I, too, was dx. stage IIB with NSCLC in July 2001. I had my upper left lobe removed in Aug. My doctor was fantastic and is one of very few drs. who does a procedure where he freezes the thorazic nerves thereby removing most of the pain. I did not even have to have an epidural for the surgery. I was out of the hospital in 4 days and at a shopping outlet in 7 days (only stayed for 1 hr.). I was back to work full time in 2 1/2 months. It does tire you out. It's important to get plenty of rest. I also sing and am happy to report that I still can sing without any problems. My pulmonary lung function test done 9 months ago shows I have 88% lung capacity even with the lobe removal. So far, I have remained cancer free. I get scans done every 3 months. I've had several scares, but the PET scan has always showed clear.
Best of luck to you and your dad! Tell him to be very thankful that they CAN operate.
Thanks for being here
in NSCLC GROUP
Posted
Hi Kristen,
I, too, was dx. stage IIB with NSCLC in July 2001. I had my upper left lobe removed in Aug. My doctor was fantastic and is one of very few drs. who does a procedure where he freezes the thorazic nerves thereby removing most of the pain. I did not even have to have an epidural for the surgery. I was out of the hospital in 4 days and at a shopping outlet in 7 days (only stayed for 1 hr.). I was back to work full time in 2 1/2 months. It does tire you out. It's important to get plenty of rest. I also sing and am happy to report that I still can sing without any problems. My pulmonary lung function test done 9 months ago shows I have 88% lung capacity even with the lobe removal. So far, I have remained cancer free. I get scans done every 3 months. I've had several scares, but the PET scan has always showed clear.
Best of luck to you and your dad! Tell him to be very thankful that they CAN operate.