worrieddaughter Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Hi there. Will try and condense to a short story. My Mum, whos now 66 had a very bad car accident over 10 years ago, she suffered a punctured lung and was in ITC on a ventilator. Following the accident, her breathing was never back to normal and her GP treated her for asthma but we were never sure it was asthma that she had. Last summer my sister and I noticed that she was struggling with her breathing more than usual - she walked very slowly and inclines were even more dificult. Eventually, after several visits to her GP and new breathing tests, she was, in December diagnosed with COPD. After researching this online, my sister discovered that the symptoms can be similar to lung cancer and that an xray would be neeeded. Fast forward a couple of months and my mum was diagnosed with stage 2 NSCLC. She went into hospital 6 weeks ago and the bottom lobe of her right lung was removed and it turns out she had a 5inch (12.5 cm) tumour removed. Her lymph nodes weren't infected and PET scans have shown that there is no cancer anywhere else, however she does still have COPD Mum is really struggling though since the operation. She has come home on portable oxygen, which is to be used when she is active. It takes very little for her to be knackered and she goes on the oxygen as soon as she has showered and washed her hair. However, she doesn't like going out with the oxygen, as she is too embarrassed to be seen with it, so she isn't building up any strength again and is very weak. Apparently, at the size of her tumour, it is usual practise to offer chemo. After speaking with her oncologist, they decided that she isn't strong enough for chemo and said,that in her case the negatives will outweigh the positives and as far as they are concerned all the tumour has been removed. I'm hoping I will be able to find out through this site, how long it will take for her to feel more like herself? When will the intense pains subside? will her breathing ever get back to normal? Is there anyone who can help me, because although her treatment was fantastic, the aftercare has been a bit lacking. When she asked the oncologist, she was told 'its early days', which obviously it is but how long is this road??? Sorry for the really long post and for all the questions. Hoping you can help. Kay x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Hi Kay- Welcome to the board. I never had surgery so I cannot give you any information on that but others with be along soon who have. I just wanted to let you know that your mom will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted as to how you both are - your mom is lucky to have you by her side. Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Welcome, Kay. Sorry you had to find us, but glad you did. It's a tough surgery which takes a long time to recover from, and leaves some people with serious pain for quite a while. Everyone is different, but most of us who've had the surgery get pretty frustrated with how long the recovery is. Best wishes for your mother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric byrne Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Hi Kay, Welcome to LCSC,glad you found us,your mum and I just about mirror each other for dx,only difference is ,my upper right lung was removed,but I do have some problems in the breathing stakes,fortunately is restricted to walking uphills,definate dis- advantage if you live in Scotland.Wish I could advise you on your mums situation,but I just dont know,why dont you visit our link with cancergrace and ask the excellent oncologist Dr West or Dr Wiess for an opinion,theyll be pleased to give you a prompt reply. Best wishes,your mum is blessed with having such a daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Hi Kay, I had my upper left lobe removed and at six weeks I was still a mess. It's a pretty major surgery. Make sure she isn't shy about taking her pain pills. Medications could also be part of the problem too. I would definitely pin one of your Mom's doc's into a corner and get some answers. Some docs you just have to keep bugging them to death to get any answers. So go get 'em! Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Hi Kay and welcome! I also was stage 2b and had my entire right lung removed in Aug.2005. At first my breathing was so bad that I thought I had made a big mistake by having surgery. Little by little it has gotten much better and I have no regrets now. I hope you and your Mom the very best! Prayers said for a good recovery for your Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worrieddaughter Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 Thank you so much for all of your positive replies. Mum has been taking an anti-inflamatory pill since Wednesday and she has been like a different person - she went for a walk yesterday (without oxygen) and said she walked the equivalent of about 4 holes of golf! It just shows that once the pain is under control, the rest may follow. Thanks again for your kind words. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Kay, I hope your mum continues to improve! I liked hearing that the anti-infoammatory had such a good effect on her. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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