pill freak but one that really helps and snaps me out of the depression and anxiety is xanex. I don't take them often but they do work for me. They really relax me, make me sleep well, and when I wake up I feel pretty good. Just a suggestion. May not work for you but it's worth a try. God bless you and many many more birthdays.

Hi Donna, The waiting is the worst part. It is absolutly agonizing. I went through it for two weeks. Right now you just need to hope and pray for the best. Your in my prayers. By the way, we are almost neighbors. I live in Clarks Summit. Keep us posted. You will not believe the help and support you will receive on this site. It is overwhelming. So many people here helped me get through the most difficult time in my life. I actually had one member and her husband come and visit me in the hospital after surgery in Philadelphia.. Didn't know them only from this site. You can't ask for much better support than that.

Jan, Thanks you. I am trying to not take the pain pills anymore but every once in a while I get some sharp pains in my right side where the surgery was done but they only last a few seconds. I still can't sleep on my right side which I am used to. Others have said it somethimes takes longer that others for the pain to subside so I guess I'll just have to bear it and hope for the best. I can't go back to work until July 5th so hopefully I will be ok by then!! Yes, the onc went to the convention in Florida and he told me that one of the top Onc's in the country spoke on chemo and did say that stage 1a chemo has still not be proven to be of any help. It actually could be more of a problem with the side effects rather than help. So I have it from my Onc, surgeon and pulmonologist (and the speaker in Florida)that it is not necessary and would not be beneficial. Good to hear for us 1a staged patients.....

Kasey, Great news. You sound so good . I am really happy for you. SOunds like you really surprised him.... I have a really good onco here in Scranton also. By the way I sent you a PM some time ago and never heard back?????? What I was curious about was how long ago you quit smoking and how are you doing with that?? I am having a really hard time. I think I remember you saying to me when you came to visit how hard it was for you. Good luck and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

What a wonderful tribute to your fine mother. God bless you and peace be with you.

Jan, By the way how's your pain going?? Mine is ok but still annoying at times. Still have the pain meds but hate taking them. maybe I'm expecting too much too soon.

Jan, Way to go Jan. So happy for you. I guess both of us are doing well. Your surgery partner.....April 20.....

Hi and welcome to our site. It iis unfortunate you have to be here but you will get a lot of support and advice here. , I just had surgery on April 20th at Fox Chase in Philadelphia and I just can't say enough about the place. Top notch and excellent care. My surgeron was Dr Walter Scott and I have been told he is one of the best lung cancer surgeons around. Right now I am cancer free and just a little sore. Just something to think about when determining where you want to go if surgery is an option. Good luck to you and your in my prayers. This site is just the best. SO many wonderful and caring people here. They have really gotton me through some tough times.

I too get the sharp pain under my right breast especially if I stretch or sneeze. Feels like being stabbed. Very PAINFUL but I also just had my surgery on April 20TH so I'm hoping it's only temporary. Saw my surgeon for a post op visit this week and he told me the pain should eventually subside and to take the pain meds for now. I hate them (percocets) just make me sleep all the time. He also told me some disturbing stuff......for some people the pain lasts for 2-3 years and in rare cases it never goes away. Didn't like hearing that. I have a big property to take care of.

Hi Jan, It's your partner in surgery..Bill..April 20th. I was hoarse after but only for a few days. Now I am fine. My follow up with the surgeon was this week and everything is fine. Ask him about it when you see him. My pulmonologist put me on two different inhalers. I don't know if they releived the hoarseness or not. I will ask him when I see him in two weeks. Other than that how are you doing?? My pain is a real b**ch but the pain pills help. I just don't like taking them all the time. Make me really tired.

Cograts. This is the best site .Good news. Hope and pray it continues for you.

Hi All, Went to see surgeon for my post op checkup yesterday. Everything wnet well and I do not need chemo or radiation. Staged 1a. Right lower lobectomy. Surgery was on 4/20/05. He said for some of us the post op pain never completely goes away and others it may take a year or two depending on the individual. He told me to relax for at least three months....no lifting over 5 pounds, no physical work and to take the pain meds as necessary and I should be ok. He did say the pain will subside or completely go away in time. I had gallbaldder surgery in 1988 and I remember the pain lasting almost two years before it went away completely. My pain is somewhat subsiding after almost 4 weeks but I am still quite sore and do have some difficulty sleeping the whole night unless I take a Xanex. They really help me for sleeping the whole night.

Hi All, Just a few general questions for those of you that have had lobectomies: After Surgery: 1. How long before you can drive a car. I drive a standard transmission and lobectomy was done on my right side so I assume, by shifting with my right hand, too much shifting will not be good for a while?? 2. Also cut my grass with a riding lawnmower and my property is quite bumpy? How long before I can tolerate it? 3. How often do they recommend visits to Oncologist? Pulmonologist? anyone else?? 4. How long befor i can do lifting and resume regular physical work. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday and ofcourse I will ask all this but just wondering how the rest of you that have had this surgery made out. I am a 58 year old male in fairly good shape. 6.0 196 lbs. Thank you all.

