I've been following your thread as our diagnosis is quite similar... I had an annual CT last December and they noted a suspicious 1.8 cm. X 1.2 cm. nodule in my RLL. More scans and a biopsy indicated it was an adenocarcinoma. So, on 2/25 I had a VATS procedure to have the RLL removed. While that was quite successful, they unfortunately found two affected lymph nodes and removed them as well. So, after all tests were done I went from 1a to 3a in a hurry. Currently, I'm in a course of adjuvant chemotherapy, four courses started 4/5 three weeks apart with Carbo/Alimta to perhaps kill any stray rogue cells looking to set up shop elsewhere. Just to let you know here that the chemotherapy hasn't been too bad for me but it does affect everyone differently; just tired (they call it fatigue) a lot and a few small stomach issues (stay away from spicy foods). I still try to get at least a 4 miles walk in daily, weather permitting. But you got to play it by ear...what works for me may not work for you. I know I was told by medical that even some movement helps with chemotherapy side effects...
Well, even though its been a rush, so far so good I guess. I'm here to tell you that whatever post surgical pain you feel will get better, it's just going to take a good amount of time is all. And the lobectomy overall wasn't the worst...I had a lot more issues post surgery when I had my prostate removed. I usually always slept on my right side and that won't happen for some months yet for sure. As to your lung volume, that will come back over time so you won't hardly notice a difference unless you're really exerting yourself. I do lots of walking and breathing exercises to expand lung volume and capacity and that really does help.
Stay in touch and keep us informed of your progress...this website is great in that we're all pulling for each other! Take care...