in recovery

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Brenda Bricco
Brenda Bricco Member Posts: 579 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
My hubby went in to surgery at 7:30 this morning and is in recovery now. They removed the primary tumor in the rectum (said they got really good margins), took a large lymphnode and large margins around that. The surgeon said he toyed with not giving him the iliostomy but decided to go ahead to be on the safe side, he doesn't want any reoccurance in pelvis. He also said he feels very good about the whole thing. ;) I am waiting for him to come out of recovery and decided to share with you guys. I know we have a long way to go but right now all is good. ;)

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  • ddpekks
    ddpekks Member Posts: 162
    #2
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    You're right.....
    You have such a long way to go, but I shall pray that it all goes smoothly. Just went through similar stuff myself and I still have 43.32% of my sanity. (Relax, I lost 28% of my sanity the day he was diagnosed....LOL).

    My only regret when we went through pre-treatment, surgery and post-treatments, is that I had not discovered this board. I floundered blindly because I didn't have anyone to ask questions of and more importantly, I didn't know what I needed to ask. Thank goodness for this group.

    Good Luck Brenda. Hang in there and keep us posted.

    (((((((hugs)))))))
    Deb
  • janie1
    janie1 Member Posts: 753 Member
    #3
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    ddpekks said:

    You're right.....
    You have such a long way to go, but I shall pray that it all goes smoothly. Just went through similar stuff myself and I still have 43.32% of my sanity. (Relax, I lost 28% of my sanity the day he was diagnosed....LOL).

    My only regret when we went through pre-treatment, surgery and post-treatments, is that I had not discovered this board. I floundered blindly because I didn't have anyone to ask questions of and more importantly, I didn't know what I needed to ask. Thank goodness for this group.

    Good Luck Brenda. Hang in there and keep us posted.

    (((((((hugs)))))))
    Deb

    Sounds like a very
    Sounds like a very successful surgery. You both take care and rest up.
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #4
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    Awesome
    So glad that he made it out of surgery good and that the doctor is happy with the outcome. Make sure that he walks, walks, walks. It is going to hurt big time but that is one thing that will get his sytem moving again and make him feel better. Good luck and keep us posted.

    Kim
  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #5
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    I agree totally with the
    I agree totally with the walking part. At first the pain is unbearable but in a couple of days he should be walking some. It is important to get the digestive system jump started and reducing the risk of neumonia.
  • dianelynn41
    dianelynn41 Member Posts: 71
    #6
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    Annabelle41415 said:

    Awesome
    So glad that he made it out of surgery good and that the doctor is happy with the outcome. Make sure that he walks, walks, walks. It is going to hurt big time but that is one thing that will get his sytem moving again and make him feel better. Good luck and keep us posted.

    Kim

    Glad to hear he made it
    Glad to hear he made it through and the dr is happy. I know the anxiety of this, my husband had the same thing in May. It's a rough road but you guys will make it.

    Good luck!
    Diane
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #7
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    janderson1964 said:

    I agree totally with the
    I agree totally with the walking part. At first the pain is unbearable but in a couple of days he should be walking some. It is important to get the digestive system jump started and reducing the risk of neumonia.

    chewing gum after such surgery is said to help jump start the
    digestive system (which i was unaware of at time of my own ostomy)I was also unaware of the importance of walking as much as possible--i thought they were crazy trying to get me to walk the very next day!!!!!)The pain/discomfort will gradually subside but not soon enough and strength will slowly return..
  • ddpekks
    ddpekks Member Posts: 162
    #8
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    coloCan said:

    chewing gum after such surgery is said to help jump start the
    digestive system (which i was unaware of at time of my own ostomy)I was also unaware of the importance of walking as much as possible--i thought they were crazy trying to get me to walk the very next day!!!!!)The pain/discomfort will gradually subside but not soon enough and strength will slowly return..

    Walk, walk, walk
    What they all said about walking is so true. All of his insides are sleeping and they will not wake up till they are made to. The more he walks or rocks, the sooner he will wake everyting and be able to have clear liquids/soft food.

    DH was in ICU for 4 days after (another issue of 2 wk old pacemaker replacement complications) and by the time he got to surgical suite he was already behind. We, too, didn't realize the importance of walking and rocking in rocking chair until we had problems. After that, we kicked butt up and down the halls day and night. The nurses were too busy to do it, so I'd just walk in, start clipping all the cath bags and drain bags to his gown, unplug IV from power, tie his naked butt in a hospital gown and start pushing his IV pole out the door. First couple of trips were murder, but every time he made a round it became easier. He finally figured out how to hold onto the IV monitor to push the pole himself. One time I came in and could not find him or a nurse and I freaked. He came moseying in grinning cause he had learned to unhook himself and walk on his own.

