Hi there, new survivor

[KenHorse]

I was diagnosed with Gleason Score 8 prostate cancer late last summer. As part of the PET scans, a nodule was found on the lower lobe of my right lung. As it was very low density, the "pulmonary Board" was divided on whether it was malignant or otherwise but the consensus was to remove the lobe to be sure (and since it appeared very early stage as it was only 1.5 cm). So on January 31st of this year, I underwent a radical prostatectomy (the pathology of which was clear margins and clear lymph nodes) and this past Monday (April 3rd), I underwent the lobectomy. Both times I have been utterly amazed at how I don't feel all that bad. Tired and a little short of breath, sure but that's really it. I never had any need for opioids and have been using only Tylenol

Got the pathology report back on Thursday (yes, I know that is fast!), and I dodged a bullet a 2nd time! It was identified as a non small cell adenocarcinoma but clear margins and clear lymph nodes! Doc says no need for chemo nor radiation and we go into surveillance mode (CAT scans every 6 months for now)

 

Anyway, here I am still kicking!

 

[Tom Galli]

KenHorse,

Welcome here and great news on the success of your surgery. But, lung cancer is so dangerous because it so often recurs after curative treatment. I had 5 recurrences and my first was after a thoracic procedure removing my right lung.

Which of your doctors said no need for chemo or radiation? Was it a medical oncologist or surgeon? Post-surgical chemotherapy attacks cancer cells that might be circulating in your blood or lymphatic systems. These of course might be the seeds of a future recurrence. If the medical oncologist stated you did not need post-surgical chemo, ask the doctor to cite the risk of recurrence given the type and stage of your lung cancer. If the surgeon said you do not need post-surgical chemotherapy, ask the medical oncologist.

Stay the course.

Tom

[LilyMir]

Congrats on 2 primary cancers caught early, that is awesome! Recurrence risk in LC after "successful" surgery differs depending on tumour stage. Adjuvant chemo and targeted therapy are common even for early stages in certain cases. I would seek second and third opinions before skipping adjuvant treatments after surgery. Someone here was stage 2  and was quoted a not negligible recurrence risk of around 30% if I remember right. Even stage 1a can recur so do your homework and make your decision based on balancing the risks of possible therapy to those of just waiting and watching.

[KenHorse]

Thanks for the comments folks.

I do have a followup consult with my surgeon on Monday and with my pulmonologist on Tuesday. I will certainly bring this up with both of them.

 

 

[LilyMir]

I would insist on talking to a medical oncologist specializing in LC. Surgeons and pulmonologists are not the ones who should decide whether systematic therapy is needed. Some surgeons are so quick to claim they "cured" a cancer. Hopefully you are cured, and chance are that you are if the cancer was vert early stage, but consulting a med onc is imperative in most cases.

[KenHorse]

My wife battled (and beat) breast cancer in 2016 - surgery, chemo and radiation) and as such, we both have a really good relationship with several oncologists as well as their staff. I plan on speaking with them, yes. I'm sure they'll refer me to an LC specialist

[KenHorse]

Hi all. Meant to get back sooner but life. Well you know...

Recovery has been fairly uneventful overall (with a minor exception or 2 but more about that in a minute).

I am scheduled for a followup CT scan in June and my team (including pulmonology and an oncologist) says further treatment (if any) depends on that. I also have a consult about my "what ifs" (what if some cancer cells escaped, etc) scheduled for next week. More to follow about that.

I developed a cough about 2 weeks ago that comes and goes. It seems predicated on a ticklish throat/ticklish airway (if there is such a thing) and it is sometimes productive (sputum) and sometimes dry. It's never really gut wrenching deep however, if you know what I mean. My pulmonologist says it does happen in some patients and is generally a result of my body getting used to removed lymph nodes and the missing lobe (RLL). I haven't really had breathlessness issue unless I go out and mow our lawn or other more stressful activity 😁. I just take it slowly and stop and rest as I need to. 

Anyway, keeping an eye on the cough and other things. It's been 5+ weeks and I've had no pain issues at least!

[BBTN]

Ken,

Glad you're healing well! My RLL Rats lobectomy is scheduled for the 26th and hearing that you're doing well with yours is encouraging as I'm getting super nervous the closer it gets. Happy to get it removed but still apprehensive. Keep us updated with your progress!

[KenHorse]

As I tell anyone (who'll listen), the whole experience with both my prostatectomy and lobectomy were nowhere near as "bad" as my imagination would have had me believe! I've always been healthy and never had any surgery of any type before the prostate thing.

 

One thing - try and be relaxed and calm as you are prep'd for your surgery and right up to the point they knock you out. It makes a BIG DIFFERENCE in your recovery experience

I experienced very little pain from the moment I woke up, never needed opiods in either case (Tylenol was enough) and had no nausea either.

You'll do great!

[LouT]

Kenhorse,

Glad to hear how well you've been doing.  Often these lobectomies come off pretty well, with good recovery.  Please keep us updated on the result of your scans.  Our hopes are for NED (No Evidence of Disease).

Lou

BBTN,

Since you are planning on having your Lobectomy you would benefit from taking a look at a post titles Thoracic Surgery Tips and Tricks.  It can be found here and it provides information for pre-surgery, hospital stay, and post-surgery that can help make things go easier.  Good luck and keep us posted.

Loou