SCARIED OF SURGURY

tomcat 57

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO EXPERT FROM SURGERY IS IT VERY PAINFULL RECOVERY TIME
SCARIED TO DEATH

mopar

DON'T BE AFRAID
What kind of surgery are you having? I'll assume it will be a full hysterectomy, possibly with the removal of the omentum and a few lymph nodes, as was my surgery.

First of all, I hope you have a gynecologic oncologist. I'm sorry if you've posted before and have given details and I didn't see it or don't remember. Anyway, our fears usually arise from what we don't know or understand. As your doctor, or contact his nurse/physician assistant and ask all the questions you want and need.

Prep usually consists of fasting for a day or two (mine was three days), laxatives and/or enemas. You can ask possibly for a relaxant for the night before to help ease the anxiety. Once admitted, they will start an IV. And that will also include something to relax you. You will go into the operating room and before you know it you'll be back in recovery. I don't even recall being wheeled in to the OR, and the next thing I knew I was in my room with my husband and mom. I had a pain pump, which allowed me to press a button if I felt any pain. I had those things on my legs (don't remember what they are called) which inflated every so often to promote circulation in the legs and prevent clots. I also had a cathetar, to avoid getting up to go to the bathroom. It was removed about 24 hours later. I had to be up and around (slowly by surely) the next day. It aides in healing, helps you to get the anesthesia out of your system, and provides good blood circulation. It also enables that 'gassiness' to work out of your system. They will want to be sure you are urinating well on your own. My doctor is very strict on keeping your intestinal system working minimally, so I didn't eat or drink anything for another 5 days. So that was 7 days total with no food or water (the IV provided fluids).

My first surgery was the bikini cut. They removed staples about 6 days later. Regarding pain, I do have a high tolerance. But I was concerned a little about internal pain as well. I must tell you that I feel I did remarkably well. There was virtually no pain, very minimal at best. I was able to walk slowly around the halls and it really made a difference in my healing. You will start with liquids, puddings, etc., and eventually be back on a regular diet. You'll be avoiding gassy foods and beverages for a while.

I was told to allow 6 weeks for recovery. I actually went back to work after 5. Of course, I did have to have chemo which is another issue. But please let us know how you are doing. And if there's anything else we can help with, give a holler!

Till then, sending lots of prayers and hugs your way. You will be okay.

Monika

saundra

You can do it!!!!
Mine was much like Monica's except incision from sternum to pubis. You can click on our pictures and read our stories on the Expression Gallery. Saundra

jane65

tomcat57
Hi,
You didn't mention what kind of surgery you're having, is it for OVCA or a hysterectomy, or something else?

I had a hysterectomy in 1983 and one "healthy" ovary was left.

In 2007 I had surgery to remove that ovary which had become cancerous, and some lymph nodes.
I was in the hospital for 5 days, they give you a pump there for pain med and you control it yourself.
I came home with a Rx for pain med. but never needed it.The staples were removed a couple of weeks later by my GYN ONC Surgeon and my recovery was about a month,
Remember not to lift anything, and let family help you until you feel better. Eat healthy, soups, proteins,fruits and veggies, etc. and treat yourself to some goodies, too.

Let us know a little more about yourself, diagnosis, surgery your facing and anything else you want to share, then we can answer more completely.
Good luck,
Jane

tomcat 57

saundra said:

You can do it!!!!
Mine was much like Monica's except incision from sternum to pubis. You can click on our pictures and read our stories on the Expression Gallery. Saundra

THANK YOU
THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING MY CRY FOR HELP I TO HAVE OVARIAN CANCER STAGE IV MY SURGERY IS ON JUNE 24 IF ALL IS GOOD WITH MY CAT SCAN, MY CA 125 WAS 2,000 WHEN I WAS DIAG. AFTER 3 CHEMO TXS IT IS 170. I AM VERY SCARED I NEVER HAD SURGERY THE CHMEO WAS HARD FOR ME ALOT OF PAIN.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR REPLY.

tomcat 57

mopar said:

DON'T BE AFRAID
What kind of surgery are you having? I'll assume it will be a full hysterectomy, possibly with the removal of the omentum and a few lymph nodes, as was my surgery.

First of all, I hope you have a gynecologic oncologist. I'm sorry if you've posted before and have given details and I didn't see it or don't remember. Anyway, our fears usually arise from what we don't know or understand. As your doctor, or contact his nurse/physician assistant and ask all the questions you want and need.

