Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hello all. Going in for lobectomy jan.30th. Can anyone tell me what it’s like waking up from surgery. Shortness of breath? Pain? Very scared

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
New York, NY
January 25
 · 
Reactions
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I was terrified - honestly it wasn’t horrible. Yes, i was uncomfortable - but to be honest the fear leading up to the surgery was worse than the surgery itself. They provide oxygen - but I really wasn’t short of breath. They put in a drain - which meant i couldn’t really sleep on my side - so bring an extra fluffy pillow from home - just put a pretty pillowcase on it - so you won’t lose it with the hospital pillows - ask for 2 pillows so you have 3 this makes sleeping more comfortable. Please come back and let us all know how you are doing! Sending hugs!!!🥰

January 28
MyLungCancerTeam

What can you expect when waking up from lobectomy surgery?

It's completely understandable to feel scared before surgery. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that anxiety.

When you wake up from lobectomy, you'll be carefully monitored by nurses and doctors. They'll regularly check your oxygen levels and blood Show Full Answer

What can you expect when waking up from lobectomy surgery?

It's completely understandable to feel scared before surgery. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that anxiety.

When you wake up from lobectomy, you'll be carefully monitored by nurses and doctors. They'll regularly check your oxygen levels and blood pressure. Most people are given oxygen during recovery, which may continue after you leave the hospital depending on your condition.

Common experiences right after surgery include:

- Shortness of breath is common after lobectomy
- You'll likely have a chest tube inserted to drain fluid and clear air leaks from your lungs
- Some pain and soreness at the incision site, especially with breathing initially
- You may have a urinary catheter temporarily

The good news is that you'll be given pain medication to keep you comfortable, and your medical team will be right there to help manage any symptoms.

You'll be taught deep breathing exercises to help reexpand your lungs and improve lung function. The staff will also encourage you to move around and take short walks, even within hours after surgery, to support healing and prevent complications.

A MyLungCancerTeam member shared: "Walked out of the hospital under my own power 50 hours later with no pain meds."

Your recovery is unique to you, and your medical team will be there every step of the way to support you through this.

January 25
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Thank you! That makes me feel so much better! Yes, the anticipation is usually worse. Hope you are feeling stronger every day❤️❤️

January 29
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Thank you for the encouraging words! I need that!

January 27
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hey Laura: I had lobectomy in 2017. Rt lower lobe removed. I was frightened but I wanted to have my cancerous tumor removed. So I was motivated to just endure the surgery, chest tube and recovery to get to hopefully a better outcome. Cancer is a journey. It takes you thru difficult times but survival is the goal. Ask for help if you need too. I use to tell myself, " we are Cancer Warriors ", we fight. You are not alone. Please share your
Story. Take care🐱💜😊

January 25

Related Questions

View All

Does everyone with lung cancer develop breathing problems and coughing?

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chapel Hill, NC
August 3, 2025

Restless legs

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
August 3

What Does Lung Cancer Breath Smell Like? What Causes It?
Hello Yellow Brick Road
How a Walk in the Park Helped Prepare Me for Chemo