mscyn4u

Hello Bruce; Welcome to a great place, my husband just had a left lobectomy June 26, 2003 after being diagnosed in May 2003 with NSCLC. He just came home today after spending 22 days in the hospital. Staged at IIa. He had to come home with a chest tube because he wont stop draining, and the home health nurse will be coming in to change his dressings. He has been short of breath this evening. The surgeon said he got it all, however the pathology report indicated one lymph node had microscopic traces of malignancy, so the oncologist wants to follow up with chemo after he has healed from surgery. This is my husbands second primary, his first was in his right lung and Staged at 111a, so he was treated with chemo and radiation in 1997 - 1998. They think the chemo and radiation made some changes in his lymphatic system and that might be why his body is not absorbing the pleural fluid since the surgery. I have found great support and knowledge on this sight I am sure you will to, I would like to learn from you how my husband will be feeling in the next upcoming weeks. We were not together when he had the previous cancer, we just remarried last year after being apart for 15 years. So this is all new to me and has been scary but I am learning to be there for him. Keep posting updates ... they will help someone and you will be added to many prayers. As Ever, Cynthia..

Hi Cheryl I know how you feel, my husband was just recently diagnosed with Stage 2a lung cancer (a second primary) we remarried last year he had it before in 1997, but we were not together, so this is a whole new experience for me. I found this group by browsing the internet also and it has helped me tremendously. The group of people here are great they have information and give you hope, when the doctors might not. Use this vehicle to express any feelings you have. You can guarantee you will have people here that will pray for you and keep you encouraged when all seems lost. Welcome aboard...

Hi Mday Welcome, I am fairly new here also and I have found this group of people to be knowledgeable and supporting. My husband is currently in the hospital after lung cancer surgery. I just want to say stay strong and encouraged for your mom and come here often to vent, cry, be happy, whatever you need to express, it can be done here. This disease is tough to deal with, without support, so we are here for each other. You will be added to my prayers and many others prayers I assure you... Take Care,

Hi All, It has been a few days and I am just giving you an update. To date, Rob is still in the hospital it will be 14 days tomorrow. There has been slow recovery for him. They were able to remove one chest tube on Tuesday and the other is still draining. They had to take him off the Zanax after I wrote a letter to all the physicians, he was sleeping 90% of the time and had no desire to get out of the bed to help expedite his recovery. They say maybe the chemo and radiation treatments from 1997-1998 slowed down the healing process of his lungs, they also say this happens a lot when there is malignancy, but according to the surgeon, they removed all of the cancer, so they rule that out. They really cannot pinpoint a reason his recovery is taking such a long time. This has been a hellavua experience, I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights again before coming back home to our own bed on Tuesday night. Now that he can get through the night without panicking, I can sleep at thome. The fluid build up on his ankles and feet are now being treated by intravenous Lasix, as the pills were not working for him. He is finally getting rid of those puffy feet and ankles. I see now every experience of lobectomies are different. I just hope he can get home and get well without any recurrence. I have to go out of town on Saturday for a funeral for an Uncle that died on Tues in a local hospice as a result of emphysema, he was only 58. I have truly seen evidence of the dangers of smoking in my uncle and my husband. I just went home to the Chicago area during the week of June 23 to a funeral for a 47 year old cousin that died of liver cancer. This death all around us is causing emotional turmoil with his hospital stay and his surgery. I try to focus on the positive and count my blessings that he is alive and not focus on death!!! Well my friends, I am limited to the time I can sit at the computer and read posts, but I wanted to fill you in on what is happening to Rob and I. I welcome all newcomers that are deaingl with this dreadful disease and hope somewhere in my on-going diatribe, you can find something you can use. Blessings to you all.... Cynthia

Hi All (((((((((((((((hugs to you all)))))))))) I am going to make this brief, this is my first night away from the hospital and I want to enjoy every bit of rest in my own bed. Thanks to all those that replied. They put Rob on Ativan and within 5 minutes he was in lala land, so much so that he stayed zonked out all day Thursday, he was having some really unusual hallucinations also. So they changed it to Zoloft and also prescribed Zanax, but he wont take the Zanax. He does now admit he was anxious and he could not see it until now. He is back to his regular personality However, we get a laugh in about all this when we can, today when I helped him get dressed he said "Boo" I look like the damn Michellin Tire man. He is really swollen. This is day 8 and the tubes are still draining, the surgeon ordered suction back on the tubes today. I am learning to come home to get rest when he is zonked out. I want you all to know your sharing is so important, this allows someone to see they are not the only one going through similiar situations. One day I will be a support for someone as you all have been for me. Take Care and Gold Bless you all

This disease is a new situation for me and I know it is tough. My heart and my prayers are with you.

