My mother's Hysterectomy

245

Comments

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    Abbycat2 said:

    How true, Connie!

    Without this Board and the Internet, I probably would suffer emotionally in silence, like my grandmother did in 1979. She died from uterine cancer and no one would even talk to her about it because it was not talked about openly in those dark ages. I was told not to travel from Indiana to New York to see her before her death because if I did, my grandmother might think there was something terribly wrong with her health. REALLY??  Gee, they really thought she didn't have a clue?

    I have copies of my operative report, surgery pathology report and the results of my Pet Cat scan and two Cat scans. I know intimately about my cancer and available treatment, allowing me to ask the right questions and to evaluate what treatment is best for me personally. I am and will remain an informed consumer of health care services. If one does not understand her health situation than how could she provide her treating physician with the requisite informed consent?

    The Ut South Western Cancer

    The Ut South Western Cancer Center that I go to has an online program called My Chart.  Every appointment, billing and payment is done through this website.  But the greatest is they post every test result for blood work, to ct scans and the pathology report.  It is all there. I have printed some out so I can do my own review and reading up on my case.  I know request copies of all my other dr appoinments and what was done. It is your health and you are entitled to your records especially if you want to ask for a second opinion. Trish

  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 43
    Abbycat2 said:

    How true, Connie!

    Without this Board and the Internet, I probably would suffer emotionally in silence, like my grandmother did in 1979. She died from uterine cancer and no one would even talk to her about it because it was not talked about openly in those dark ages. I was told not to travel from Indiana to New York to see her before her death because if I did, my grandmother might think there was something terribly wrong with her health. REALLY??  Gee, they really thought she didn't have a clue?

    I have copies of my operative report, surgery pathology report and the results of my Pet Cat scan and two Cat scans. I know intimately about my cancer and available treatment, allowing me to ask the right questions and to evaluate what treatment is best for me personally. I am and will remain an informed consumer of health care services. If one does not understand her health situation than how could she provide her treating physician with the requisite informed consent?

    This should have occured to

    This should have occured to me-that's a good reason to get the information!

    Thanks!

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member

    The Ut South Western Cancer

    The Ut South Western Cancer Center that I go to has an online program called My Chart.  Every appointment, billing and payment is done through this website.  But the greatest is they post every test result for blood work, to ct scans and the pathology report.  It is all there. I have printed some out so I can do my own review and reading up on my case.  I know request copies of all my other dr appoinments and what was done. It is your health and you are entitled to your records especially if you want to ask for a second opinion. Trish

    Hi Trish:
    I also have MyChart

    Hi Trish:

    I also have MyChart and another source for all of my information.   In fact, I look forward to it.  You can also see after you have an office visit when the intake person doesn't put down all the information you give her.   Or when they ask are you having any pain today and say no that they put no pain for last several months.   I have caught many intake mistakes that way.

    In the earlier days of my diagnosis, I never got my report.   I just went on what the doctor said.   I recently received my records when my physician retired and had to get the records to give to my new doctor.   There were a lot of things on there that I never heard - like the one reason they didn't take my port out was because I was a high risk of recurrence - never heard that before.

    Although sometimes the reports can be overwhelming and you have to be ready to read it.      I am on my fourth doctor and I just realize that his records said that my cancer was only found in my uterus when my original reports say uterus, cervix and left ovary.   I think that is important when I tell them my symptoms I am experiencing and the fact that this doctor doesn't do PAP smears.  

    Ok - I am rambling here - lol

    Kathy

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    Kaleena said:

    Hi Trish:
    I also have MyChart

    Hi Trish:

    I also have MyChart and another source for all of my information.   In fact, I look forward to it.  You can also see after you have an office visit when the intake person doesn't put down all the information you give her.   Or when they ask are you having any pain today and say no that they put no pain for last several months.   I have caught many intake mistakes that way.

    In the earlier days of my diagnosis, I never got my report.   I just went on what the doctor said.   I recently received my records when my physician retired and had to get the records to give to my new doctor.   There were a lot of things on there that I never heard - like the one reason they didn't take my port out was because I was a high risk of recurrence - never heard that before.

    Although sometimes the reports can be overwhelming and you have to be ready to read it.      I am on my fourth doctor and I just realize that his records said that my cancer was only found in my uterus when my original reports say uterus, cervix and left ovary.   I think that is important when I tell them my symptoms I am experiencing and the fact that this doctor doesn't do PAP smears.  

    Ok - I am rambling here - lol

    Kathy

    yes I found out a l I t from

    yes I found out a l I t from my chart. I was lucky with my dr as she tells me everything on my reports and what it means. She I s amazing. But after every blood test and every appointment I get a message that I have a new report. Trish

  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 43
    MrsBee said:

    This should have occured to

    This should have occured to me-that's a good reason to get the information!

    Thanks!

    Having Chemo Port put in this Friday

    My Mom's having her chemo port put in Friday.

    She's worried about how big an operationthis is.

     

    Also, this morning she woke up with extreme weakness, and she was shaking.

    She felt better after juice and cereal. Sounds to me like low blood sugar-

    is this normal -tomorrow is 3 weeks since hysterectomy.