Thanks all. And Kasey, what makes you think I cannot follow the Dr's orders????? You are right...Typical stubborn man !!!It is somewhat difficult but I'm trying.. By the way, nice pic of you and your dog...looks just like a full shepard. What's his/her name? Also I will never leave this site. Too many great people have given me so much support and prayers during my ordeal. I would like to give some back if I can. Jan, You need to post your good news on this site also. It is really great to see some "Good News" posts. I think it gives all of us hope. Don't know if you read my other posts but my onc, after telling me I do not need chemo, is going to a national Oncologists conference on the 13th and he said he will find out the latest on stage 1a chemo or not. I meet with him on the 16th. I will let you know what he has to say. Although he did say he doesn't expect any major change and he feels his recommendation for me not to have chemo will remain the same when he returns.

I forgot to mention that in my earlier post but benadryl worked good for me when I was in the hospital.

Hello All, Just wanted to post some good news on this board. I am currently at home for a 6-8 week recovery period following a lower right lobectomy for a 2.5 cm tumor staged 1a with no mets. Surgery was completed on 4/20/05. Home from hospital on 4/26/05. Received a call from my surgeon on 4/28/05 telling me surgery was very successful removing the cancer with no lymph node involvement and no signs of cancer anywhere. Also informed me I do not need chemo or radiation due to the 1a staging. Visited my oncologist on Monday and he concurred...no chemo or radiation. Everything looks good. What a relief. The past 2 months have been the worst of my life. Too much stress, anxiety, and fear. Right now I consider myself a survivor although I will always have it in the back of my mind that it can re-occur at some point. Scan times will be very nerve wracking and stressful. I know there has been studies about the 1a staging and some say to get the chemo and others say it is of no benefit. Well I have decided to take my chances and not get it and hope for the best. From what I have read it increased survival by only 4%. Just wanted to take the time to thank everyone on this site for their prayers and continued support during this very trying time in my life. I'm not a very religious person but spiritual yes and I do believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking. I feel I have been given a second chance. I will still monitor this site often and offer my support and prayers to others suffering from this dreadful disease. Here's hoping for a cure real soon and God bless each and everyone of you out there. I am a very grateful for this site and the support I have received over the past two months. Sincerly, Bill in PA

Janet, I had a terrible time sleeping even before I was dx'd with lc. No trouble falling asleep. Just staying asleep. I would be up 2-3 am every day and go to work ehausted. I also tried various sleeping pills including ambiem and none of the worked. My wife suggested I try Xanex for anxiety thinking perhaps that was my problem. Well the xanex works good for me for over 2 months now. I only take one at about 10:30pm at night and I sleep really well. Give xanex a try, might help, cannot hurt if nothing else is working.

Prayers from me also Don. The power of prayer is incredible. Believe me I know.

Hi Jan, So glad to hear all went well with you also. We both should mark 4/20 as our lucky day!!!!! I was still staged 1a with no lymnph node involvement. I am going to see an onc on Monday just to review my options for adjuvant chemo. From what i've been reading it's pretty much up to the patient. SOme docs are going to say its a good idea and others may say it serves no purpose. I am going to do some reading, research and discuss with all the doctors involved before making a decision. I guess we have about 5-6 weeks to decide.

Just had lower right lobectomy completed on 4/20/05. WHen surgeon did it I asked if he took any lymph nodes and he said yes, a 'bunch' I guess this is routine during surgery to make sure there is no further involvment. Well he called me today and said "good news" all lymph nodes are negative and the tumor was very small and I will not need chemo or radiation.

Thanks again to all for your caring, kindness, and prayers.. On my way to Phila. Surgery scheduled for 11:30 am tomorrow. WIll let everyone know soon. Thanks again, Bill in PA

I have been going through so much the past 4-5 weeks. The stress, anxniety, being scared to death and not knowing what my future holds. I just can't thank all of you wonderful people on this site for your support and prayers enough. I just find it overwhelming that so many people I don't even know care so much. Jang, I hope you reading these posts also. Lot of support and prayers for both of us.. I think we will do fine. Bill in PA

Thanks so much Cindy. Both of our surgeries are for Wednesday the 20th, not Monday (tomorrow) although I wish it was The waiting is unbearable. Thanks again all. Bill

Thanks to all of you for the great feedback.. I guess returning to normal is different for all of us. I don't mind the time off but I may have to hire someone to take care of my property until I am able to do it. Large property and a lot of maintenance to keep it nice. My wife can help somewhat but she still has to go to work. I am in Ransom Township, PA. About 10 miles west of Scranton and 5 miles north of Clarks Summit. About 120 miles to Phialdelphia. Thanks again and I will post as soon as I return home and let you all know how I made out. Bill in PA

Hi All, I am a 58 year old, 6', 200 lb male. I am having a lobectomey next wednesday, my lower right lobe. From all the tests, right now it is a 3 cm tumor, the only lc area with no enlarged lymph nodes and Doc says I may need some preventative chemo once it is removed. My question is how long before most people my age, etc, return to normal or at least semi normal activity?? i.e., drive car, yard work, cut grass on a rider, and just general work around the house?? Surgeon told me I cannot return to work for 6-8 weeks but I forgot to ask him anything else. Of course I will ask after the surgery but for now I thought I might post it here. Thanks again to all of you for your continued support and prayers. Bill in PA