Prep usually consists of fasting for a day or two (mine was three days), laxatives and/or enemas. You can ask possibly for a relaxant for the night before to help ease the anxiety. Once admitted, they will start an IV. And that will also include something to relax you. You will go into the operating room and before you know it you'll be back in recovery. I don't even recall being wheeled in to the OR, and the next thing I knew I was in my room with my husband and mom. I had a pain pump, which allowed me to press a button if I felt any pain. I had those things on my legs (don't remember what they are called) which inflated every so often to promote circulation in the legs and prevent clots. I also had a cathetar, to avoid getting up to go to the bathroom. It was removed about 24 hours later. I had to be up and around (slowly by surely) the next day. It aides in healing, helps you to get the anesthesia out of your system, and provides good blood circulation. It also enables that 'gassiness' to work out of your system. They will want to be sure you are urinating well on your own. My doctor is very strict on keeping your intestinal system working minimally, so I didn't eat or drink anything for another 5 days. So that was 7 days total with no food or water (the IV provided fluids).

My first surgery was the bikini cut. They removed staples about 6 days later. Regarding pain, I do have a high tolerance. But I was concerned a little about internal pain as well. I must tell you that I feel I did remarkably well. There was virtually no pain, very minimal at best. I was able to walk slowly around the halls and it really made a difference in my healing. You will start with liquids, puddings, etc., and eventually be back on a regular diet. You'll be avoiding gassy foods and beverages for a while.

I was told to allow 6 weeks for recovery. I actually went back to work after 5. Of course, I did have to have chemo which is another issue. But please let us know how you are doing. And if there's anything else we can help with, give a holler!

Till then, sending lots of prayers and hugs your way. You will be okay.

Monika

THANK YOU
THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING MY CRY FOR HELP. I HAVE OVERIAN CANCER STAGE IV MY CA125 WAS 2,000 WHEN I WAS DIAG AND AFTER 3 CEMO TXS IT IS 170. MY SURGERY IS ON JUNE 24 IF ALL IS GOOD WITH MY CAT SCAN. I NEVER HAD SURGERY SO YOUR INFO WAS VERY HELPFUL. IF YOU CAN THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW PLEASE REPLY.

Karen1418

Surgery
Hi tomcat 57,

I had two breast lumpectomies, a partial hysterectomy and debulking surgery in July of 2007. I was very uncomfortable for the first three days, but pain medicine got me through. By the time I went home on day 5, I was doing fine. I remember having to sleep on my back with my head elevated for two weeks or so, but I used very little pain medication and was able to move around as normal, although slowly. Three months later they finished the hysterectomy. That time I was rolling back and forth in bed from day 1, and went home on the third day.

What about chemo was painful for you? I was fortunate to have very little in the way of side effects.

I will be praying for you. You can do it!

Love, Karen

tomcat 57

Karen1418 said:

Surgery
Hi tomcat 57,

I had two breast lumpectomies, a partial hysterectomy and debulking surgery in July of 2007. I was very uncomfortable for the first three days, but pain medicine got me through. By the time I went home on day 5, I was doing fine. I remember having to sleep on my back with my head elevated for two weeks or so, but I used very little pain medication and was able to move around as normal, although slowly. Three months later they finished the hysterectomy. That time I was rolling back and forth in bed from day 1, and went home on the third day.

What about chemo was painful for you? I was fortunate to have very little in the way of side effects.

I will be praying for you. You can do it!

Love, Karen

CHEMO
HI KAREN

THANK YOU FOR THE REPLY . I HAD 3 CHEMO TREATMENTS THE FIRST ONE WAS BAD I HAD ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS AND WAS TOLD BY MY DR. TO TAKE IBUPROFEN I SUFFERED ALOT. THE 2ND ONE I WAS GIVEN MEDS FOR THE NAUSEA AND FOR THE BODY PAINS WAS AGAIN GIVEN IBUPROFEN ALOT OF PAIN IN MY FEET.
AND THE 3RD TREATMENT WASN'T AS BAD I THINK I GOT USE TO THE PAIN THIS TIME I WAS GIVEN DARVOSET IT LASTED 2 HOURS BUT IT WAS BETTER THEN NOTHING. I WAS THINKING THE SURGERY CAN'T
BE AS BAD. TYPING AND CRYING.

