I had my right lung removed almost 9 years ago. I have no one to blame but myself. I was a long time smoker and brought this on myself. Ignored all warnings. I had quit 6 yrs. prior to being diagnosed with lung cancer. I was 68 at the time. I was very lucky that the surgeon got all the cancer and it had not spread to other organs. I have been cancer free since. I did not require chemo or radiation! There are minor life changes which is a small price to pay. I get winded easily but I am used to it by now. I have to remember my limitations and plan my work accordingly. No big deal. It will take a good year before FULL recovery. You will be able to do your normal activities but there is always that little reminder that you had major surgery. I am glad I found this site. It would be a good place to share our experiences and questions that we might have. I am thankful every day that I am still here. I am hopeful that I can pay a visit to my wonderful surgeon on my 10th anniversary and let him know what a good job he did.
You gave us hope. My Dad just had a right lung pneumonectomy December 16, 2008. He has a similar story as yours and is 70 years old. I was wondering what type of cancer you had? Dad's is squamouscell carcinoma. He is doing very well, with the only problems being still some pain from surgery and shortness of breath. Pathology reported to us yesterday that all lymph nodes were negative. We are not sure if chemo will be recommended. What size was your tumor? Dad's was 5 cm x 7 cm about the size of a tennis ball. We feel the same way about Dad's surgeon as you do about yours. Thanks for the story and any response you might have time for.