    D
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #9
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    ddpekks said:

    Walk, walk, walk
    What they all said about walking is so true. All of his insides are sleeping and they will not wake up till they are made to. The more he walks or rocks, the sooner he will wake everyting and be able to have clear liquids/soft food.

    DH was in ICU for 4 days after (another issue of 2 wk old pacemaker replacement complications) and by the time he got to surgical suite he was already behind. We, too, didn't realize the importance of walking and rocking in rocking chair until we had problems. After that, we kicked butt up and down the halls day and night. The nurses were too busy to do it, so I'd just walk in, start clipping all the cath bags and drain bags to his gown, unplug IV from power, tie his naked butt in a hospital gown and start pushing his IV pole out the door. First couple of trips were murder, but every time he made a round it became easier. He finally figured out how to hold onto the IV monitor to push the pole himself. One time I came in and could not find him or a nurse and I freaked. He came moseying in grinning cause he had learned to unhook himself and walk on his own.

    D

    oh so good
    that is all good.....all the best....

    such a long hard day....

    have a hug.....mags
  • Brenda Bricco
    Brenda Bricco Member Posts: 579 Member
    #10
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    maglets said:

    oh so good
    that is all good.....all the best....

    such a long hard day....

    have a hug.....mags

    All is good...
    He was in quite a bit of pain when I first saw him so I rang for the nurse. No one came for atleast ten minutes (I told them he was in pain when I called). His poor nurse didn't have the best reception when she got there because I was PISSED (not sure if we can say pissed but that is what I was). I told her that he was in pain and I knew the docs had several meds ordered for him and I didn't think making him wait ten minites for pain meds was right or fair. He got meds right now and was so much better. I am not sure where all of that came from because I am usually very easy going. I couldn't believe what I heard coming out of my own mouth as I was saying it. I did apologize for my abrupt manner but this is my husband and I could not keep quiet.

    So, pain is under control, he is on liquid diet and burning up his cell phone. lol I came down to get my suit case and update his caringbridge when he called me from his cell asking if I was ok! He was worried because he knew I was going to the parking garage but I reminded him of how tough I was earlier, he laughed, I guess sometimes "it takes a B**ch".

    Thank you all for your comments and prayer, this site really makes a difference in a lot of lives. :)
  • Brenda Bricco
    Brenda Bricco Member Posts: 579 Member
    #11
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    maglets said:

    oh so good
    that is all good.....all the best....

    such a long hard day....

    have a hug.....mags

    All is good...
    He was in quite a bit of pain when I first saw him so I rang for the nurse. No one came for atleast ten minutes (I told them he was in pain when I called). His poor nurse didn't have the best reception when she got there because I was PISSED (not sure if we can say pissed but that is what I was). I told her that he was in pain and I knew the docs had several meds ordered for him and I didn't think making him wait ten minites for pain meds was right or fair. He got meds right now and was so much better. I am not sure where all of that came from because I am usually very easy going. I couldn't believe what I heard coming out of my own mouth as I was saying it. I did apologize for my abrupt manner but this is my husband and I could not keep quiet.

    So, pain is under control, he is on liquid diet and burning up his cell phone. lol I came down to get my suit case and update his caringbridge when he called me from his cell asking if I was ok! He was worried because he knew I was going to the parking garage but I reminded him of how tough I was earlier, he laughed, I guess sometimes "it takes a B**ch".

    Thank you all for your comments and prayer, this site really makes a difference in a lot of lives. :)
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #12
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    Brenda Bricco said:

    All is good...
    He was in quite a bit of pain when I first saw him so I rang for the nurse. No one came for atleast ten minutes (I told them he was in pain when I called). His poor nurse didn't have the best reception when she got there because I was PISSED (not sure if we can say pissed but that is what I was). I told her that he was in pain and I knew the docs had several meds ordered for him and I didn't think making him wait ten minites for pain meds was right or fair. He got meds right now and was so much better. I am not sure where all of that came from because I am usually very easy going. I couldn't believe what I heard coming out of my own mouth as I was saying it. I did apologize for my abrupt manner but this is my husband and I could not keep quiet.

    So, pain is under control, he is on liquid diet and burning up his cell phone. lol I came down to get my suit case and update his caringbridge when he called me from his cell asking if I was ok! He was worried because he knew I was going to the parking garage but I reminded him of how tough I was earlier, he laughed, I guess sometimes "it takes a B**ch".

