I did the full sternectomy in 2005 and then had 28 radiation treatments when they discovered a Stage II thymoma. To me, the worst thing was the grating together of the chest bones when you stand up until they knit together (makes me shudder just to think of it!) Don't mean to scare you, it was only painful for me when I went from a laying to a standing position and only lasted about 7-10 days - I just wasn't expecting it and it scared me at first!

Just do what the docs and nurses tell you as far as the recovery goes - I was out of work for 8 weeks, partly because of the radiation. I could probably have gone back at 6 weeks without that.

Good luck!

Back home after thymomo-thymectomy surgery at UNC (full sternectomy). Admitted Tuesday, Surgery was Wednesday, home on Sunday. I'm feeling much better than expected.

Great to hear! Don't let feeling better let you push yourself beyond the rules though. Heal up and keep getting better everyday :)

Thanks for the update! I am so glad everything went well for you!! Hope you continue to improve each and every day.