Rectal Cancer (APR) surgery scheduled for husband-need encouragement

Grace14

Dyanclark said:

Pain
One thing I forgot to mention be sure his pain meds in hospital have anti nausea, most pain meds cause headach & nausea.

I also had APR Surgery for
I also had APR Surgery for stage 2 RC Cancer on July 2010. I'll have to say...for me it was a tough recovery. I had an abcess which slowed down my recovery process, then had 4 months of chemo which for me was the worst part of this cancer crap. The first few days after chemo were the worst just make sure you follow the directions as far as meds go and you will be fine. The biggest problem for me was the oxaliplatin I did not like how I could not drink anything cold that was terrible and I had chemo in the winter so I couldn't touch anything cold. He will get through it just fine we all do. I can't believe all the people with stage 2 who have had a recurrence so much for catching it early!!

thxmiker

Our thoughts and Prayers are
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your husband!

My Big C Journey started 2 weeks before my 44th birthday. I am rolling up on 49. Body functions are going to change. It will take some adjustments but this is the new normal. Diet changes, and some life changes will make the entire process easier.

Best Always, mike

danker

lauragb said:

I had this surgery, front
I had this surgery, front open incision with complete hysterectomy in November. I did not have my anus removed and currently have a temporary ileostomy. I will admit that I did have a lot of pain and had issues with getting relief from meds. This isn't typical though.(the meds problem). I didn't walk as much as I should have and ended up with an ileus (blockage) that kept me in the hospital some extra days. That said, I have healed fine from the surgery and feel pretty good right now. I went off pain meds early because I didn't want them to interfere with output after having had the blockage so I did have some pain after I went home but it was tolerable. Your husband sounds like he will sail through just fine. It's another stepping stone in the treatment but once it's done, it's done. I had a great surgeon and stoma nurses so have adjusted well to the ileostomy which by the way will be taken down soon. I am affirming positive thoughts and prayers your way that your husband had a great response to his chemoradiation and will receive a glowing pathology report (well, maybe we don't want it to glow, but one thats shows a big reduction from his initial staging!)
Sending you light,
Laura

lauragb
best of luck with your future take down. Probably from a loose staple,my takedown resulted in a fistula. six more weeks with a bag on the fistula. But it healed itself from the inside out!!! That was all two years ago. living normal life now with just occasional diarrhea. You too will survive like me.especially being younger(I was 77 at the time)
i

ahomsher

surgery
I had a lower anterior resection , done on 03/02/2012 . The first three weeks were tuff a lot of pain and discomfort. Once I figured out what I needed to eat things improved quickly . I started to ride my bike again at about four weeks , but only for about one to two miles . At 8 weeks I did a 28 mile ride with rest stops as needed . I hope you both do well , it falls on both of you and my wife has been spectacular . I am currently doing the post chemo let me know if you have other questions
Aaron

keystone

Hi there!! I am basically in
Hi there!! I am basically in the same situation. My husband was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 45 about a year and a half ago. He has now gone through all of his chemo and has had an iliostomy reversal. I'm so blessed to have a very positive thinking spouse whos faith is very strong. He is cancer free and had very good blood work come back today. Its a roller coaster at times and I find it difficult waiting on results (blood work/scans). He has been challenged since his reversal with an active bowel and wonder often if a perm colostomy would not have been better. Hopefully by this time your hubby is on his way to recovery. If you have any questions since it seems we are on the same pathway don't hesitate to PM me! Prayers for both you and your hubby!!

nomad18826

APR Surgery
I am 45 male and have been caner free for over a year now. My birthday (cancer Free) is April 1st! Not a joke! hahaha. I had stage 3 colorecatal cancer. I had 8 weeks Chemo/Rad, 4 weeks of healing, then the APR with Perm Colostomy, the mass was the size of a plum when found. when removed at surgery it was the size of your fist.I spent 3 days in the Hospital including the surgery day. Then I was home with the bag for 10 weeks before I returned to work. The day I returned to work I also started my 28 weeks of chemo.

It takes some getting used to but its like everything else that sets you back in life. You get thru it. I didn't do well with the pain meds. I didn't want to take them. Not sure if that was good or not, that was just me. I did learn all I could from the internet on the surgery, the care after the surgery and all the cool things ostomates have made and sell for those of us that don't have to sit on the potty anymore. haha. A sense of humor will get you far. I laughed about the cancer, the surgery, and the pain. I never let it get me down and never allowed it to stop me from doing as I wanted. When people would find out and feel sorry for me, I would tell them don't! Or tell them a joke about my surgery or how differently my body is. There's alot of jokes on the internet, and laughter is a great healing tool. it took a little time but I have managed to deal with the pouch and I work full time, teach Karate, ride my motorcycle, play with my kids, date, ect. Any questions you may have feel free to ask. I'll gladly answer.

2007apr

2007
I had this surgery in 2007 and I am still here missed my 3 yr checkup and will schedule it soon. Do I like a bag no, but I am still above ground. I was a week before my 43rd bday and I was stage 3b at the time.