TOMCAT 57

saundra

My surgery
I had a morphine pump that I could punch for pain. Sometimes they would wake me up and tell me to punch it. You do not need to take any gowns but a robe to cover up with to walk down the hall. The more you walk, the better you will heal and that is just a fact. House shoes are not too good to walk with. Some shoe that you can slip on with a firm not slip sole is best. It's hard but force your self to do it. I had a catheter about 4 days and IV for seven but walked with family member carrying the bags on the stand with wheels which helps steady you. I started sleeping on my stomach within two weeks as soon as the staples were out. Didn't use pain pills after I got home (a drive of 280 miles broken in half). You will have to stay in the hospital until your organs turn back on...kidneys, bowels, etc. I watched some TV but was too out of it to do any reading. Didn't want guest at all except husband and sons who were there with me. My daughter came after I got home to cook and wait on me the next week.

I slept as much as I could. I had mets to the liver and they removed my spleen to, so my incision was long.
The surgeon got "Optimum results" which means he got all tumors over one half centimeter. I did five more chemos after the surgery and four before. My CA 125 dropped just like yours.

The surgery is a hard one but you can get through it by gritting your teeth. You have to have "True Grit", and God will provide for you if you ask Him. You will be surprised at your inner strength. Just keep saying that you can do it and no negative thoughts allowed! Saundra

chiller

Hints for after surgery
I had surgery last fall. Of course, you will have some discomfort. Each person is different in tolerance and recovery. Some things I found helpful were a step stool for getting into and out of bed. Also I had a tray to set next to my pillow to keep my tissues, water, meds, etc. on. That way I didn't have to stretch for the night stand. I wish you all the best.

kayandok

surgery 5 times
Hi tomcat, as a veteran of 5 surgeries (4 after my ovca dx) I have to say that it is not anything to worry about. Just get the meds, go to sleep and trust God and the docs to do their thing. The first week afterwards, there is usually some discomfort, but take the meds, if they don't work, get the menu for what else they have and find something that works. Being out of pain is a key to being able to relax and let the body heal. The first time you get up, you are going to think you will never even bend, but if you do exactly what the PT tells you to do, you will be amazed how easy it gets very quickly. I always amaze myself at how quickly I get up and start walking. It gives me a phychological boost and puts me on the path to recovery quicker. The body is an amazingly flexible thing!!

Depending on the extent of your surgery, it is really good to have plenty of help for when you go home. If you don't have that, I think there are options in the States, right? You can go to a rehab (is that what it is called?) type place. Don't put yourself in a position where you feel stressed, that goes against the natural healing process, I think.

Depending on how much they need to remove, your surgery time will be determined. The longer you are out, the more recovery time you will need it seems. As was already mentioned, make sure you have a onco/gyno that has a good reputation and knows what he is doing. Ask as many questions as you need to - knowledge is power and powers dissipates the fear.

Be strong and have faith.

Warm hugs,
Kathleen

BonnieR

kayandok said:

surgery 5 times
Hi tomcat, as a veteran of 5 surgeries (4 after my ovca dx) I have to say that it is not anything to worry about. Just get the meds, go to sleep and trust God and the docs to do their thing. The first week afterwards, there is usually some discomfort, but take the meds, if they don't work, get the menu for what else they have and find something that works. Being out of pain is a key to being able to relax and let the body heal. The first time you get up, you are going to think you will never even bend, but if you do exactly what the PT tells you to do, you will be amazed how easy it gets very quickly. I always amaze myself at how quickly I get up and start walking. It gives me a phychological boost and puts me on the path to recovery quicker. The body is an amazingly flexible thing!!

Depending on the extent of your surgery, it is really good to have plenty of help for when you go home. If you don't have that, I think there are options in the States, right? You can go to a rehab (is that what it is called?) type place. Don't put yourself in a position where you feel stressed, that goes against the natural healing process, I think.

Depending on how much they need to remove, your surgery time will be determined. The longer you are out, the more recovery time you will need it seems. As was already mentioned, make sure you have a onco/gyno that has a good reputation and knows what he is doing. Ask as many questions as you need to - knowledge is power and powers dissipates the fear.

Be strong and have faith.

Warm hugs,
Kathleen

/\*/\*/\*/\*/\
Kathleen, I don't think I have heard have so many surgies for ovca ... this is the a crown for our surgery queen... I bet you all wondered what the heck ~ Bonnie has lost it now.

Keep up the good fight. Hugs Bonnie

strawberrygal

Surgery same date as mine
Tomcat,

I most definitely know just how you feel. My hysterectomy is scheduled for the same day as yours...and I too am scared amd worried. I have have never had any surgery before and heck. I don't even like the IV's! But hang in there....we will both be fine......Stay strong and try not to worry.