    Thank you all for your comments and prayer, this site really makes a difference in a lot of lives. :)

    So glad to hear that your

    So glad to hear that your hubby is doing well after surgery. :-) All my best, Cynthia
  • tko683
    tko683 Member Posts: 264 Member
    #13
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    Great news..
    So happy to hear your good news....i am so worried about this surgery for my husband, glad to hear that it is going well for you. Sending prayers for you both. Teri
  • Kathryn_in_MN
    Kathryn_in_MN Member Posts: 1,252 Member
    #14
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    Good to hear
    Good to hear surgery went well. Now on to the healing!
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #15
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    that's a great start
    Hi Brenda,
    I hope he continues to do well.
    IPad the same op as your husband 1 year ago.

    Hugs,
    Pete
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #16
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    Brenda
    Brenda,
    So glad his surgery went well. I think you were right on about the pain meds. There is no reason with todays meds for someone to be in pain. They needed to get on it and you saw to that. Lucky husband to have you by his side.
    Hope you get some sleep tonight.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • johnnybegood
    johnnybegood Member Posts: 1,117 Member
    #17
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    Kathleen808 said:

    Brenda
    Brenda,
    So glad his surgery went well. I think you were right on about the pain meds. There is no reason with todays meds for someone to be in pain. They needed to get on it and you saw to that. Lucky husband to have you by his side.
    Hope you get some sleep tonight.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen

    glad to hear
    all went well.as someone else said he still has a long road ahead of him but you both will make it...Godbless....johnnybegood
  • ddpekks
    ddpekks Member Posts: 162
    #18
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    Brenda Bricco said:

    All is good...
    He was in quite a bit of pain when I first saw him so I rang for the nurse. No one came for atleast ten minutes (I told them he was in pain when I called). His poor nurse didn't have the best reception when she got there because I was PISSED (not sure if we can say pissed but that is what I was). I told her that he was in pain and I knew the docs had several meds ordered for him and I didn't think making him wait ten minites for pain meds was right or fair. He got meds right now and was so much better. I am not sure where all of that came from because I am usually very easy going. I couldn't believe what I heard coming out of my own mouth as I was saying it. I did apologize for my abrupt manner but this is my husband and I could not keep quiet.

    So, pain is under control, he is on liquid diet and burning up his cell phone. lol I came down to get my suit case and update his caringbridge when he called me from his cell asking if I was ok! He was worried because he knew I was going to the parking garage but I reminded him of how tough I was earlier, he laughed, I guess sometimes "it takes a B**ch".

    Thank you all for your comments and prayer, this site really makes a difference in a lot of lives. :)

    Brenda....
    YOU GO GIRL.............love it. I remember having similar incidents when DH was in hospital. One in particular went like this...

    Nurse asked me if I had learned yet how to pack his rear-end. I looked at her with shear fear and terror and said "do what?" She commenced to telling me that when he goes home, I would have to replace the packing twice daily. I sucked it up and said, ok let's get on it. She said the next shift nurse would show me. Well, the buck got passed several times and when my patience ran too thin, I went to nurses station and said "so&so nurse told me I needed to learn how to pack my husband's a$$ and no one has been to pack it, much less teach me. I want his a$$ packed NOW". Well, I wasn't talking to the station nurses, I was yelling at unrelated doctors and lab techs. They all backed up a step and said they'd get someone right on it. A couple of them stopped by and stuck their heads in the door to make sure I was satisfied and with my apology, we laughed about it.

    Hope all goes well.
    Deb
  • laurettas
    laurettas Member Posts: 372
    #19
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    Great to hear more good news.
    Thanks for letting us know how things are going. Sounds good so far! Keep us posted.
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #20
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    So glad
    Your husband is doing well and that the surgeon feels good about it all!!
    Great news.
    Keep us informed please as he progresses, and so glad you shared with us on how he was doing.
    Winter Mmarie
  • Brenda Bricco
    Brenda Bricco Member Posts: 579 Member
    #21
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    herdizziness said:

    So glad
    Your husband is doing well and that the surgeon feels good about it all!!
    Great news.
    Keep us informed please as he progresses, and so glad you shared with us on how he was doing.
    Winter Mmarie

    one thing after another...
    They removed his catheder today, within six hours he was sick, sweating, nausea and pain was at a 10. Although he tried to pee a couple times he wasn't able to, nurse scanned his bladder to find it very full, drained it which brought immediate relief. He is feeling pretty darn good, eating and enjoying his pain level of 1. We might have to go home with catheter (sp?), I hope not but if he does them we will deal with it. There are so many ups and downs but the ups are sure worth getting through the downs. It's Dennis' birthday tomorrow, he will be 55 years young. We were hoping to go home on his birthday but if we don't then atleast I will have him all to myself to celebrate (and the nurses too I guess) ;)
    How can my heart be so happy in the midst of such a tough struggle??? I believe it is HIM carrying me.
    May God bless you all...
    Brenda

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