New and just beginning

Tichondria

A little about myself I guess is in order. Currently 36 (just had birthday on the 10th). For years I delt with abnormal periods, between ages of 20-28 I had no period. All the while I've been diagnosed as 1. Morbidly obese (was loosing weight though, YAY me. Went from 340 to 263 but that is on hold for now) 2. PCOS 3. Pre-diabetic. I have ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer on mothers side of things. Colon cancer on fathers side. So I guess in a way I feel like every single thing that could "enchance" my ability to get cancer was there. The obesity was my own fault, but everything else... I just chalk that up to unlucky genetics.

I tend to be a pretty laid back kind of girl. Probably my reasoning for not going in sooner. Would you believe I refused to have paps done or anything else since I was 16? I think I had 1 pap done when I was around 25.. but can't remember if I did or not. I guess to be blunt, I didn't want to see another doctor, just to have them tell me everything was fine and it was all in my head. Been told this so many times, it felt like listening to a broken record. I guess when you have a hard youth growing up, and classified as Bi-polar/PTSD, they just assume it's your depression making you feel sick and bad.

However, I finally couldn't stand the constant pain and went to see a gynocologist in December of 2015. At the time, he didn't automatically refuse to listen to me. I told him I was just comming to him because I wanted a hysterectomy. I was tired of the non stop bleeding/clotting or the on/off again bleeding that was requiring me to wear depends because I never knew when it was going to happen. However, he then did something none of the rest of them did, he ordered for a ultrasound of the abdominal area and a trans vaginal ultrasound. I didn't get to see him again until Feb 22nd. (Again, I was procrastinating but finally told myself, enough was enough).

On that day he said due to what the results showed from the ultrasounds and with my lining being thicker as well as my family history and past history of issues, he wanted to do a biopsy that day. I agreed (and let me tell you.. I was not one of those women who only felt minor discomfort.. that was the most painful thing I've had other than when my appendix burst when I was 18). But then was told, not to worry he was only looking for reasons for such weird bleeding and was ruling things out.

I of course didn't worry so much until on the 25th of feb. I recieved an "urgent" email (no home phone at the time, I prefer to use my computer to make phone calls) and so I set up an appointment with him for March 3rd. Not even going to state how nervous I was between those few days. On one hand, I had recieved 3 letters in the mail that all stated I needed to be seen imediately and or I needed to call to get the results. However, I would call and they were telling me  Icould not be told over the phone as the doctor did not OK it, and I had to talk to him. That did nothing for my anxiety but thanks to my husband it was at least livable LOL.

He came in, and without smiling, he said.. "I have good news for you and I have bad news for you" I asked him what the good news was. He told me that the pap smear came back clear and no sign of HPV. I sighed in relief because I knew HPV has strains that can cause cancer. However, then he looked me in the eye, got up.. put a hand on my shoulder and said, "but I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but as of now you have grade 1 endometrial cancer."

I think he was surprised I didn't cry, in fact, my eyes didn't even tear up. It's funny you know.. the whole time waiting to hear the news I thought the worst and was worried, but the moment he actually confirmed my fears. It was like this weird calm came over me. And I remember in complete detail everything he told me that day, including how he looked, the way he moved.. the smell of the room.. the look on my husbands face. It's crystal clear, ask me to tell you what I ate yesterday and I couldn't tell you. I'm sorry that this is so long.. but the only person I've really had even seem remotely concerned for me has been my husband and old friend from england and my husband's mother/father. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but it's like, once I let my family and closest friends know, they have all just kind of dissapeared. I don't know if it's because they are worried, or just don't care. But in all actuality, it really doesn't bother me.

I think that is what worries me a little. That those things don't really bother me. Ah well.. perhaps it's just the way I handle this. However, I am scheduled for my radical hystorectomy on the 16th, with my gyno/oncol. Starting tomorrow I get to start the whole, drink 2 8oz glasses of Golytely for the 14th starting at noon, and again on the 15th starting at noon, with nothing but liquids. And none of the liquids can have red or purple colors. I thought that odd but i'm good with that. I have stalked up on boulion, broth, apple juice, and lots of other juices that have no bits of fruit in them and don't have red or purple.

I am a little nervous about the surgery as she is doing it laproscopically and removing everything vaginally. Only nervous due to the fact that many websites have stated that usually those with uterine cancer have abdominal procedures to reduce chances of contamination? But then I read forums and many ladies had theirs done same way. So not quite sure what to think about that. I know grade 1 is the lowest grade and i'm forever greatfull to hear that. I'm just concerened about the staging at this point.

