Lung surgery and chest tube

maryaz · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject: Lung surgery and chest tube

My husband is still in the hospital. Surgery was May 16th. We were told the chest tube will come out when at a certain level. Yesterday sounded like it would be taken out today but did not happen.

We do not feel that anything is really wrong. Since we are reaching the maximum estimated stay in the hospital, can anyone explain to me in layman's terms just what is happening and why maybe this delay. We were told 7 to 10 days but maybe 5 or 6. Today is 9 days and not counting surgery date.

We were told a couple days ago that sometimes it is a slower process when someone has had radiation. My husband clearly had that. Again, don't think there is any problem but just want to understand. That way it is easier to reassure him also. Thanks,
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1265

Hi Mary,

From what I understood when my husband had the chest tube, it's simply a matter of his lungs staying inflated when they remove the tube. I don't know how they calculate that, but it takes longer for some people than others. I don't think there are any profound answers to be had. Sorry to hear the waiting game is so long for your husband. It will happen when his body says it's okay to come out. I'm sure there may be some medical explanation, but I don't know because my husband's tube was out in 2-3 days, so we never got into all of that. He was just happy to have the darn thing out. Is your husband still draining stuff? I do remember something about the amount of fluids, etc. coming out. Sorry I'm of no help, but do understand your frustration.

Best wishes,
PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

maryaz · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 11:50 pm Post subject: Re: Lung surgery and chest tube

Thanks pbj11 for the response.

My husband got the tube removed today. He says he feels pretty good now. Sounds like he will get to come home tomorrow. It has seemed more like a month. Again, thanks for all the help and I will keep you posted.
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1265

Mary,

Hurray!! I bet he's jumping for joy -- well, maybe not jumping, but you know what I mean. Very Happy

That chest tube is a bother and I'm sure he's glad it's finally out.

Keep us posted.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

maryaz · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: Lung surgery and chest tube

pbj11; You are right, he was jumping for joy but without the jump. Laughing

Thanks.

He is home as of late morning. I am going to post another question and use different subject title. Maybe someone else will benefit from these questions someday.
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

ksplat · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: Lung surgery and chest tube

Hello Mary

So glad to read your Husband had the chest tube removed - finally!

Although I'm not familiar with LC I have read before on this forum (somewhere) that having had radiation this can delay the healing process for the patient.

I am certain forum members will benefit from your questions.

Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

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