millie's girl Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 My mother had surgery, Tuesday, October 13th. The surgery went well but instead of her having a lobectomy, she had a pneumonectomy. Her surgeon states that he tried to salvage the top lobe of her left lung but he couldn't because of the condition of it. She is supposed to be moved from CVICU today. She had a few expected problems post-op (increased heart rate & mild temperature increase). I'm not sure if she will have to have chemo. I have read information about how slow the progress is with recovering from a pneumonectomy. I need to hear from someone here so I can be enlightened on this subject. WATCHING & PRAYING Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 I have never had surgery (Stage IV at dx) but wanted to wish your mom a speedy and uneventful recovery!!!! Give her a hug from me!!!! Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 Hi Millie's girl, What lung did your mom have removed? To my understanding your right lung has 3 lopes and supplies 60% of your lung function while your left has 2 lopes and supplies 40%. I had my right lung removed in Aug.05,they had to go back in 2 weeks later because of some bleeding. Hopefully that wont happen with your mom.My 2nd surgery was even rougher than the first. I was very short of air for awhile but I am surprized how far I have come with my breathing. I do fairly well but am not anywhere close to be doing what I used to do. As far as sitting around I would not even know I was missing a lung. I was on hydrocodone for about a year afterwards(pain med.) I also followed up with 4 cycles of chemo. I wanted to take every benefit I might have as far as not having a recurrance. Your Mom will be very sore and short of breath for awhile but hopefully with exercise and time she will be ok. I hope your mom decides to have the chemo followup. I have no regrets. Prayer said for your Mom for a quick and successful recovery. She is blessed to have a daughter like you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 Just one more thing I might add. Make sure your mom stays ahead of constipation with stool softeners or something. I was not warned about it and had a lot of problems. Pain meds can cause it. I never had any idea that constipation could be so painful or serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millie's girl Posted October 17, 2009 Author Share Posted October 17, 2009 Thanks for the responses...they had to remove her left lung. I will make sure we stay on top of her BM to prevent constipation. Thanks, I feel a bit more encouraged Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 After the first few days after my surgery I stopped taking the prescription pain medication due to the severe constipation problems. I started taking the over the counter pain medication Alleve. As long as I took it BEFORE I had pain I was okay. Hope this helps. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 May I suggest Miralax for the constipation. I did not have surgery but have suffered severe dibilitating constipation as a side effect of my chemo. Miralax appears to be the most gentle but effective laxative. It works but has never caused me painful cramping as some of the others have. Will be waiting to hear how your Mom does. Please keep us updated. Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I hope your mom is continuing to do well. My husband had a pneumonectomy to begin with and did pretty good after. There was a bit of pain at first , but he was soon off the prescription pain meds and went on to over the counter Tylenol. It , however , took about 8 weeks for him to regain his strength enough to return to work. This was 8 years ago and the use of chemo after was in trial stages and he opted not to have it.. he had a recurrence 3 years later and I lost him two years after that. A friend of his had the same operation at the same time and did chemo , as well.. she is still alive and cancer free. Now, that is just one example, but from what I have read there is increasing evidence to prove that chemo after , or before if possible, is proven to be very effective. From my personal observation, I would opt for the chemo after if the doctor recommends it. My best to your mom. Tell her not to get discouraged, it takes time to recover from a pneumonectomy. The nutritionist told my husband to eat high carb foods to help build him up. He was very thin and had no other health problems that would have dictated a restricted diet. My best to your mom. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Nothing to add. But my prayers added Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Hi - I didn't have a pneumonectomy, just a lobectomy, so I am pretty sure the recovery will be somewhat different. Hopefully as surgery was a week ago today, she is feeling better each and every day. She certainly didn't have an easy surgery ... she is a tough, strong lady and I am truly wishing her the best recovery possible! Take care of yourself too! Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I have nothing to add but my very best wishes for a speedy recovery for your mom. It sounds like you've gotten some good information on what to expect. All I can add is a (((((hug)))) for you. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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