My Lobectomy
I had an upper right lobectomy surgery just a little over a week ago. Even though I lost a portion of my lung, I don’t detect much difference in my breathing. I can still go up the stairs in my house without shortness of breath, walk my dog, and go for short walks on the treadmill. I am working to increase my distance as I get further away from my lung procedure.
The right lung is made up of three lobes and the left lung is made up of two. I still have plenty of lung capacity left. In time, the remaining two lobes of my right lung should expand to fill the empty space in my chest where my upper right lobe used to be.
Why my lobectomy surgery was more difficult than expected
My lobectomy surgery lasted about 4 hours, which is way longer than my doctors originally expected. This didn’t bother me much since I was unconscious due to general anesthesia and had no idea of the time. However, my family and friends were kind of concerned that it was taking so long.
As a stage IV lung cancer survivor, my case was unique. I had scar tissue from prior nodules that had disappeared with treatment and adhesions caused by years of targeted therapy. These factors made my lung procedure more difficult than a standard lobectomy for a stage I patient.
What is a VATS procedure for a lobectomy?
My surgeon was incredible because she successfully performed my surgery as a Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), despite the challenges.
VATS is a minimally invasive lobectomy surgery. The surgeon made three small incisions in my chest wall. A special camera and surgical tools were inserted through those incisions to remove my upper right lobe. During the operation, my surgeon was able to view the inside of my chest through images from the camera to guide her in performing the surgery. Science is incredibly awesome!
If the VATS had not been possible, I would have required a thoracotomy instead. This would have resulted in a larger incision made in my chest wall between my ribs. It sometimes requires the surgeon to break one or more ribs. My recovery time would have been longer and likely more difficult with that more invasive procedure.
What is the recovery time after a lobectomy?
After my VATS surgery, I spent two nights in the hospital before going home. To reduce the risk of blood clots, the nurses in the hospital had me up and walking on the same day as my surgery. It’s very important to do that.
In addition to walking to prevent clots, I received blood thinner injections in the hospital and continued them at home for eight days. My husband had to administer the shots, which definitely wasn’t the most fun experience for us!
I am now officially NED!
I’m home now and feeling a little better and stronger every day! I just heard from my surgeon that the tumor in my right upper lobe had clean margins and all of my lymph nodes were clear of disease.
I am now officially NED (No Evidence of Disease). This is something I never thought would be possible when I was first diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer!
Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on June 23, 2024, Ivy Elkins passed away. Ivy’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.
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