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Having Chemo Port put in this Friday

    My Mom's having her chemo port put in Friday.

    She's worried about how big an operationthis is.

     

    Also, this morning she woke up with extreme weakness, and she was shaking.

    She felt better after juice and cereal. Sounds to me like low blood sugar-

    is this normal -tomorrow is 3 weeks since hysterectomy.

    Two put in no problems

    I have had a port put in twice now, because I foolishly had the 1st one removed thinking I was finished with this roller coaster.  Both times mine were put in by a radiologist who use imagining to place it.  I was awake through the whole process. A little scary, but no pain.  It took longer to get the antibiotic infused then to have the port put in.  It was a little sore afterwards and I,had to shower wih plastic wrap over it for a few days.  The only time I notice it is when someone hugs me tO tight. Glad to hear that your mom is getting a port.  It makes life a lot easier.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 43
    Lou Ann M said:

    Two put in no problems

    I have had a port put in twice now, because I foolishly had the 1st one removed thinking I was finished with this roller coaster.  Both times mine were put in by a radiologist who use imagining to place it.  I was awake through the whole process. A little scary, but no pain.  It took longer to get the antibiotic infused then to have the port put in.  It was a little sore afterwards and I,had to shower wih plastic wrap over it for a few days.  The only time I notice it is when someone hugs me tO tight. Glad to hear that your mom is getting a port.  It makes life a lot easier.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

    Are visitors allowed to be

    Are visitors allowed to be with patients during chemo-to sit with them?

     

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Are visitors allowed to be

    Are visitors allowed to be with patients during chemo-to sit with them?

     

    he 1st place I was at didn't

    The1st place I was at didn't really like it because they had very little room.  My husband  insisted and they did make room for him to sit on a stool.  When My cancer recurred we went to a place where he was very welcome.  They always find a comfortable chair for him and he sits with me every time.  Insist If they don't encourage you to stay with your mother.  Lou Ann

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Are visitors allowed to be

    Are visitors allowed to be with patients during chemo-to sit with them?

     

    My facility

    has chairs for visitors during chemo.  Unfortunately for the visitors, they aren't nearly as comfortable as the patients' chairs!

     

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Having Chemo Port put in this Friday

    My Mom's having her chemo port put in Friday.

    She's worried about how big an operationthis is.

     

    Also, this morning she woke up with extreme weakness, and she was shaking.

    She felt better after juice and cereal. Sounds to me like low blood sugar-

    is this normal -tomorrow is 3 weeks since hysterectomy.

    My port was put in under conscious sedation

    For all practical purposes, I was unconscious.  My team was great!  They showed me the port beforehand, started an IV, asked me what music I wanted in the operating room.    They wheeled me in, gave me two doses of whatever lala drug they use, and I was out.  When I came to, the surgeon was tugging on the thing, but I felt no pain.  BF drove me home.  Relatively easy procedure.

  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 43
    Thanks, guys!

    Thanks, guys, I'm going to sit with her at the Chemo.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,352 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Thanks, guys!

    Thanks, guys, I'm going to sit with her at the Chemo.

    After listening to everyone

    After listening to everyone here I think I am the only one who has had a bed during chemo.  I loved having a bed.  The first time they hit me with the IV benadryl it hit me like a ton of bricks. 

    BTW MrsBee, everyone at my chemo location had people with them.  They realize that having family and friends with you really does help the patients in recovery and treatment

  • Sandy3185
    Sandy3185 Member Posts: 228
    MrsBee said:

    Having Chemo Port put in this Friday

    My Mom's having her chemo port put in Friday.

    She's worried about how big an operationthis is.

     

    Also, this morning she woke up with extreme weakness, and she was shaking.

    She felt better after juice and cereal. Sounds to me like low blood sugar-

    is this normal -tomorrow is 3 weeks since hysterectomy.

    Port

    I had my port put in right before I started chemo and it was really no big deal. They gave light sedation( twilight sleep) and it only took about 20-30 minutes. I had very little pain, didn't even need to take Tylenol. That was in January 2014. I just had my port removed earlier this month and they only used local anesthesia. i was awake the whole time and felt nothing. Even after the anesthesia wore off there was only slight discomfort. But what a psychological lift! I feel like I am done with cancer.

    Please tell your mom not to worry, it is a minor procedure and well worth it. Having chemo without using a port is definitely NOT the way to go.  Sandy

  • Hopeful162
    Hopeful162 Member Posts: 82
    MrsBee said:

    Thanks, guys!

    Thanks, guys, I'm going to sit with her at the Chemo.

    Chemo Port

    My experience with a port was very similar to others who have commented, but I will say that I had quite a bit of pain for about three or four days after insertion. I called the office and was told I could take leftover hydrocodone. They did have to dig around to settle it in, but I was left with only a subtle bump when it was finished. I was "awake" for the procedure, including hearing the attending give directions to the resident who was doing it, but the IV drugs made me not care particularly about what I was hearing and at that time I had almost no pain. I am very glad I had a port as it gave me free hands and no chance of a needle slipping out during infusion.

