Questions going into surgery - 1263935

lmlb7665
Posts:48

Dear Dr West and others:

I have been on the "wait and watch" with my multifocal BAC for over three years. We recently made the decision to resect the upper right lobe apex. This will take place at Mayo in AZ on June 3. I have tried to remain proactive in my care and explored radiation first and was convinced that the surgery was the best option. I asked whether follow-up chemo or radiation would be needed and was told no. They are planning a VATS surgery. I have my last appointment for pre-op with the surgeon on June 2.

My question: are there any absolute questions I should be asking my surgeon before the surgery. I want to make sure I am as well informed as possible.

I appreciate all your advice so far in this journey.
Louise

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Reply # - May 20, 2014, 01:23 PM

laya d.
Posts: 714

Hi Louise:

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery. . . and hope that you just are done with this whole ordeal very very soon.

xoxoxo,
Laya

Reply # - May 20, 2014, 07:39 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

I don't really have an answer for these kinds of general, very open questions, but I hope the surgery goes well for you. Good luck.

-Dr. West

Reply # - May 20, 2014, 09:12 PM

lmlb7665
Posts: 48

Thank you, Dr. West. I guess I am just nervous that the waiting is over and maybe I missed something I should have done. Thank you again.

Reply # - May 21, 2014, 06:54 AM

biggerten
Posts: 83

Not cancer, but surgery related.

When my time rolled around, I asked the anesthesiologist if he was sure he could wake me up again, He assured me he could.

It's pretty common now, but I drew with a sharpie marker the side the surgeon was to work on.

When they were wheeling me in to the OR, I said "Stop". They stopped, looking confused. I asked them "Who am I". When they said who I was I said "OK".

Oh, I also asked the surgeon if I'd be able to play the piano afterwards. Seems he'd heard that one before.

Be sure the anesthesiologist is in your insurance network, sometimes they aren't.

Reply # - May 21, 2014, 06:58 AM

lmlb7665
Posts: 48

Maybe a better way to ask my question would be from those who had surgery would be to ask "what do you wish you had asked before your surgery.?" Or what do you wish you had known before. I am so afraid I am too close to my situation and am missing something.

Reply # - May 21, 2014, 11:04 AM

catdander
Posts:

One thing I've learned here is respiratory therapy has been shown to help recover lung function post surgery. Unfortunately it's not often offered so you need to ask for it.
All of Tom's comments are legitimate things to keep tabs on.
Very important is to make sure your surgeon is a dedicated thoracic surgeon. Dr. Vallières states in an interview, "As far as the quality of the work, that’s very debated right now. And there are
more and more reports coming out that seem to indicate that if individuals who
have a dedicated career in non-cardiac thoracic surgeons probably offer the best
results. Not only on the early results, meaning complications around the time of
surgery, but also a long-term cancer survival appears to be better done. That’s
a very debated hot topic, but there is growing literature on that indicating that,
indeed, and it makes sense, and its been shown in other lines of cancer work
that centers who do high volume or individuals who do high volume tend to have
better results." http://cancergrace.org/lung/files/2009/03/vallieres-final-transcript-in…

All best,
Janine

Reply # - May 21, 2014, 12:18 PM

lmlb7665
Posts: 48

Wow. Thank you so much for your insight and the link explaining the types of surgery and what I can expect. The discussion between Dr. West and Dr. Vallieres was most enlightening. It was exactly what I was looking for. It not only confirms what my surgeon has indicated for my surgery, but explains the WHY.

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