Lung Surgery

My brother-in-law was diagnosed with Stage III non-small cell lung cancer in October. He has just finished chemo/radiation and may be a candidate for surgery. The doctor recommended that if he has surgery he should have the infected lung removed. Is there anyone who knows if a person can live a productive life with one lung?

Yes, you can live quite a normal life with one lung...I had a lobe removed in Sept and feel quite fine...no breathing difficulties etc...so I would think that once chemo and radiation have done their job I would definitly not hesitate to have a part or the whole lung removed...whatever is deemed necessary...I have heard of people living with 1/2 of a lung...of course with oxygen...but still...if its going to save your life...Good luck and God Speed.

i had nonsmallcell in 7/1998-had resection on left - still here. The reason I am writing tho, I read something yesterday about the company Medarax- I was extremely pleased about the implications and hopes. I attach an web address and also go to the bottom for reader comments -
if only one could get to these people.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_03/b3967104.

Hi,

I just read your message. I had the upper right lobe of my lung removed in 2002. I am working and exercising and barely notice a difference. Sometimes I am short of breath, but almost no difference noticed. I even started riding bikes with my husband and son. I am 45 years old. I was diagnosed with asthma after the surgery. It does not seem to get in the way at all. I have also heard of someone living on 1/2 a lung. I think the guy who did the winston commercials had a half of a lung. Anyway, if they can take out the lung and get all the cancer, I think he will do just fine.

God Bless,
Cindy