HI:
Had upper rt lobectomy on 12/18/03. Now 5 weeks post op and will be returning to work this coming Monday. I too looked into VATS but due to the location of tumor it was not possible. Some tips for the hospital:
Epidural, Epidural, Epidural. This helped alot with the deep breathing and coughing exercises. Also helped with walking. The anesthesiologist will come and visit the next day after surgery and ask you if your pain is being controlled. If it isn't be honest. They can adjust the flow of meds for you because everyones tolerance level is different. If you can control the pain your recovery will be much quicker. I was up and walking the day after they adjusted the epidural and able to do the breathing exercises with little difficulty. I was given a pillow at the hospital that was small enough to put under my arm.
The first surgeon I went to wanted to make an incision from my shoulder down my back and under my arm pit. After seeking an opinion about the VATS surgery the type of incision I ended up with was just under the arm pit (about 2") and was about 3" long. I also have a small scar where the chest tube was (that was removed on the 2nd day).
Once the epidural is removed do not be afraid to ask for pain meds on a semi-regular basis. Don't wait until the pain gets so bad that you can't stand it, if you can keep a pretty constant level of pain meds on board then you are more likely to continue with breathing and walking exercises.
It would be best if you could have someone with you during your stay at the hospital. My husband stayed with me the whole time and he was able to voice my concerns and get things for me. Also he was my encouragement.
When you're home - make sure that your bedroom is set up with what you need. Have your significant other put all the things in your room that you will need so in their absence you won't have to get up too much at first.
I was able to get up and start walking around the block about three weeks after I was home. I had a couple of set backs after I got home (oral thrush for two weeks and two days of the flu). After that though I managed to get up and started walking around the house and then went outside in my pj's and walked up and down the driveway. My neighbors probably thought I was nuts but I needed to walk.
At my two week post op check up I was only taking a couple of pain pills a day and was feeling pretty good. Now walking around the lake which is about a mile and a half. No more pain meds. I get a little short of breath from time to time but recover pretty quick.
By the way you and I are the same age so if you're in pretty good health otherwise you'll do fine.
Keep us posted as to your recovery and God Speed.
