BridgetO Posted May 10, 2017 Share Posted May 10, 2017 Hi Jeffrey, I read all your posts. I'm glad that Tom G has been able to give you so much information and support. I think about you (and your dog) and wish you all the best. Tom Galli 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted May 14, 2017 Author Share Posted May 14, 2017 Might be some good news I think , hope. 64 y/o male with right upper lobe mass that is highly concerning for malignancy. case reviewed with Dr. Walsh, who feels that tissue diagnosis is not necessary given the appearance of the lesion, which is overwhelmingly likely to represent NSCLC. Dr. Hong present and reviewed imaging with patient. Risks of surgery discussed with patient at length including but not limited to: death, respiratory insuff, prolonged ventilation, irregular heart rhythm, need for blood transfusion (with associated risks for HIV/Hep C), prolonged Chest tube placement, and possible need for home o2 on discharge. Pt. agrees to proceed with surgical intervention. Right VATS, possible thoracotomy with right upper lobectomy, possible bilobectomy planned for 06/12/17. Plan: 1. MRI of the brain 05/23/17 at Tampa VA 2. will plan on R VATS, possible thoracotomy R upper lobectomy, possible bilobectomy 3. pt. instructed to resume aspirin therapy again and continue until day of surgery. 4. labs today and again on 06/09/17 5. EKG today 6. asu and lab appt on 06/09/17 7. update of h+p on 06/09/17 with Dr. Hong (overwhelmingly likely to represent NSCLC. ) I think this may be good right ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted May 14, 2017 Author Share Posted May 14, 2017 *** SURGERY TELEPHONE CONTACT Has ADDENDA *** Called veteran to discussed his appointment to see the thoracic surgeon. Explained to him that Dr. Hong can see him at Bay Pines for consultation. I have contacted Bay Pines and I am trying to get appointment set for 05/09. He has a MRI on 05/23 which would be the next available clinic time. He is okay with seeing Dr. Hong at Bay Pines and will make arrangements to get there. He has my number for any other questions or to notify me of his appointment times. He thinks it is silly that we don't have a thoracic surgeon of our own in Tampa. Explained to him that we are actively looking for a surgeon but it takes time to find a good one that we want. He informed me that he wrote letters to his congressman: Bilirakis and president Trump. He hopes it helps us to get the resources we need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragonKing Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 I'm Hello Jeffrey, I was just diagnosed with Squamous cell (non-small cell) Carcinoma of the left lung. I am a Vietnam vet. My intro tells you more about me under DragonKing cause my name was taken. Any how, the Bay Pines VA hospital is great, great staff, great nurses and great doctors. They diagnosed me but they also wanted to treat me there. I live in Cape Coral and it's too far to drive daily and I refused to stay without my wife. If you're wondering, they do treatments that's no problem. If I didn't live so far away I would go there. I don't want to wait another month or two to get my veterans choice referral, I am opting to use my Medicare and tri care for life. The veterans choice just takes too long to get approved. If you have any other insurance you might check on that too. Best of luck to you and hope you get better. Dave (DargonKing) Tom Galli 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted May 28, 2017 Author Share Posted May 28, 2017 So finally! NO BRAIN CANCER , WOOT! Surgery is scheduled for the 12th same plan , remove right lung. VA physiatrist (yep) says headaches are stress related . Still looking for a home for Amy , my room mate. Mally, Tom Galli, ColleenRae and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted May 29, 2017 Share Posted May 29, 2017 Jeffery, Well, that is good news! Stay the course. Tom Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted May 29, 2017 Share Posted May 29, 2017 Jeffrey so glad they found no Brain cancer! Less than 2 weeks to go now. Get some exercise. Try to eat healthy. Also try to relax. My prayers I offer up that all goes smoothly for you. Donna G Tom Galli and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted May 31, 2017 Author Share Posted May 31, 2017 And now the VA has moved me to %100 disabled service connected. Sent in paperwork in 3/13 and approved 5/30. Now that was fast! Tom Galli and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Jeffrey, Fast and well deserved. Sometimes the VA gets things right! I hope your forthcoming surgery goes as plans and look forward to a NED result! Stay the course. Tom Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaurenH Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Hi, Jeffery, I'm happy to read your great news! We'll be thinking of you on the 12th and hoping for even more good news after your surgery. Please keep us posted! Lauren -- Digital Community Manager LUNGevity Foundation Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted June 11, 2017 Author Share Posted June 11, 2017 Well leaving at 3AM to have surgery at 5AM , first of the day. Rather go back to Nam than do this. Hell of a deal , 65 and scared of a little surgery. Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Best of luck to you Jeffrey. I haven't known anybody that's not scared of surgery. Hang in there. Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M. Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 SO happy to hear you finally got some good news and are headed to surgery. Will be praying for you the rest of today and in the morning. I'm an early riser and prayer, so I got you covered going into that surgery. An R.N. Once told me surgeons will scare you to death with all the dire possibilities so that they appear even more brilliant when all turns out fine. Made me think of it when I read your post about what the surgeon said. My husband had the same dire possibilities list with surgery to remove a tumor from his spine years ago. Freaked us both out. But he's fine. And we do believe his surgeon is brilliant so I guess it worked. Lol.Judy MSent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk LexieCat and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Jeffrey, Nothin' better in the world than an Oh-Dark-Hundred wake up! I know you've done a few of these in the past. This one will be for a slightly different reason but you'll be fine. I had a pneumonectomy and two additional surgeries to repair a tear in sutures. If I survived, so can you. Stay the course. Tom Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M. Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 It's 4:15 where I am. I'm awake and I'm praying Jeffrey. You're not alone.Judy MSent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk Jeffrey N, Tom Galli and Mally 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M. Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Glad to see your like so that we know you're okay Jeffrey. Hope your healing is speedy.Judy MSent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted June 14, 2017 Author Share Posted June 14, 2017 It's over he only had to remove the top 1/3 of my lung and he was able to get the tumor out of my Trachea you so it's a little narrow now.chest tube Hurts terrible Mally and ColleenRae 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Great news, Jeffrey! You will probably feel better once the chest tube is out. I know I did. Best wishes for a fast recovery. Tom Galli and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Jeffrey, So very happy to hear your surgery is over and you are apparently on your way to recovery. Yes it is painful but I'm sure you'll be encouraged to be taking laps around the ward floor soon. If you are still in the hospital, ask the nursing staff to bring in some extra pillows to attempt to find a more comfortable position for your chest tube. If your recovery is normal, this should not remain in place long, so that is something to look forward to. Great news about the resection of the tumor in the Trachea. I recall that was of concern. Despite the success of the surgery, you'll likely have post surgical chemo 30 to 60 days after discharge to ensure all potential cancer cells in your blood stream are dealt with. Keep us posted and since there are several forum members currently starting treatment with the VA, insight and information about your VA hospital experience would be helpful. Stay the course. Tom Mally and Jeffrey N 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Chest tubes don't last forever , thank goodness. Looking forward to more good news. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 They removed the lung tube last night And it felt wonderful for a while a breathing treatment came and I made a caugh and now I'm back-to ground 0 with pain Today I will just do what I can it's just too painful I was getting up I will try again .As far as the VA once we got going the care has been totally outstanding I could not ask for anything better the surgeon is outstanding the nurses are very friendly and understanding I am glad I am here if I have to be in the hospital Mally, Tom Galli, ColleenRae and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Jeffrey, Recovery from thoracic surgery is a process. In a non-medical characterization, it starts with chest tube or tubes removal. So, you are on the way. Expect coughing and expect pain but it should improve every day. Breathing treatments help because they ease the congestion. The doc needs to ensure your lungs don't get clogged, thus the breathing treatments. Today, you'll likely meet the spirometer - a device that you'll blow into to to keep a ball elevated as long as possible. Likely, you'll be coached to performing this exercise many times per day. It will be uncomfortable but is necessary to hasten your recovery. Glad the VA system is taking care of you. It validates most of what I know about VA medicine. That is, the problem is getting into the system. Once in the system, the VA operates like every other hospital. Stay the course. Tom Mally 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Thanks for the update Jeffrey ! Keep up the breathing treatments or as Tom wrote you'll get congested which leaves to more coughing and more pain. Continuing to pray for more progress and that you feel better and better every day. Donna G Tom Galli and Mally 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey N Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 Had a bit of a snag they want me out of here tomorrow and I'm not ready i have no one home.Trying for home health care Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 Jeffrey, Ask as soon as possible for the VA Hospital Patient Advocate to consult with you in your room. Your ward nurse has the contact points. Tell the ward nurse you'd like to consult with the advocate before preparing for discharge. Tell the advocate about the lack of someone to care for you at home and ask the advocate arrange no cost home health care or a longer recovery stay in the hospital. Do this quickly before the system processes you for discharge. Stay the course. Tom BridgetO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.