Love Pat

kayandok

BonnieR said:

/\*/\*/\*/\*/\
Kathleen, I don't think I have heard have so many surgies for ovca ... this is the a crown for our surgery queen... I bet you all wondered what the heck ~ Bonnie has lost it now.

Keep up the good fight. Hugs Bonnie

Thanks for the crown!
Hi Bonnie, thanks for the crown! I know there are other women who have had more, but 4 in two years might be a record on this board?

The reason is that the first was 6-07 and not a real debulk (the Japanese surgeons looked at the adhesions I had from my 30's surgery and closed me back up after taking a bio.) They only took out the diaphram and staged me 3C. So, with a ton of cancer in me including the 5 cm ovaries, they put me on chemo. The tumors continued to grow, of-course.

So, then a few months later, for #2, I went to the States for a complete cyto-reduction. They actually got all the visible stuff. (My surgeon is very good (and famous!) and also aggresive.) Looking back, I'm not sure if I would do it again, but his custom is to do second look surgery after the chemo is finished.

So, #3 happened in June of 08, 104 bios where all clear. I danced with NED for 8 months or so...

Then, #4 happened after I recurred in November of 08 and in January I went back again to the States for another debulk. This time a few mm were left on the pancreas and cava vein. Again, he is into "getting it all out" before doing more chemo, which I know is controversial...... Anyway, that is the story. My cancer is very aggresive. It sounds like your's is too?

I know the jury is still out on whether so much surgery will really make a difference or if just doing chemo once you recur is just as good for the survivor stat, but I don't have any regrets. Lucky for me that I have a strong constitution...

There you have it, way more info than you need to know or even asked for:)

Is the fever down?
Hugs,
Kathleen:)

lnyeholt

strawberrygal said:

Surgery same date as mine
Tomcat,

I most definitely know just how you feel. My hysterectomy is scheduled for the same day as yours...and I too am scared amd worried. I have have never had any surgery before and heck. I don't even like the IV's! But hang in there....we will both be fine......Stay strong and try not to worry.


Love Pat

Speak up with concerns and ask questions!
Hi Tomcat:

The key to the whole thing is PAIN MANAGEMENT. I was told by my nurse that the time to administer more pain med is when it's at a 4 - 6 on a scale of 10 being the worst. If you get much past that, it's really difficult to bring it back under control. If the pain meds you are given aren't helping, ask to discuss what the next step is. Also ask about possible side effects. I was eventually switched to 2 Darvoset every four hours. I was having some extremely weird, psychedelic, scary dreams but backing down to 1 every six took care of the problem and controlled my pain just fine!

You are preparing for a full surgery and should probably be well prepared and complications should be minimal or non-existent. If you let your nursing staff know what you need they are there to provide it. Discuss your concerns about pain tolerance in advance with not only your doctor and/or surgeon but also the anesthesiologist and your nursing staff. If you have any discomfort (headache, nausea, anxiety, etc.) prior to surgery be sure to mention this when you meet with the anesthesiologist as s/he can usually give you something for those symptoms prior to surgery. As for the surgery itsself, your are usually asleep before you get to the operating room and don't wake up until itls all over and you're in your bed with a pain pump and nurses to check on your needs nearby!

The following is not to scare you, but to reassure you that even under inadequate preparation the surgery and subsequent pain involved is managable. In March I went in for a laparoscopic hysterectomy to relieve the symptoms of fibroids. The only prep was no food or liquids after midnight and I was expecting to wake with three small incisions, return home the next day and be back on my feet in a week, return to work in 4 weeks. Instead, I woke up with an unanticipated diagnosis of ovarian cancer and a 6-inch vertical incision. Not optimal. PLUS my respiration was too low for them to give me ANY pain meds - fortunately; I was still so full of anesthesia I kept drifting back out until I finally woke with a pain pump. If not a worst-case scenario, pretty close. I was not prepared in any way for such major surgery and I did fine with both pain management and recovery.

The suggestions above from people who had a more normal experience with this than I did are all very valid: walk as much as you are capable of, drink lots of fluids, be careful with your diet, follow your doctor's recommendations and make your needs and concerns known to your health care providers. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions.

Wishing you the best on the 24th!

