upcoming surgery

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Denise1966
Denise1966 Member Posts: 90
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi everyone,
I've been pretty busy lately running around from doctor to doctor getting second opinions, it is so easy to start second guessing everything you do. I've finally decided that my first choice for surgeon is the best and I have my scope this monday and then surgery on tuesday. He is doing a LAR laparoscopically(sp?) Has anyone had it done this way? Whether you had it this way or not...I would appreciate any info on my upcoming surgery. I was handling everything pretty well until the hospital called to tell me when to be there and the nerves kicked in big time. I may have to pull out the xanax to help. Thanks for all your help.
Denise

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  • beachinmom
    beachinmom Member Posts: 73
    #2
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    Denise--just wishing you peace. I just had my resection on the 20th along w/ a hyst. I had mine abdominally, so I can't offer advise. But, I have a friend who had a laproscopic procedure and was mowing his yard w/in two weeks. You will do great! I might try the xanax, wishing I had it before. I brought a book with specific scriptures and that helped me. Good luck...
  • pamness
    pamness Member Posts: 524 Member
    #3
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    I couldn't have my surgery laproscopically - although I tried - I had it abdominally. You should view this as great news your recovery will be much faster. Surgery is scary, but probably easier than what you have already done. Take the Xanax if you need it, that is what it is for. I had stomach surgery done laproscopically - you will probably be up and around in no time!! Good luck.

    Pam
  • TY2HC
    TY2HC Member Posts: 46
    #4
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    I had my surgery initially laproscopically, but they had to open things up to get the resection closed up tight. Sorry, I am sure this doesn't help your nerves. I will tell you I was back to work in 2 weeks and off of my pain meds by Friday of the first week. You won't know how your body will handle the surgery until it is all done and all you will need to worry about then is getting well. Good luck to you. I wish you well!

    Chris
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    #5
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    Hi,

    I had a laprascopic right hemicolectomy 3 and 1/2 years ago this month. The surgon said he would know when he started poking round (they take a look through a tiny hole in the belly) if it could be done this way or full open surgery.

    If done by a properly trained and experienced surgon it's supposed to be just as good as full surgery. It is also supposed to have a quicker recovery time but I wouldn't plan on running any marathons anytime soon.

    Good luck!

    Howard
  • KFalvey
    KFalvey Member Posts: 118 Member
    #6
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    Hi Denise,

    I had my ascending colon removed Laproscopically hand assisted 3 years ago. I had 2 1" incisions and a 3" just above the pelvis. I went in surgery on Friday afternoon, and went home on Sunday afternoon. Get up and walk as soon as you can after surgery to get things back to normal quicker. It hurts, but doable. By the next Friday, I was feeling so much better, I couldn't believe it. I've heard people say they couldn't leave the hospital until they had a BM. My doctor left it up to me to decide if I was ready to go home. I was.
    I was so busy getting everything done before surgery (shopping, laundry, lawn work, house cleaning, everything you won't be able to do for a while) that I didn't have time to worry too much, and by the time I did go for surgery, I was ready for a rest. Thankfully, I was at peace going in because I knew the surgeon I'd picked was the best in the area and I was confident he would do a great job, and he did.
    Ask your doctor if you can chew gum soon after surgery. It's suppose to help speed up your digestive tract to start working again.
    Hopefully all will go smoothly for you. Please let us know how you are as soon as you can. Good Luck!!
    Kandy
  • Monicaemilia
    Monicaemilia Member Posts: 455 Member
    #7
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    Denise: I had a full colectomy (removal of my whole large intestine) laparascopically, and it is definitely the way to go. I woke up to four little band aids and a shorter recuperation time. You still have to keep an eye out for fevers, as it could be an infection. If that is the case, go to emergency right away. Take heart, it will be over before you know it, and I promise you that it is not going to be as bad as you think. Monica
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    #8
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    Denise,

    No matter which way you go, get up as soon as they tell you to and walk around.
    That's the best thing for you. It does hurt but end the end, getting up makes you better, faster.

    Lots of hugs
    Claudia
  • TY2HC
    TY2HC Member Posts: 46
    #9
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    Hello again. I have been thinking about something that might help you with your anxieties about what is to come for you. I have a website that I started one night when I was in a great deal of pain and not sure what was going on. Long story short I was searching on you tube for videos of people that provided an insirational message. I came across a video of a 6 year old, that reminds me of my daughter whom happens to be six as well. She has cancer that is not treatable and yet she lives life. When I am feeling down I will watch that video and realize that if a 6 year old can conquer her fears so can I. I admit that I have shed quite a few tears watching it, but it brings me inspiration. If you would like to take a look and watch it please feel free to go to http://www.tooyoungtohavecancer.googlepages.com or you tube and search for Megan's story in the cancer section. Once again, I wish you well.

    Chris
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #10
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    I had open surgery. I wish you all the best as you head to the OR. Here's to a speedy recovery

    Maureen
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #11
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    Denise,
    Good luck with your surgery. Mine was done abdominally, but I wish you luck with yours. I know you're nervous, but hang in there and keep us posted.

    *hugs*
    Gail

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