TJSMOM Posted May 17, 2004 Share Posted May 17, 2004 Hi guys....haven't posted in a couple of weeks. We have been waiting on my Dad to finish his antibiotics. He went back to his pulmonologist and nothing had changed so we went to a thorasic surgeon. The surgeon said that he actually has 2 spots. 1 is hot and the other is cold on the PET scan. He wants to schedule surgery next week to take out the spots and if they are cancer (and he thinks they are) he will remove Daddy's entire lobe. The pulmonologist had said that we didn't have that option because of Daddy's emphysema (his lungs are only functioning at 37% now) but the surgeon seemed to think it would be okay. He said that Daddy might have to have oxygen for the first couple of months after surgery but could possibly wean himself off as he heals. Has anyone else had the lobe surgery that also had bad emphysema? My mom, sister, and I are holding up pretty well. We are all still very scared but I think that's pretty natural. Nobody wants to lose their heroes. My one positive outlook is that God is on our side and no matter what I know He is holding Daddy in the palm of His hand....and you can't ask for any better than that. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted May 18, 2004 Share Posted May 18, 2004 I don't have experience, but I would think the thoracic surgeon would be a good judge of whether surgery will work. Maybe get a third opinion to balance the two? Or if you are comfortable with the surgeon, go for it. When my mom was diagnosed, surgeon wanted to go in immediately for medisatonoscopy, pulmo said no and called s urgeon and got into an argument wit h him. We ultimately went with the surgeon b/c he came highly recommended adn we wanted an aggressive approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted May 18, 2004 Share Posted May 18, 2004 TGSMOM, he may do just fine as the surgeon said. I am not a lung specialist but I remember in Louisiana about 10 yrs ago they were actually doing wedge resections on Emphysema patients to improve their breathing. I don't know if that ever caught on or if it is widely done but those people seemed to do OK. The theory being that those lungs wanted to expand more , the wedge giving them the room to do so. Please keep us posted. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJSMOM Posted May 18, 2004 Author Share Posted May 18, 2004 I think Daddy's surgeon mentioned something about the wedge surgery being done for emphysema patients.....does anyone have any more information about that? Also....is the lobectomy hard to recover from as far as being able to resume normal activities. My daddy is extremely active with my son and he is so worried that he might not be able to play with him at all this summer. I told him that TJ would be just as satisfied watching Nascar with him but he's still worried. Thanks for the feedback and support so far. You guys are awesome.....God bless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted May 18, 2004 Share Posted May 18, 2004 Depends on what "active" is for your father and what side the surgery is on. I'm right-handed and the surgery was on my right side. I couldn't spend the time off recuperating doing anything that required much movement of my right arm, so cross-stitch and crocheting were out... As I healed, I was able to use a crowbar and hammer (in my left hand with the right hand as a "guide") and removed ALL the carpeting from the first floor of our house - my mother helped. We also painted the kitchen, painted closets and installed closet organizers (power tools!)...planted over 500 bulbs for a spring garden... While the big healing was going on, I threw a snowball at my stepson...not only did I miss him, I hurt myself... Took things a little easier then... I don't think I could have gone fishing (besides there being ice on the water...well, I COULDA gone ice fishing, no casting!) because of the casting...but if someone who was "learning" had cast for me, I surely could have baited my own hook and taken the fish off the line... It's a big surgery to heal from, just follow doctor's instructions on "range of motion" and how long to wait before straining the muscles and skin... Might be nice for Grampa to have a little buddy around to scratch where it itches and he can't reach! (My big itch was about a half inch further than I could stretch to...) Don't fear, it's possible! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie Posted May 18, 2004 Share Posted May 18, 2004 Tjsmom, Wishing you the best of luck... Come back and post with your dads news... Im sure it will be ok. Dont have any answers to your questions, but just wanted to wish you good luck...keep us posted Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinaresholz Posted May 19, 2004 Share Posted May 19, 2004 Hello from Ohio, I had emphysema and my breathing was about 60% before the lobe was removed. I haven't had to use the oxygen after surgery although I may need it. My oxygen level was 92 a few weeks ago. Just recently, I think I am doing a little better with the spirometer. I am short of breath upon walking, steps and other exertion but the surgeon said it may get better in time. They removed 25% of the lungs during surgery. Best of luck! Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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