Any of you loose a lung?

[External Combustion]

It seems the reason that I have been shorter of breath this spring is that I have developed a three liter size tumor on my left lung and it has physically collapsed the lung. No great worries at this time as it is NOT malignant and the easy cure is to cut this thing out. If all goes well I will no longer be forced dockside by early September.

At this point no one knows if the tumor has compromised the lung or not. Part of the docs I have seen at this point want to take the lung out as a matter of course and some say to get in there and find out if there is any damage first before deciding. Personally I think that I should keep all of the parts God created me with. I also think that it is terrible to put a scar on this otherwise perfectly handsome body! Maybe they are jeolous?

In reality my only concerns are the long term effects of only having one lung. I know there are many out there that have had this done. If anyone of you live with only one, would you PM me and tell me of any disadvantages to it. Does it affect how long they expect you to live?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

sorry to hear this. i have no knowledge on the subject.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

I am sorry to hear that, but you really shouldn't worry about the longterm effects. A full life is possible with only one lung. My step father had one removed in 2002, and my former partner was born with a collapsed lung. He has spent his entire life with just one, and we were quite active in some rather extreme sports.

My step father took a year or two to resume the activities he liked before, but he has done it, and he is not the youngest. At 74 he still works. They are in Florida at the moment looking at boats and plan some long distance water adventures next year. He is an avid hunter & fisherman, and his trips take him all over America, Mexico, & Canada. Alaska is also planned for latter this year again.

My ex-partner & friend is in his late 40's and is into rock climbing in the upper Alps where the air is thin, and is a big mountain biker.

I think it is up to you as to how much of your old activities you resume afterwards. My step father has a treadmill that he uses ever morning and it is now as much a habit as his morning coffee. No day without a long faced paced walk ever goes by. He is often on the road with my mom working ,and when the treadmill is not in the near they take off, rain or shine, winter & summer, where ever they are.

What ever you decide, my prayers are with you, and your family. Wishing you strength and Godspeed in this endeavor, from a friend in Germany.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

I knew one person that had one removed. and the way it was described to me is that the body adapts. He was told that the other lung would increase in efficiency and capasity. Unfortunately i lost touch with him shortly after the operation but as far as him feeling different because of the operation he didn't.
He felt better in fact as the pain was gone.
I can only send you good wishes and a .

Good luck

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

I really hoped I misread your thread title but I did not.
I have no help to offer but just wanted to say best of luck.
ST's post was very positive.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

Sorry to hear of your medical problem. Science and medicine has improved so much that many thing before considered impossible are now common place to heal and repair. Best of luck to you.

 

[obezag]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

Sorry to hear this External. It may not be the same but my Dad's lung collapsed when he was quite elderly. After two weeks in the hospital and after doing what the med wizards do he amazed me with his recovery even though he was a pretty "frail" gent. Keep a positive attitude. It helps.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

I really hope things go well for you.
May I suggest you find a local support network....you may well find there is a group that have experienced the same or similar as you.......you certainly won't be the 1st in your area.......just a matter of finding others to talk it over with.
My wife has had a lung collapse 3x in here life.
I new an elderly gentlman that did have a lung removed, and as I recall, the 2 conditions arn't the same.
Good luck.
Cheers
Phillip

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

Regarding life expectancy, my grandmother lost one lung to tuberculosis when she was in her late teens right after WWII. She was also diabetic and did not follow any standards of care her whole life (drank, ate whatever she wanted whenever, etc.). They expected her to live 6-9 months. She lived until she was 73. My grandfather (her husband) will be 97 this month...and he still drinks at the legion...

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

OOHH MAN so sorry to hear that External Combustion !!! Keep us posted on how your doing !!! just added you to our pray !! John

 

[Turin]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

Wish you the best.

I think It shouldn't be a problem you will adapt my mother-in-law lives with one kidney (not the same)

 

[bhammer]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

EC, So sorry to hear about this but it sounds as if you are taking it in stride. The good news is that it is not milgnant. I had a great uncle that had his left lung (pneumonectomy) removed and a tracheotomy in his early 50s. He had no issues with the removed section and was actually in better health for the next 20+ years as he did lots of cardio. I think it was about 6 to 8 weeks for him to get over the shortness of breath and for the rib bone they cut to heal back...

I would imagine that they will decide if it is going to be a lobectomy or a pneumonectomy while they are digging around in your insides. Keep us posted.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

Thanks for the encouragement fellows. The update is that most want to wait and see what is there after doing the chemo route. I should start in two weeks. A bit of nip and tuck surgery to clean things up afterward.

I am a little bummed out at losing another boating season, but it sure beats a toe tag. Any day that I see the green side of the grass is a good day and any day I can wipe my own.....well, it is a better day. Some of my pards can no longer have such good days. I am looking forward to getting back into action. Hopefully some kids can enjoy my toys this summer even though I won't be able to.

Thanks for your prayers, I don't believe it makes a difference, I know it does.

 

[slia67]

Re: Any of you loose a lung?

Sorry to hear about your tumor. I don't have any first hand experience with anyone who has had a lung removed. But I will say an extra prayer for you.

Stay positive!