Good Morning and hello everyone. I came home from the hospital today for a break, my husband has a lot things going on and he is not handling them well. The oncologist says the final pathology report indicates the tumor was Stage IIA, the lymph nodes surrounding the tumor were clear however, a lymph node attached to the tumor was positive, the membrane removed from the fluid around his heart was also negative. He has heart issues going now and they are concerned there may be some slight blockage. They want to do a stress test, but it has to take place once he is recovered from the lobectomy. He has been given a nitro-glycerine patch on his leg, and some other meds to dialate the blood vessels. He is still draining from the chest tubes and his legs and feet are swollen tremendously. He has fluid in the lungs and says he has trouble breathing. He won't cough like he should and when I try to get him to do his breathing exercises in the apparatus he gets this look, like will you leave me alone!!! and says he will do them when it doesn't hurt. He is very irritable and keeps a fan going in the room and I freeze while in there visiting, he claims he cannot breathe without it. The nurses have turned up the oxygen and I see no signs of distress, nor do the lung specialist indicate there is a medical reason for his shortness of breath. I am beginning to wonder if it is all anxiety produced. I left the hospital last night around 9 am after being there for 12 hours. At 11:30 p.m, he called me back saying he could not breathe and because we live 5 minutes away, I go up there and he seems to be breathing fine. The nurses were busy with a person that "coded" in the room next to Rob's but he felt like they didn't care if he could breath or not. He wants me there around the clock because he feels like he might go to sleep and not be able to breath. This is wearing me out. Does any one have any suggestions. I told the night nurse before I left at 1 a.m in the morning that maybe they should talk to the doctor about some type of anxiety reducing meds or something to help him sleep at night. I don't get enough rest being there all night and all day. I need to come home to recoup. He hurt his sisters' feelings while she was here from out of town this weekend and daily he is barking orders at me like I work there. He has turned into a tyrant and he says something to the effect like "Can anyone understand I am sick here?" Does that give someone the right to treat their loved ones in such a harsh way. I am at my wits end and I am not going back until later this afternoon, so I can figure out how to help him and remain sane!!! Please give me some suggestions I thank you all in advance

Good Morning and hello everyone. I came home from the hospital today for a break, my husband has a lot things going on and he is not handling them well. The oncologist says the final pathology report indicates the tumor was Stage IIA, the lymph nodes surrounding the tumor were clear however, a lymph node attached to the tumor was positive, the membrane removed from the fluid around his heart was also negative. He has heart issues going now and they are concerned there may be some slight blockage. They want to do a stress test, but it has to take place once he is recovered from the lobectomy. He has been given a nitro-glycerine patch on his leg, and some other meds to dialate the blood vessels. He is still draining from the chest tubes and his legs and feet are swollen tremendously. He has fluid in the lungs and says he has trouble breathing. He won't cough like he should and when I try to get him to do his breathing exercises in the apparatus he gets this look, like will you leave me alone!!! and says he will do them when it doesn't hurt. He is very irritable and keeps a fan going in the room and I freeze while in there visiting, he claims he cannot breathe without it. The nurses have turned up the oxygen and I see no signs of distress, nor do the lung specialist indicate there is a medical reason for his shortness of breath. I am beginning to wonder if it is all anxiety produced. I left the hospital last night around 9 am after being there for 12 hours. At 11:30 p.m, he called me back saying he could not breathe and because we live 5 minutes away, I go up there and he seems to be breathing fine. The nurses were busy with a person that "coded" in the room next to Rob's but he felt like they didn't care if he could breath or not. He wants me there around the clock because he feels like he might go to sleep and not be able to breath. This is wearing me out. Does any one have any suggestions. I told the night nurse before I left at 1 a.m in the morning that maybe they should talk to the doctor about some type of anxiety reducing meds or something to help him sleep at night. I don't get enough rest being there all night and all day. I need to come home to recoup. He hurt his sisters' feelings while she was here from out of town this weekend and daily he is barking orders at me like I work there. He has turned into a tyrant and he says something to the effect like "Can anyone understand I am sick here?" Does that give someone the right to treat their loved ones in such a harsh way. I am at my wits end and I am not going back until later this afternoon, so I can figure out how to help him and remain sane!!! Please give me some suggestions

