Ready for Surgery

shelfish

My mother is scheduled for debulking surgery December 8th. She is 70 and was diagnosed with stage IV ovairan cancer on Sept 23rd. Her CA-125 was 625 then 115 and now 48. She has had 3 rounds of taxol/carbo and responded fairly well. We are not sure what to expect from surgery. They plan to have her go through 4 to 6 more rounds of chemo after surgery. I have heard that the surgery is very difficult. She is very healthly other then this. She lives alone, about a mile from us. Should we have her stay with us after surgery? Has anyone been through this surgery and did it go well? So many questions.

This board is so helpful. You all are very strong women.

carolyn45

She should be okay
I'm 66 and went through debulking AND a reversal of the ileostomy that was done when an ovarian tumor perforated my colon. No surgery is fun, but this wasn't awful. The worst of it was waiting for my intestines to work again. I had an epidural for surgery that stayed in place so that I could receive Torridal (IV Iburprofen) for pain rather than opiates, since they make me crazy. The surgery was on a Thursday, and I went home to following Tuesday. I DID have my husband and, during the day, a caregiver to be with me. It wasn't absolutely necessary, but I'd be willing to bet that your Mom would be MUCH happier to have someone with her during her first week home.

poopergirl14052

carolyn45 said:

She should be okay
I'm 66 and went through debulking AND a reversal of the ileostomy that was done when an ovarian tumor perforated my colon. No surgery is fun, but this wasn't awful. The worst of it was waiting for my intestines to work again. I had an epidural for surgery that stayed in place so that I could receive Torridal (IV Iburprofen) for pain rather than opiates, since they make me crazy. The surgery was on a Thursday, and I went home to following Tuesday. I DID have my husband and, during the day, a caregiver to be with me. It wasn't absolutely necessary, but I'd be willing to bet that your Mom would be MUCH happier to have someone with her during her first week home.

your mom will come through with flying colors
but she will be weak, so if you can stay overnight the first few days would be a comfort to her. she may need help when going to the bathroom late at night, or just needing her girl there with her for support. Keep us posted..val

Mwee

she should do very well
and you should be very encouraged by her CA-125s. You could have your Mom stay with you, if that would make you both more comfortable. I found the recovery from the surgery easier than the chemo. She shouldn't try to shower, etc. without someone in the house with her till she feels steady on her feet. How wonderful for you both that you live so close by each other. Please let us know how her surgery goes.
(((HUGS))) Maria

anicca

I was 63 when I had my
I was 63 when I had my surgery, and in very good condition. The surgery itself wasn't so bad, but if your mom has stairs in her house, that will be a problem, and it might be better for her to stay with you.

My biggest problem was that I filled up with gas that just wouldn't go away. It was extremely painful and walking did not help. I finally realized that the IV antibiotics had killed off my gut bacteria, and sent my husband out to buy some probiotics. Within 2 hours of the first pill, I felt relief. The one I used is Critical Care by Ultimate Flora. It was a lifesaver!

shelfish

Thanks
Thanks so much ladies. I shared this information with my mom. We are very hopefull that this surgery will go well. She doesn't think that I should stay with her or she should stay with us. She is so positive and just knows that this surgery will go well. She doesn't think it will be a big deal. I have read that some of you have depression that is associated with the medicine and/or diagnosis. I can totally understand why but my mom is so positive. She just wants to get through all this so she can get on with her life. People we talk to, even friends who are doctors, act like this is terminal, no cure. We don't know that and right now, today, things are going well so we are encouraged.

LaundryQueen

shelfish said:

Thanks
Thanks so much ladies. I shared this information with my mom. We are very hopefull that this surgery will go well. She doesn't think that I should stay with her or she should stay with us. She is so positive and just knows that this surgery will go well. She doesn't think it will be a big deal. I have read that some of you have depression that is associated with the medicine and/or diagnosis. I can totally understand why but my mom is so positive. She just wants to get through all this so she can get on with her life. People we talk to, even friends who are doctors, act like this is terminal, no cure. We don't know that and right now, today, things are going well so we are encouraged.

Don't leave mother alone
If I were in your shoes, I would NOT leave my mother alone. I was super positve & otherwise healthy going into surgery & came home in really bad condition. Talk her into "one day at a time" -- if she doesn't want to be fussed over, respect that but don't leave her alone.

shelfish

Thanks
Thanks for the advice.
My mom just came from the oncologist. She said the oncologist was a totally different person. Very optomistic. (He has a wonderful reputation as an gyno oncologist and surgeon but not very touchy feely) He even patted her on the shoulder! He said the disease does not look very impressive. Translation: Chemo has really made an impact and her scans looks great. He said the surgery should not be that bad. They will make an incision because he will do some exploring but he was very optomistic. PTL!