Lung Surgery

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boobookitty
boobookitty Member Posts: 21
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I am having surgery on June 20, 2013.  I had a CT Scan shortly after my first breast cancer surgery due to shortness of breath.  Turned out it was muscle spasms causing it.  They found a 7mm spiculated nodule in my right lung.  They have been watching it and now it has gotten slightly bigger and looks to much like cancer to watch it any longer.  It is near a major artery so no needle biopsy can be done.  My surgeon said they will go in and biopsy it and be able to know in a matter of minutes if it is cancer.  If it is they will make the incision bigger and snip my rib and remove my entire right lower lobe and also take the lymph nodes.  I said do you really have to do that and he said yes they have to if it is cancer.  It will not cause my lymphedema to be worse or cause trunk lymphedema.  Does anyone have any info on that, I have done searches and do not see anything.  I am very nervous for this surgery.  On a bright note I had my one year mammo and am all clear there!

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited June 2013

    Hi Boobookitty, no information I just wanted to send you a (((((hug)))))) and wish you well for your surgery. Hopefully what they find is benign.



    Good luck!



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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  • boobookitty
    boobookitty Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2013

    Thank you so much Chrissy.  It means a lot.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2013

    Oh, Kitty, phooey!Frown Do you have a good lymphedema therapist who can help you pre- and post-surgery so everything is in great shape in terms of lymphedema?

    Any time there's trauma to the chest, lymphedema is a possibility, with or without node removal. It sometimes happens following heart surgery, for instance. That sure doesn't mean this biopsy or further surgery will result in truncal lymphedema, but it's something to keep in mind afterward, and check in with your therapist for oversight.

    As for worsening your arm LE, it probably won't. Plan to keep your arm elevated on pillows afterward, rest up, stay well hydrated, and get back to activities gradually and carefully.

    And for goodness sake let us know how you're doing! Do you have a date for the biopsy yet? We'll be thinking of you and looking forward with you to only B-9 results!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • boobookitty
    boobookitty Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2013

    Thank you for replying Binney.  I have a pretty good lymphedema therapist, she is not Lana but there is one that is Lana certified that I could see if insurance would cover if my arm does get worse.  She is not as close to where I live though. 

    The biopsy will be done June 20 when I have surgery.  It is near the major artery so they can not do it with a needle.  Surgeon said I will be in a lot of pain after and they will be cutting through nerves and I could have more nerve damage.  They go through my side, my right side where I already have nerve damage.  He will make three incisions and get the nodule biopsy it while I am on the table, if it is cancer then it will become one big incision and they will clip my ribs and remove my entire right lower lobe.  It is scary that I have to have this major surgery not even knowing if it is cancer or not.  I was sent to a lung center and my films were put before many surgeons and specialists for them all to decide what is best for me.  They all agreed that surgery is best and that if we keep watching it and it is cancer it will continue to get worse.  It looks too much like cancer to keep watching every three or four months with CT Scan. 

    I am sorry this is so long!  I am very scared about this surgery.  Thank you for listening.  Thank you again Binney.

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  • boobookitty
    boobookitty Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2013

    Going to the hospital today to have my blood drawn, even though they just did it at the clinic for my pre-op last week.  They say they have to do it at the hospital for the blood bank three days before my surgery.  They need to see if an antibody is identified.  They need to make sure they have my blood type in supply in case I need it during surgery.  This surgery has me very scared.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2013

    Kitty, right here thinking of you, looking forward with you to this being over and all reports good. Rest up as much as you can, deep breaths throughout the day, slow gentle stretches to help relieve the tension. Tell us how we can help--sure wish I was closer!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • boobookitty
    boobookitty Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2013

    Thank you Binney.  Soon it will be over.  You have helped me just being there! 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2013

    Tomorrow! Praying for some good sleep tonight and only gentle and caring hands touching you tomorrow. Be well!
    Binney

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  • Tamiami
    Tamiami Member Posts: 396
    edited June 2013

    Thinking of you boobookitty!  Positive vibes for a negative biopsy tomorrow!

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  • boobookitty
    boobookitty Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2013

    Thank you Binney and Tamiami.  I am now getting ready to go to the hospital.  I will post when I am home and able.  They say three to six days, maybe more. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2013

    Hey, Kitty! Thinking of you, hoping the post-surg pain is well controlled and your care has been excellent. Be strong!Binney

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  • boobookitty
    boobookitty Member Posts: 21
    edited July 2013

    Thank you for thinking of me Binney!  It was cancer Frown  I was in the hospital for 9 days, had some complications.  I am not sure when I will be up to post again.  Was so nice to see that you thought of me Binney.  One thing a nurse did for me was write in purple marker on my right arm "No Iv's or Bp's"  so that worked well.  I did wake up from surgery with the finger monitor thing taped to my finger on my right hand, but had no problems from that.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2013

    Yow, that was a long hospital stay, on top of the bad news!Frown Hoping the pain is well controlled and you're getting plans settled for how to proceed. You'll be on my mind and in my prayers as you recover from the surgery and move onward to beat this beast!

    Wish I was there to bring you a plate of brownies warm from the oven. Sending cyber brownies anyway!

    Huge but very gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited July 2013

    Kitty, sending wishes for smooth and rapid healing and successful treatment.

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