I travelled to Cleveland this past Friday for my appointment. The surgeon as well as his resident impressed me and they both answered my questions very thoroughly.
Before the Appointment
The day prior to my appointment, they checked how things were going with a new chest CT as well as a pulmonary function test. The pulmonary function test showed that I have very good lung function. However the chest CT showed that the tumor had grown by about 0.6 cm since it was last seen on CT in January. The tumor currently looks like a larger grape, about 2.5 cm.
Talking About Surgery
Originally, the pulmonologist thought they could remove just a section of my lung. Unfortunately, because of it’s size, it is safest to take out my entire right lower lobe. This surgery, called a lobectomy, removes one of the three lobes of the right lung (you have 5 lobes total). This includes the tumor and some surrounding lymph nodes. The image to the right shows what it looks like. The surgeons work through small openings between the ribs with video imaging (VATS), rather than a large incision between the ribs like shown in the image.
I am not yet scheduled for this surgery, but it will likely be within a month or so. It is scary and overwhelming to think of going through the surgery. Not to mention thinking about recovery. But, I try to take it one day at a time. Right now, I wait for the call to schedule the surgery. Then the next step. Then the next. One at a time.
Worries and Anxiety
I worry because any thoracic surgery runs a risk of nerve damage. Doing VATS decreases this likelihood, but the risk is still there. My nerves reacted poorly to being disturbed previously – and I ended up with CRPS. I have to admit I’m worried about what might happen if my body reacts similarly when the intercostal (between the ribs) nerves are irritated in surgery. Together, the surgeon, pain management, and can make a plan of attack to do our best to prevent this the best we can.
I would appreciate prayers for wisdom to make the best choices – for me and the team. And for peace to leave it up to what we’ve decided and God’s hands.
What About After?
What happens after surgery depends on my recovery, what margins they get around the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Following surgery, I may not need further treatment or it may include radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Immediately following surgery, I will stay in the hospital a few days. Then, I will stay in Cleveland until the 7-10 day follow up appointment. After that, I will return home to continue my recovery.
The Rest of my Body
In the meantime, I’m struggling with some new/recurring issues with my heart. Next Tuesday, I will get a block done to try to help the pain in my hips. In between all of that, I’m busy with my garden and pets and hobbies. I keep busy so I don’t get too anxious. Or I get anxious and it makes me fidgety so I do lots of things, I’m not sure which comes first!