I am new at this situation myself and I can relate to all your feelings. I am just going through lung cancer surgery with my husband now. He had no symptoms and his tumor was found after I scheduled him for his yearly physicals. The feelings of frustration, anger, sadness all consume us, I think the fella that gave you the advice about not having your partner's one foot in the grave was good advice. I read it and thought he is right. I will tell you, you have found a good source of people that are living with this and when you want to vent, cry, scream, and can type all at the same time, this is where you can do it. I pray that you stay strong and take it one day at a time. Love, like there is no tommorrow, and I know it will be a struggle cause my husband has his moments. I just leave the room and count until I am calmed down, and remember how much I love him, then return to him. We will all get through this together. ((((((((hugs)))))))) As Ever, Cynthia

Hi Everyone, I am home briefly from the hospital and I wanted to touch base with the great folks here. I welcome all newcomers and hope the information I share can be helpful, even though I am new at all of this.. My husbands surgery took place Thursday afternoon, btw, his name is Robert, I call him Rob and my name is Cynthia.. He went in around 11:45 and the last call I got from them was at 1:30 that said the surgery started around 12:30 and everything was fine. Well about 3:45, I started calling the outpatient desk, (where we were admitted through) to find out what was going on. I was in another waiting area of the hospital and they said they could not find me, but they surgery was over and the doctor would be coming out to talk to us. Well he didn't show up until about 5 p.m, and you can imagine my mind was working overtime. He said the surgery was really difficult due something that had to do with my husband previous radiation of his right lung. There was a lot of scar tissue, also while just getting in recovery my husbands blood pressure and heart rate dropped extremely low and they had to bring it up with medication. He said the epiisode lasted approx 1 min and he called in the cardiologists. The suspected tumor was NSCL, and the surrounding area looked clean to the eye, however he removed some lymph nodes along with the upper left lobe the final pathology report on them probably won't be ready until Monday. That will determine if he will need chemo later, which is the same statement the oncologist said. My husband was in ICU until Saturday evening, he is in a lot of pain, more than he imagined (his words). He has an epidural and is getting morphine via IV for breakthough pain. He has been complaining of being hot (and has a fan going all the time). He is retaining fluid, his arms are blown up like the Hulk and he is drinking lots of water and gingerale, (constantly thirsty) they brought him food Saturday afternoon for the first time, but he won't eat, says he is not hungry. He has the hospital bed in the sitting position all the time and he is not sleeping good at night. His sister stayed all night with him Friday night, and I stayed all night last night, but had to come home this morning for a break. He is coughing up and suctioning out stuff that looks like tissue, this is all really hard to take. He is in and out and disoriented about time and who/has visited and when. I suspect the pain medication is causing that. The cardiologist said the heart scan does not indicate a heart attack took place (during the episode) however, there is a bit of a chemical that showed up in his blood that follows a heart attack, so after this is all over (the lobectomy healing) they want to do a stress test and see if there is any blockage. For some reason he doesn't like to be left alone, (in the hospital) but I don't get much sleep while there with him and I need to come home after being there all day. He is a night worker so his body time clock works opposite of mine and he is up nights wanting water, turn the fan on, turn it off, look at this, help me suction this, all these directives he is giving at night, is wearing me out. I came home this morning for a few hour break, I need to be rested up to help him when he comes home. His sister came from Indianapolis to be here for the surgery, however, she is going to leave after they take the chest tubes out. She wants to make sure he is out the woods before she leaves, but he wore her out Friday night also when she stayed with him When he is feeling good he is a happy loving person, but when he is not feeling well or really tired he turns into a "grumpy old man". So you can imagine what he is like in the hospital. For those of you that don't know, remember we just remarried (last Feb) after 15 years apart. During his first bout with lung cancer, he was alone (and I didn't know about it). So all this is new to me. I am trying to be patient as I love him dearly, but if this keeps up I am going to need an anti-depressant (LOL). They moved him out of ICU, but kept him on the same floor because they want to continue to monitor his heart. After the surgery to see him on the life support equipment was very disturbing, then he could not talk, he was strapped down, because he was trying to pull tubes out. Tears were running down the side of his eyes it was painful, but the second day he was doing his own breathing and now it is just the other issues I discussed earlier. Hopefully I will sign back on Monday evening, I will get through this with all the knowledge you all pass on to me. I hope my trials and tribulations will help someone else, knowing what to expect takes some of the fear out of most situations. God bless you all and I will be in touch soon, please keep us in your prayers as I will keep you all in mine.