Lyn

tomcat 57

lnyeholt said:

Speak up with concerns and ask questions!
Hi Tomcat:

The key to the whole thing is PAIN MANAGEMENT. I was told by my nurse that the time to administer more pain med is when it's at a 4 - 6 on a scale of 10 being the worst. If you get much past that, it's really difficult to bring it back under control. If the pain meds you are given aren't helping, ask to discuss what the next step is. Also ask about possible side effects. I was eventually switched to 2 Darvoset every four hours. I was having some extremely weird, psychedelic, scary dreams but backing down to 1 every six took care of the problem and controlled my pain just fine!

You are preparing for a full surgery and should probably be well prepared and complications should be minimal or non-existent. If you let your nursing staff know what you need they are there to provide it. Discuss your concerns about pain tolerance in advance with not only your doctor and/or surgeon but also the anesthesiologist and your nursing staff. If you have any discomfort (headache, nausea, anxiety, etc.) prior to surgery be sure to mention this when you meet with the anesthesiologist as s/he can usually give you something for those symptoms prior to surgery. As for the surgery itsself, your are usually asleep before you get to the operating room and don't wake up until itls all over and you're in your bed with a pain pump and nurses to check on your needs nearby!

The following is not to scare you, but to reassure you that even under inadequate preparation the surgery and subsequent pain involved is managable. In March I went in for a laparoscopic hysterectomy to relieve the symptoms of fibroids. The only prep was no food or liquids after midnight and I was expecting to wake with three small incisions, return home the next day and be back on my feet in a week, return to work in 4 weeks. Instead, I woke up with an unanticipated diagnosis of ovarian cancer and a 6-inch vertical incision. Not optimal. PLUS my respiration was too low for them to give me ANY pain meds - fortunately; I was still so full of anesthesia I kept drifting back out until I finally woke with a pain pump. If not a worst-case scenario, pretty close. I was not prepared in any way for such major surgery and I did fine with both pain management and recovery.

The suggestions above from people who had a more normal experience with this than I did are all very valid: walk as much as you are capable of, drink lots of fluids, be careful with your diet, follow your doctor's recommendations and make your needs and concerns known to your health care providers. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions.

Wishing you the best on the 24th!

Lyn

Thank you
Hi Inyeholt,

Thank you for all of the information. I felt better after reading it. Again thank you for taking the time. Surgery date changed to 7-1 now I have another week to worry.


tomcat 57

tomcat 57

strawberrygal said:

Surgery same date as mine
Tomcat,

I most definitely know just how you feel. My hysterectomy is scheduled for the same day as yours...and I too am scared amd worried. I have have never had any surgery before and heck. I don't even like the IV's! But hang in there....we will both be fine......Stay strong and try not to worry.


Love Pat

Hi Strawberrygal / Date Change
I went to the DR. and was told that my surgery date was changed from 6-24 to 7-1.
In a way I just wanted to get it over with. So now I have another week to worry. I hope everthing goes well for you. I will be thinking of you. I thought it was funny that 2 worry warts were having it done at the same time. I wish you well. Please contact me maybe we can make each other fell better.

tomcat 57

kayandok

kayandok said:

surgery 5 times
Hi tomcat, as a veteran of 5 surgeries (4 after my ovca dx) I have to say that it is not anything to worry about. Just get the meds, go to sleep and trust God and the docs to do their thing. The first week afterwards, there is usually some discomfort, but take the meds, if they don't work, get the menu for what else they have and find something that works. Being out of pain is a key to being able to relax and let the body heal. The first time you get up, you are going to think you will never even bend, but if you do exactly what the PT tells you to do, you will be amazed how easy it gets very quickly. I always amaze myself at how quickly I get up and start walking. It gives me a phychological boost and puts me on the path to recovery quicker. The body is an amazingly flexible thing!!

Depending on the extent of your surgery, it is really good to have plenty of help for when you go home. If you don't have that, I think there are options in the States, right? You can go to a rehab (is that what it is called?) type place. Don't put yourself in a position where you feel stressed, that goes against the natural healing process, I think.

Depending on how much they need to remove, your surgery time will be determined. The longer you are out, the more recovery time you will need it seems. As was already mentioned, make sure you have a onco/gyno that has a good reputation and knows what he is doing. Ask as many questions as you need to - knowledge is power and powers dissipates the fear.

Be strong and have faith.

Warm hugs,
Kathleen

correction
I just re-read my post, "diaphram" is meant to ready "omentum" and title above should read "surgery 4 times". I get to typing and my fingers have a mind of their own...

k:)