Treatment

Before surgery

You will attend a pre-operative assessment to check your health and identify any issues. Tests may include:

• blood tests
• an ECG
• MRSA swabs
• a chest X-ray

You will receive information about medicines, fasting and what to bring. Most people come in on the day of surgery. Some may need to be admitted earlier.

Day of surgery

You will meet your anaesthetist to discuss your anaesthetic. Your surgeon will confirm your consent and answer any final questions.

Nurses will help with paperwork, fit anti-clot stockings, and give you a gown and wristband. Bring only essential items. Please ask a friend or family member to take valuables home.

After surgery

You will need someone to help you at home for the first few days. Avoid heavy lifting for six weeks. Full recovery usually takes three to six months. It is normal to experience ups and downs during this time.

You will have an outpatient appointment two to four weeks after surgery. You may need a chest X-ray beforehand. At the appointment, we will review your recovery, discuss the results of your operation, and plan any next steps. Bringing a list of questions can help you make the most of your visit.

If you feel very unwell, go to the emergency department and take your discharge paperwork with you.

For other concerns:

• contact your lung cancer CNS
• speak to your GP or practice nurse
• raise questions at your outpatient appointment
• your ward can help with simple queries in the first few days after discharge

During treatment

You will have a review appointment with a consultant or radiographer to monitor side effects. This may also involve your CNS, a dietitian or a speech and language therapist (SLT).

After treatment

You will have a follow-up appointment with a radiographer, either by phone or face to face. Your oncologist will then review your progress. If your care was not originally managed at the QE, you may be reviewed by a respiratory consultant instead.

Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy

Your treatment journey starts with an appointment with an oncologist. They will review your medical history, explain your treatment options and discuss possible side effects. If you choose to go ahead, you will be asked to give consent.

Before treatment begins, you will have a pre-treatment appointment with the chemotherapy nursing team. They will:

• go through possible side effects again
• explain how and where you will receive your treatment
• check your blood tests
• answer any questions you may have