    As for chemo, I had a very comfortable reclining chair, and my husband stayed with me in the room. A volunteer would give hand or foot massages if wanted. There were two chemo patients to a room and two chairs for visitors at my center.

    I don't recall getting much input from this site about chemo, probably because I didn't ask, but I really do like knowing what is happening, so it's good you can be your mother's advocate.

  • DebiR
    DebiR Member Posts: 38 Member

    After listening to everyone

    After listening to everyone here I think I am the only one who has had a bed during chemo.  I loved having a bed.  The first time they hit me with the IV benadryl it hit me like a ton of bricks. 

    BTW MrsBee, everyone at my chemo location had people with them.  They realize that having family and friends with you really does help the patients in recovery and treatment

    Me too

    The cancer center I was treated at had some beds too.  I didn't get a bed every time as they only had three and reserved them for the first timers. Then if available, they went to someone with a longer infusion time which was generally me as I was always there all day.  It made it easier if I had a reaction to the chemo which I did the first two times.   I got the bed 4 out of the 6 times.  Was definitely nicer as then I had a private room and could easily sleep.  The first time I got the IV Benadryl put me out also.  No way I could keep my eyes open.  After the first time it didn't seem to have the same impact.

    The room with the comfy chairs had places for visitors to sit but like everyone else reported, the chairs were not as comforable as the treatment chairs.  

    Debi

    UPSC 3A

    4-11-14

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member

    Chemo Port

    My experience with a port was very similar to others who have commented, but I will say that I had quite a bit of pain for about three or four days after insertion. I called the office and was told I could take leftover hydrocodone. They did have to dig around to settle it in, but I was left with only a subtle bump when it was finished. I was "awake" for the procedure, including hearing the attending give directions to the resident who was doing it, but the IV drugs made me not care particularly about what I was hearing and at that time I had almost no pain. I am very glad I had a port as it gave me free hands and no chance of a needle slipping out during infusion.

    As for chemo, I had a very comfortable reclining chair, and my husband stayed with me in the room. A volunteer would give hand or foot massages if wanted. There were two chemo patients to a room and two chairs for visitors at my center.

    I don't recall getting much input from this site about chemo, probably because I didn't ask, but I really do like knowing what is happening, so it's good you can be your mother's advocate.

    CHEMO VISITORS

    My chemo place doesn't have a place for visitors to sit with you. They have a waiting area where family members can sit.  We don't have beds either. But the recliners are comfortable.

    I have not had my husband wait with me throughout the 7 infusions. Just never felt the need for him to be there.  He does drive me to my appointments and pick me up. Thankfully, we are only 15 minutes away.

    The Benedryl still kicks my butt. I generally sleep or eat the entire time. And, I come home and sleep some more.

  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 43
    Thanks to everyone

    What's benydril everyone keeps mentioning for?

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Thanks to everyone

    What's benydril everyone keeps mentioning for?

    It is a medication that is

    It is a medication that is given to prevent allergic reactions.  You can buy it in the store and is often used for allergies and rashes .  They give a much larger dose during your premeds before you start your chemo.  It makes most people extremely sleepy.  Some of us have the opposite reaction.  It keeps me awake for hrs.  Lou Ann

  • MrsBee
    MrsBee Member Posts: 43
    Thanks.

    Thanks.

  • pinky104
    pinky104 Member Posts: 574 Member
    MrsBee said:

    Having Chemo Port put in this Friday

    My Mom's having her chemo port put in Friday.

    She's worried about how big an operationthis is.

     

    Also, this morning she woke up with extreme weakness, and she was shaking.

    She felt better after juice and cereal. Sounds to me like low blood sugar-

    is this normal -tomorrow is 3 weeks since hysterectomy.

    Port Insertion

    The only problem I had with my port insertion was that the room the interventional radiologists used to put it in was very cold (62 degrees).  They said it's always that cold.  I like my heat up high, and no number of sheets and blankets they put on me could keep me warm.  I was awake through it and it wasn't a hard procedure at all.  Mine stuck out more than most did. How it looks depends upon how deep the blood vessels it goes in are.  I kept it in for over 3 years just in case, and the radiologists said I was wise to do that.  My biggest problem with it was putting a seat belt over it.  My husband bought me a lambswool seatbelt cover, but that would slide around, and I'd have to keep adjusting it.  Even that hurt a bit.  Mine was on my right side and only hurt when I was sitting in the front passenger's seat because of the way the seatbelt hit it in that seat.  When I was driving, it was no problem, but I didn't do that for a few weeks.  I'd had pretty extensive surgery (stage IVb cancer surgery plus removal of my gallbladder and appendix for gallstones).  Sometimes ports go on the left and sometimes they go on the right.  It depends upon what they find when they examine the blood vessels.  Your mom will also have a little slit in her neck besides the one where the port is.  I had to put Glad Press'n'Seal over mine for my shower (it's like Saran Wrap but adheres more tightly).

    I think you're probably right about the low blood sugar, especially since she felt better after eating.  In addition, she could be weak from blood loss during surgery, but 3 weeks seems like a long time for that to suddenly show up. 

    Having the port removed was even easier than having it put in.  I didn't even have to go in a special room, and I think I was out in less than a half hour.