Lung pathology report
 

I'm happy to say that the surgical pathology report from my recent lung wedge resection showed no cancer.

The results indicated only mycetoma, or a fungal ball, and a separtate culture grew aspergillous, a common soil fungas that probably took hold after I had the radiofrequency ablation of the lung last August.

Recovery from the surgery is going slowly. After a few days at home the left side of my chest became swollen and I couldn't see my left collar bone, and then a lump developed at the base of my neck on the left side.

An x-ray showed subcutaneous emphysema, or air in the tissue under the skin, and a partial pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, as well.

I had to stay on bedrest for several days. A subsequent CT scan showed that the hole has closed up, and I'm starting to see my collar bone again.

I'm just glad that I wasn't remitted to the hospital for a drainage tube.

Most of the problem seems to be in my left flank. That's where is hurts the most. And I think that the pain is related to my ribs perhaps being removed or partially removed during the surgery. If it doesn't improve in a couple of days I'm going to call the surgeon to make sure that everything is okay, or that a rib hasn't broken from the pressure of the ribs being spread apart during the surgery.

Joan

No one said the cure was going to be easy but I'm sure thrilled that you are getting great results. It may have been tough but you are proving that you are tougher.

I miss you! Get well fast. I can come there. Let me know.

I'm thrilled to hear of the good path report. Sorry to hear the other issues are causing so much pain. Do they think they'll all resolve as you contine to heal? Bed rest always sounds great, but it isn't when you're forced to do it. I hope each day you find great strides in the healing process.

Thinking of you!!!!
 

Joan, you have been in my thoughts for days. I felt that the lung biopsy I had last fall was difficult. I do not tolerate pain medication, and therefore had that tube pulled out with no medication. I felt I took a long time to heal, in spite of the fact that I was back at school a week later.

I'm happy to hear that you are healing, but I can't even imagine what you have been through. I am also glad that the pathology report came back cancer free. Just know that my thoughts are with you, and I am sending best wishes for your recovery.

Barbara H.

Thinking of you, too, you have been through much this year--glad the reports are good. I hope each day brings some improvement. Ceesun

Great to hear good news and my healing thoughts
will be with you in the coming days.
patb

I'm so happy to read "no cancer." The best news of all. I'm sorry for the set backs you have experienced but am confident that you will win the battle.

GENTLE hugs to you Joan,

Mary Jo

I am happy to read this good news Joan although I would have preferred you not to report suffering from your ribs. It can be very painful. I hope everything is going to heal fast now and that you can turn that difficult page. You went through a lot.
Michka

Hi Joan
So pleased to hear the really god news from the path report.Really sorry you are not well though. Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Love Ellie

Joan,

I am so happy to hear that your latest path report came out clean. You have dealt with so much this past year, I am amazed at your strength and positive attitude. I am so sorry that you are in pain and hope that you are on the road to recovery and start to feel better soon.

Take good care,

Joan,

Great news on your pathology report. I hope your compete healing comes quickly. I admire your strength.

Tonya

Joan,

THANK GOD!

I was holding my breath until I hit the second word of your post (happy)

So I'm happy with you; hope you are feeling much better soon - I'm sure the load off your mind helps!

ps - next time can you maybe open with "happy"?:)

Chris

great news on your path report. i hope you get better soon!

Re: Lung pathology report
 

I've been feeling better the last few days.

I had another x-ray and the surgeon said that the air under the tissues is diminishing, there was no hole in the lung (or that the hole hadn't re-opened) and the ribs looked okay.

I get a really tight feeling around my flank on the left side, like there's a big elastic around me. The surgeon said I'm going to have good days and also if I do too much, bad days. And it's hard to tell sometimes how much is too much. Also, right now I can't determine which physical feelings will remain after I recover, like when I had auxillary node dissection which caused the back of my upper right arm to be numb.

And, yes, I'm very happy that the path report showed no cancer. So I guess I'll live through this recuperation.

Becky, thanks. Let's talk soon. Perhaps we can get together for lunch. I'll be in touch.

Joan

Re: Lung pathology report
 

So glad that you are feeling better! Sounds like quite and ordeal that you have just come through...fungal ball and all. Healing energy coming your way!!! xo Suzan

Re: Lung pathology report
 

So glad to hear the good news of no cancer Joan, I really hope you feel better soon:)

Re: Lung pathology report
 

Congratulations on the good report. The healing will progress day by day. I have my fingers crossed that one day you will feel great !! Hang in there.