Life after lung cancer surgery: not just surviving, but thriving
When Jackie was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2023, her immediate focus was on keeping her life as active as possible. Her lung cancer was found early, which meant surgery was possible.
From diagnosis to surgery in six weeks
A month after her diagnosis, Jackie flew to the Arctic for a ten-day ice festival. While she was there, the NHS called to confirm her hospital bed and the date of her operation. She arrived home on 27 February, and on 2 March she had keyhole surgery, known as VATS, to remove the cancer. Three days later, she went home.
At the end of March, Jackie met her surgeon to go through her results. There was no evidence of cancer, and she needed no further treatment.
Pushing her limits
Since her surgery, Jackie has kept pushing her physical limits. She recently completed a 230 km ultramarathon through Kenya. Her story shows how strong your lungs and body can be, and what finding lung cancer early can make possible.
“Every mile is a celebration of what my lungs can still do. Life after surgery isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving.”
The healthcare professional side
The ESTS Patient Centred and Quality of Life Working Group brings together thoracic surgeons who focus on how people recover and live after lung surgery.
