Thanks for the replies. I have an appointment with a surgeon Wednesday. I plan on asking expected tiime for hospital stay, recovery. Also how many thymectomies he has preformed. Anything else I should ask?

I had the full "split your chest open" (sounds gross doesn't it - but I can never remember the correct name!) to remove my thymus in 2005. I had a malignant tumor and was glad I had it done that way. It wasn't any fun, but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever gone through either. My mg affects my breathing quite a bit so I was in ICU for about 4 days after surgery and in a regular room for a couple more days. I was out of work for 8 weeks, but probably could have gone back at 6 if I hadn't been going through radiation. Didn't have to have chemo because they got clean margins when they removed the thymus which is the greatest benefit of having the full surgery, especially when you have a tumor!

I used pain meds for about 2 weeks, but was fine after that. The hardest thing was raising up from a lying position because until the bones knit completely, they kinda rubbed on each other. Again, nothing I couldn't handle, just a different feeling.

When you talk to surgeon, I advise asking a lot of questions. My surgeon was mainly a heart surgeon and I don't think he had ever removed a thymus. However, he did a good job and I am fine today. I never did go into remission, but at my age (55 at time of surgery), I didn't really expect to. My understanding is that the younger you are when you have the surgery, the better chance of remission. However, I was in a fast downward slide with the mg when I had the surgery, and I am doing much better today, 9 years later.

Good luck with your decision.

Juanita

Thank you all for the replies and support. My wife is more worried than I am especially when she found out about splitting my chest. We also care for my Mom who has dementia but my best friend for close to 30 years said he will rally the troops to give what ever support we need.
Thanks, Perry

Ask about his surgical approach he will take and expected treatments ans medications afterwards.

Good luck
kathie