Hello Again Everyone, I want to thank those that posted replies about the "tension" and irritability going on between me and my husband. It is 7 a.m. and I am up with knots in my stomach about this day. I am praying it all goes well, he has been sleeping all night and I believe it is his way of escaping. I am printing the replies so he can see others have been through this and realize this happens. I won't be back to post until the surgery is over and things have settled. I truly truly thank those that posted after my comments last night, I REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR we were not alone in this tension situation that is happening right now. God bless you all.. Ms Cyn

Hello Again Everyone, and I welcome any newcomers. My husbands surgery is scheduled tomorrow, I just returned home from a funeral for my 47 year old cousin who died from liver cancer. It seems the stress is getting to us, instead of being loving and attentive, my husband and I seem to be snapping at each other. Every since he picked me up from the airport, the day has not been what I expected. He seem to get upset when I encouraged him to sign the living will papers and he told my son I keep "fussing" at him.. My feelings after coming from a funeral of someone that just passed away from cancer, are that we should love each other daily like there is no tomorrow, not all this irritability stuff. Is this fear from both of us, does anyone have any suggestions??? Also today the anesthiologist asked him if he wanted an epidural, can someone give suggestions on that??? They moved the surgery to 12 p.m until 1 p.m as orginally scheduled, we have to report to the hospital at 10:30 a.m. If someone could answer tonight or early in the morning (I am on EST time) I will check for replies. As always I appreciate all advise given to help us get through this.

I just recently joined this site as my husband is having surgery next week for his second bout of lung cancer. But I want to welcome you and tell you the few days I have been posting and getting replies and I have learned so much helpful information and gotten many words of encouragement. So I want to say to you be strong and think positive. I will join others in praying for your situation. This disease can be frightening and make you feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster. However, I feel we now have found the best place for support. God bless you and your family

The information I have recieved from this site has been so helpful, I am soooo glad I stumbled upon this site. To hear from people that have had the surgery and their suggestions is wonderful. I called my husband to the computer this morning to read some of the information and he is feeling a little less anxious about the surgery now. You know sometimes it is the fear of the unknown that magnifies your apprehensiveness. We know it is not easy however we now have some idea of what kinds of things to expect. I am certain, I now have a group of supporters that will help me through this and allow me to get to the point where I can help others that come to the sight also. I am sure we will have many other issues that I will be coming to you all for. Now I have a question after I am no longer a newcomer where do I post my questions and concerns? For the RN (Gina) thanx for the message about the Atrial Fib. Maybe that is why they said 2 days in ICU. The AF was just discovered after this mass was discovered in late March and they started the process of getting a cancer diagnosis. First they removed some lymph nodes under his left arm, they were benign, well one week later he ended up in the hospital, stomache swollen up like a Budda statute!! It was pleural effusion from pneumonia, (they say the outpatient surgery didn't cause it but I wonder)and while on a heart monitor (cause they thought maybe it was congestive heart failure) they found his heart would occassonally go up to 144 beats. My husband said this has been happening for awhile, but whenever he would get a EKG it would not happen. So after 2 days in the hospital during which the fluid was drained off (fluid tested negative for cancer cells, it was around the right lung were he had cancer previously) and all kind of heart/lung tests they diagnosed him with Atrial Fib. So after we went through all that with no answer about the mass the oncologist decided to do the PET Scan. Then 2 weeks later we went to see the surgeon to schedule the surgery and before the lung specialist would clear my husband for the surgery, he wanted to do a bronchosope (s?) Well that procedure had to be stopped because my husband started bleeding profusely and they could only get minute pieces of the mass, which were non definitive. After that the lung specialist agreed with the oncolgist and said he should have the surgery because the PET scan are usually 98% accurate. I wish I had found this site soon as they found the mass because I was livid that they didn't have answers after the lymph nodes, after the fluid. I thought why could they not give us the answer. Then when the PET scan gave us the answer the lung specialist gave us a hope becuause he said he really would rather get a piece of the tissue, then that hope that the mass would prove benign was shot to pieces when we went in for the pathology report and he didn't get enough tissue sample. He then said you have to get the surgery. It was an up and down ride and I really could have used you all then. But now I know where to come and vent and question and just write when I am nervous. So here I am and believe when I am anxious and being long winded like now, typing my feelings and thoughts helps. But more importantly hearing from people like yourself eases all the crazy thoughts that run rampant in my mind sometime. Today my husband is off work I am going to try to get him up and let us get out to enjoy the day out of the house. Until tomorrow, God Bless you all.

