Lung Cancer

[Kim1]

I have just had my right upper lobe removed after a surprise lung cancer diagnosis. I had complications and stayed in hospital two weeks. I now am waiting to see what happens with a small nodule on the left lung . 
It’s all just sinking in , my mental health has really suffered and I found being in hospital very anxiety provoking ( public health Alfred) . 
It was also really difficult coming home and being alone . 
I have been getting over pneumonia, feeling not too bad but still battling with my mental health 

I was already on anti depressants and have a counsellor so I am lucky . 
Luckily a couple of friends helped me out when I first came home but I haven’t heard from anyone in the last week , even my small family seem somewhat distant. 
I went on the cancer journey with my mother and I am fighting against those overarching feelings of doom . 
Has anyone had this operation or feel overwhelmed with hospital.? 
The waiting is also difficult and getting used to the stigma of being sick and lowering my expectations of people really understanding or knowing what to do . 
Im sending healing thoughts to everyone as I know there will be people with harder diagnosis than me . 
Kim 

[Fantasma]

Hi Kim

I know your post was awhile ago, but I had an upper right lobectomy in June 24.  My mental health suffered badly and I still struggle physically and emotionally.   I was treated at Flinders Private and cannot fault the care I received but I found mental health support severely lacking. 

I hope things have improved for you x

[Kim1]

Hi Fantasma, 

It was lovely to receive your message. I hope you are recovering well . I have still been up and down with my recovery. I am doing pulmonary rehab at the moment twice a week. Which is good .

My main issue at the moment is employment, as I work with children and for an agency , so just this term I’ve found it difficult to find work that fits in with my rehabilitation. 

I am forever hopeful that the cancer doesn’t return and I understand that we are both lucky to be in the situation we are in . 
Wishing you lots of good luck and healthy healing .Im sure we could compare notes 😉. 

Kim

[greg57]

Dearest Kim, my thoughts go out to you. Although my diagnosis is different to yours, trust me, those feelings are totally normal.. And can be soul destroying. You have to find the positives and try to block out the what ifs. Its sad to know you are going through this with minimal support. Id love to share my story with you, as i  know exactly what youre going through. And im a good listener. Take good care of yourself, im here if you need to chat. Many hugs to you, Greg