I have to mention that my 28-year old daughter, Kate, flew in from her home in Austin, TX to help me get through this ordeal. She spent every day in the hospital during the entire visiting hour expanse, only leaving to go to my apartment and walk my dog three times every day. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to have that loving support all day every day during my hospital stay.
Regarding the surgery, the doctor said that they normally did not operate on patients over 80, but because I was in such good condition, I was a likely candidate. So, all my work on this blog was not in vain.
I was admitted to the hospital on January 11 for surgery. You can read the planned details here.
Now, the deed has been done. The surgery took 2-1/2 hours, 30 minutes longer than expected. The tumor was about 2-1/2 inches and they had to spread my ribs to remove it along with half of my left lung. I spent the next 36 hours in the hospital.
After a chest x-ray, I was released with no signs of cancer in my lung although one lobe of my left lung had to be removed.
I am now home taking pain relievers. I don’t normally like drugs, but I really can’t stand the pain in my chest where it pretty much hurts to breathe.
I have breathing exercises which I do every hour to build up my lungs. They want me to exercise by walking, so my dog has been helpful in my therapy. We have managed three walks so far.
So, I had surgery just 48 hours ago and I am recovering from it. So far, so good. Now you know everything I know. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and kind wishes on my experience. They mean a lot to me.
Tony
Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger 
Tony, I was so happy and relieved to read the topic of this blog. I am very very glad the surgery is over and went well. Your healthy living has indeed paid off! Remember, you wouldn’t have even been a candidate for surgery had you not been in such good shape. So I think this is even more motivation for me to continue with my healthy lifestyle. I’m 72. Follow your doctors’ orders. I’m glad you have the pup to help with the walks. I look forward to reading more on your road to recovery! My very best wishes to you. ~Nora.
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Thanks for your kind words, Nora. This certainly is a ‘one day at a time’ situation.
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So glad you’re okay!! Wishing you the very best! HUGS from New Jersey!
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Thanks, Maryanne!
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I admire you so much and appreciate you more! I am 71 and spoke with my doctor (as I’m sure a lot of your readers/fans did!). I smoked as a kid and actually quit because I thought it was nasty before 12. My doctor advised me that I couldn’t (didn’t?) qualify for lung screening because I never had a pack a day habit. The fact that I would like to be tested is not relevant to my insurance or my doctors, I guess. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are continuing for the very best of outcome for you.
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Thanks, Myra.I am glad you got something positive out of this.
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What a relief for you to have had that surgery done! You look great. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery and that you’ll be back on the bike soon!
Kindly,
Penny
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Thanks, Penny.
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Tony, Congratulations on a successful surgery! 👍 Praying for a full and complete recovery! 🙏🏼 You will be exchanging your wheelchair wheels for bicycle wheels before you know it!! 🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️
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Thanks, Rock!
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Welcome back! Thanks for sharing your story! Hope you are feeling good… your smile says it all!
–Janine Perky
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Thanks, Janine!
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I’m so happy to hear the good news, Tony! Thank you for the update! 🙏Here’s to happy days ahead!! 🤗
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Thanks, Lisa!
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Tony, I’m so thankful that your surgery has gone well and that your recovery is on track.
Your description of your recovery and therapy remined me of a book I read last year. Breathe: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Neator. If you don’t know the book, I think it would very much captivate your interest once you start reading it.
Best wishes from southern Ontatio, Canada.
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Thanks, Jasper. Sounds interesting.
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That’s terrific news, Tony. I’m so glad that your surgery is over and was successful. Good times await!
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Thanks for your kind words.
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Glad to hear that your surgery was successful, Tony! Sending you best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Soon you’ll be back on two wheels riding along the lakefront.
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Thanks, Jenny. I hope you are right.
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I think all your efforts to live a healthy lifestyle will help you get over this setback quickly. I hope so, because many people rely on your posts to keep up to date on news on the health front. We’re all rooting for your speedy recovery, Tony.
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Thanks so much for your kind words, Vinny. This is the most doctoring I have done in 50 years. One day at a time.
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Have a speedy recovery, we want to see you back in action soon.
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Thanks for your kind words.
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Congratulations on successful surgery and I wish you a quick recovery 🙂
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Many thanks!
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