I really appreciate the information that has been posted as well as your thoughts and prayers especially from someone (Gina) that has had the actual surgery. The doctors are telling us the surgery is not an easy one and he will be in intensive care for 2 days (that is without any complications) and could be more if there are complications. He also says the hospital stay will be 7 - 10 days. Those things heightened my fears however, they did say if he does not do anything the cancer will spread. So the benefits must outweigh the risks, for them to choose this treatment. Here are some other details, it is not in any lymph nodes and according to the P.E.T. scan it is the only "hot spot" which is why they are taking the aggressive route. He said some things they wont be able tell when until they go in. My husband was also recently diagnosed with a condition called atrial fibrillation, where his heart beats irregular (fast) and is on medication called Digoxin. However his heart specialist cleared him for the surgery. Will there be any breathing problems when he is released from the hospital or will it depend on his personal health. Will we be able to still sleep in the same bed at home or will it be uncomfortable for him (due to pain) or me if I am worried about accidentally bumping him or something. The cancer he had in 1997 in the right lung was cleared via chemo and radiation, he said they had him prepped for surgery to remove the right lung and found cancer cells when they made an incision at the base of his throat and decided against surgery. This new spot was found when I scheduled him for his annual check up with all his physicians. If I am reading the CAT scan report correctly the size of the mass is 1.9 x 1.4. When they complete the surgery will the surgeon or the oncologist come and tell me exactly what they found and if they had to do anything different? The social worker at the oncologist office said sometimes they will be depressed has anyone experienced that?? One last thing I know this sounds ridiculous but some friends are telling me that when people are opened up during surgery sometimes it causes cancer cells to spread. I have not read that anywhere on line is that one those old wives tales that just won't go away? I am really encouraged by hearing others that have had loved ones go through this and individuals that have been through it. I don't understand all the language yet to post things at the bottom of my post like you all have about treatment and medications and such, but I am sure when this is all over I will. Again Thanks and keep the info coming...

My husband has a tumor in his left lung. He was just diagnosed in May 2003 after a P.E.T. Scan, that followed a CAT Scan ordered by his lung specialist. He had non small cell cancer in his right lung in 1997 and we were not together then. We are a newly remarried couple after divorcing almost 15 years ago. He went through the last cancer alone, it was not discovered until he was in Stage III. This cancer stuff is all new and very frightening to me, I am learning information via the internet. He wanted to put off having surgery for financial reasons and the oncologist and his lung specialist advised him against it. He was so concerned we would lose everything and he wanted to be a good provider for me this marriage, because he was very irresponsible when we were younger. I convinced him with help from family we should be ok and he will get a 50% of his monthly income from his employer up to 26 weeks. I told him I am not worried about the material things I just want him, I want us to have as many years together this time as we were apart. He is 51 and I am 50. They want to remove his upper left lobe and I am seeking information on what to expect during and after his hospital stay. Can this happen again? The oncologist says it is curable at this stage, does that mean this won't happen again?? They are calling this cancer a new primary cancer, not a recurrence of the previous cancer, can he get a recurrence from this one I have so many questions and concerns but most importantly I would like to know how to make him feel better emotionally and what kind of care will he need when he comes home from the hospital? Also should I summon our adult children here for the surgery, is it something that could be fatal?? I am really trying to think positive but I have to be honest and say sometimes some thoughts about all this is frightening. Please share any helpful information with me before he goes to surgery on June 26.