LeeLee1908 Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 Hello everyone 👋🏾. I am 7 weeks post op bilobectomy 9/9/21. I was diagnosed with stage 1B NSCL adenocarcinoma. I am a non smoker with no family history of cancer. Backstory: 3 years ago I went to the ER for abdominal pain. On the scan there were 3 small nodules on my lower right lobe. Since I was a non smoker and nodules were small 1.2 x1.0cm radiologist and my pcp recommended follow up 12 months. The first two years no growth or change. January 2021 scan showed slight growth. PCP sent me to a pulmonologist who ordered another scan in late June. No change in size however there was a change to the shape(spikes). PET scan was done nodule did not light up. But because of the spikes we proceeded with the Biopsy which resulted in adenocarcinoma. I will do another post about my surgery. and recovery 😉. I’m so glad I found this site. 😊 💕 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 Welcome to the site Lee and sorry you have to be here. But you've come to a great place for knowledge, support, companionship and hope. From your post I'm assuming that you had a good healing experience from your surgery. Can you tell us a bit more about your diagnosis. For example, did they do any biomarker testing, plan on adjuvant chemo or any mutations (that would be a result of biomarker testing) and any follow up treatments. You will find a number of never-smokers here at the site (I am not one) and they may have some other questions. In the meantime, do you have any questions for us? We share from our experiences so you will find a broad spectrum of situations here. We look forward to hearing more from you. Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeLee1908 Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 Hello Lou, Sorry for the late reply I'm still struggling with pain from my incision site. The first few weeks I was doing pretty good with my recovery. My cancer was on my lower right lobe however during surgery my middle lobe was not attached( fissures)to my upper lobe so surgeon removed both middle and lower lobe(Bilobectomy) my incision is about 4-6 inches. But two weeks ago I had to go to the ER Heart Hospital where I had my surgery and was diagnosed with Pleurisy. I’ve been dealing with a chronic cough that may have inflamed my lungs. My incision is still tender. I notice when I take a deep breath or yawned I would get a shooting pain. It’s still hard for me to sleep at night. Tylenol and Gabapentin is not helping and I can’t take ibuprofen. Yes they did biomarker testing. I got the results after my oncologist appointment so we didn’t get a chance to discuss but the results were on my chart and it states KRAS G12V No treatment since stage 1B. Next is a PetScan schedule for next month with a follow up with oncologist. I have an appointment with my primary doctor Tuesday to discuss pain medicine options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 LeeLee, Sorry to hear about the pain. I also had LRLobe removed and the first week or so can be pretty tough. If you are unable to take Ibuprofen please ask your doctor about Tramadol w/Acetaminophen it may provide some added relief for you. Tramadol is an opioid, but not as heavy as Oxy or Hydrocodone. The pleurisy can really be uncomfortable. I have not experienced it but my family member has and it was very uncomfortable and distressing. So, your team has decided that they got good margins and didn't find any mets so they will do scans to check on your progress. Welcome to that club. I had my lobectomy in March of 2019 and had my last semi-annual scan in August. At this point I'm on an annual scan schedule. In your case you'll be having them more frequently and the rate will be adjusted as you continue to test negative after your second year. My only advice with the coughing caused by the pleurisy is to use your spirometer as often as you can. It can help you to be able to take deeper breaths. Please stay in touch and keep us updated. Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 LeeLee, methadone and a Fentanyl patch were prescribed (separately, not together) for my esophagitis pain after radiation and both worked very well. A palliative care specialist can determine how best to make you comfortable. Your primary doctor can't prescribe painkillers like methadone or Fentanyl patch. There is a newly approved targeted therapy for the KRAS mutations, so ask your oncologist about that. Hope you get some healing and relief soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeLee1908 Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 7 hours ago, Judy M2 said: LeeLee, methadone and a Fentanyl patch were prescribed (separately, not together) for my esophagitis pain after radiation and both worked very well. A palliative care specialist can determine how best to make you comfortable. Your primary doctor can't prescribe painkillers like methadone or Fentanyl patch. There is a newly approved targeted therapy for the KRAS mutations, so ask your oncologist about that. Hope you get some healing and relief soon. Thanks Judy. Since I’m not receiving treatment my oncologist won’t prescribe me anything. He’s just monitoring my PetScans. 🙏🏾 7 hours ago, LouT said: LeeLee, Sorry to hear about the pain. I also had LRLobe removed and the first week or so can be pretty tough. If you are unable to take Ibuprofen please ask your doctor about Tramadol w/Acetaminophen it may provide some added relief for you. Tramadol is an opioid, but not as heavy as Oxy or Hydrocodone. The pleurisy can really be uncomfortable. I have not experienced it but my family member has and it was very uncomfortable and distressing. So, your team has decided that they got good margins and didn't find any mets so they will do scans to check on your progress. Welcome to that club. I had my lobectomy in March of 2019 and had my last semi-annual scan in August. At this point I'm on an annual scan schedule. In your case you'll be having them more frequently and the rate will be adjusted as you continue to test negative after your second year. My only advice with the coughing caused by the pleurisy is to use your spirometer as often as you can. It can help you to be able to take deeper breaths. Please stay in touch and keep us updated. Lou Thanks Lou, I will ask her about Tramadol. 🙏🏾 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Right, your oncologist isn't necessarily the right specialist for pain. That's why a palliative care specialist is the right choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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