Do's and don'ts include: 

• Rest when you are tired. Don’t worry if you are extremely tired (fatigued). Fatigue and weakness are normal for a few weeks after having a lung removed.

• Limit your activity to short walks. Gradually increase your pace and distance as you feel able.

• Don't do any strenuous activities, such as mowing the lawn, using a vacuum cleaner, or playing sports.

• Listen to your body. If an activity causes pain, stop. Breathing may cause some pain at the cut (incision) site. This is normal.

• Don’t drive until you are free of pain and no longer taking opioid pain medicine. This may take 2 to 4 weeks.

• Don't sit with your legs down for long periods.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your healthcare providers says it is OK to do so. 

Suggestions for caring for your incision include: 

• Leave the small, white, wound-closure strips over your incision in place for 7 to 10 days after your surgery.

• Always keep your incision clean and dry.

• Shower as needed. Wash your incision gently with mild soap and warm water and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing your incision.

Suggestions for other home care include: 

• Lie on the side of your surgery, with your good lung up (toward the ceiling).

• Call your healthcare provider if you are coughing up brownish mucus (sputum) or blood. Lie on the side of your surgery with your good lung up while you wait for help.

• Learn to check your own pulse. Keep a record of your results. Ask your healthcare provider which pulse rates mean that you need medical attention.

• Check your temperature every day for 7 days after your surgery.

• Use your incentive spirometer 5 times a day for the first 2 weeks you are home.

• Return to your regular diet as you feel able. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

• Avoid constipation: 

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise. 

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your healthcare provider says it’s OK. 

Many people get mouth sores during chemotherapy. So, don’t be discouraged if you do, even if you are following all your healthcare provider's instructions. Do the following to help prevent mouth sores or to ease pain:

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal.

• Don’t use dental floss if your platelet count is low (which increases your risk of bleeding). Your healthcare providers will tell you if this is the case.

• Use an oral swab or special soft toothbrush if your gums bleed during regular brushing.

• Use any mouthwashes given to you as directed.

• If you can’t handle regular methods, use salt and baking soda to clean your mouth. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Swish and spit.

• Watch your mouth and tongue for white patches. This is a sign of fungal infection, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about these patches. Medicine can be prescribed to help you fight the fungal infection.

Suggestions to handle other side effects include: 

• Try to exercise. Exercise keeps you strong and keeps your heart and lungs active. Walk as much as you can without becoming dizzy or weak.

• Wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick. During treatment, your body can’t fight germs very well.

• Take short baths or showers with warm water. Avoid very hot or cold water.

• Use moisturizing soap. Treatment can make your skin dry.

• Apply moisturizing lotion several times a day to help relieve dry skin.

• Let your healthcare provider know if your throat is sore. You may have an infection that needs treatment.

• Remember, many people feel sick and lose their appetites during treatment. Eat small meals several times a day to keep your strength up. And do the following:

  • Choose bland foods with little taste or smell if you are reacting strongly to food.

  • Cook all food thoroughly. This kills bacteria and helps you prevent infection.

  • Eat foods that are soft. Soft foods are less likely to cause throat irritation.

Do's and don'ts include: 

• Don’t scrub or use soap on the treated area.

• Ask your therapy team which lotion to use. 

• Keep the treated area out of the sun. Ask your therapy team about using a sunscreen.

• Don’t remove ink marks unless your radiation therapist says it’s OK. Don’t scrub or use soap on the marks when you wash. Let water run over them and pat them dry. 

• Protect your skin from heat or cold. Don't use hot tubs, saunas, heating pads, and ice packs.

• Wear soft, loose clothing to avoid rubbing your skin.

Suggestions for other home care include: 

• Stock up on easy-to-prepare foods.

• Eat foods high in protein and calories.

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids, unless directed otherwise.

• If your mouth or throat becomes dry or sore, sip cool water. Ice chips may also help.