I also had to have a CT w/conrast done of my abdominal area because my gyno/oncol was worried about my off/on of constipation/diarrhea and the severe edema in my legs/feet I have suffered with that has gotten worse over the past year or two. But I had that done a few days ago and I've heard nothing about those so I'm just assuming they probably found nothing. Or.. she will go over them with me on the 16th when I go in for surgery.  Anyway, before I ramble on even more.. (boy this felt good to just say all of this and get it off my chest) I will say thank you to all the women here now and before me, that have given such wonderful information to look at and read. It has helped me in more ways than I can think.

Lou Ann M

So sorry

sorry we had to me this way, but I am glad you found his place.  You will meet many strong and knowledgable women here who will welcome you into our hearts and lives.  It is sad that you had to suffer so long, but I am so glad you found a dr who was willing to listen.  This is the place to ask questions and vent or just write if you need to.  You will get many different options to think about.  Each person had their own unique set of experiences.  It has been over 3 1/2 years since I had my radical hysterictomy and started down this bath.  It had at times been bumpy, butI am still here. I have many moe good days than bad.  You will find out that you are an incredibly strong person.  It sounds like you have a wonderful man by you side.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

It happened to Me

Welcome Peach Sister

Thanks for sharing your story with us.  You are safe with us.  Many people are scared of the "c" word and don't know how to act or react when they find out you have it.  I decided early on that I was talking about it and I would set the tone.  My idea was that if I laughed and joked about being "spayed", it would break the ice and I was positive that I would be fine on the tail end of this journey.  We have alot of stories and encouraging words for you, so don't hesitate to ask the questions.   I'll share a reader's digest version of my journey.  spotting or bleeding from Feb. to May of 2013.  I was 51 and thought I was peri-menopausal or menopausal.  Went to ob/gyn, they did pap and found two different types of cells.  two weeks later, had colposcopy (took biopsy of endometrial lining) and found cancer.  That was June, 2013, they told me I would have hysterectomy and maybe radiation but no big deal they thought.  Went to meet gyn/onc and was told it was a rare cancer (really rare for my age) and it was aggressive.  Was told surgery and possibly chemo. and/or radiation based on what they found.  Radical hyst. July, 2013, found out it already spread and was staged at 3c grade 3. 4 weeks and a couple days (body had to heal), I started chemo. on Aug. 1, 2013.  I ended on Jan. 2, 2014 and have been NED ever sense (No Evidence of Disease).    My family and friends were incredible and I think alot of it has to do with how I reacted to it.    I hope that they step up and support you. 

I'm glad you got it off your chest.  There are so many things this board will provide for you.  Don't look too far in advance and don't look at statistics on internet.    There is a great bunch of women on this board who will be happy to help carry the load of this journey.

Jeanette

EZLiving66

You've come to the right

You've come to the right place and you're safe here.  I'm Eldri, 63, and had a total hysterectomy where my gyno/oncologist did it using the DiVinci robot and removed everything through the vagina.  The surgery went really well and I literally danced out of the hospital the next morning.  Originally I was told I had grade 1, regular old endometrial cancer based on the first biopsy.  Unfortunately, after my hysterectomy, it was determined it was Stage II, Grade 3, UPSC.  My doctor thought he had gotten all the cancer and a CT scan after confirmed they could not find any other tumors.  However, just in case any stray cancer cells had been released when he cut into my uterus, he recommended six rounds of chemo.  I made it through three before I started having some major complications.  Other ladies on this board, breezed through their chemo and even were able to work while having it.

Everyone has different reactions but at least by reading our posts you see the possibilities.  Keep posting and let us know how things are going.  The women on here are the BEST!!

Love,

Eldri

Gardena

Welcome Tichondria

There are a lot of great people here who are happy to listen or share, so please reach out anytime you are in need. I think the beginning of the cancer journey can be some of the hardest days, dealing with all the unknowns. You will find yourself doing things you never thought possible. Looked at that way, cancer can be empowering. When I first found out I had cancer I kept it private and have continued to tell only a handful of close friends and family. Thats just how I am, others share their dx freely. There is no right or wrong way. Regardless of how much or little a person shares with others there will always be the possibility of rejection due to others comfort level hearing the news. Whether it makes them question their own mortality or have a fear of being depended on, or whatever goes thru their head, the result is they step out of our lives. And for that I am grateful. One of my dearest friends said terribly insensitive things to me when she learned of my dx, and was glib and shallow towards me when for the last 12 years we've been thick as thieves and traveled together with our families. She backed away and I am glad she has, as I need and want positive, life affirming people around me. Do I miss her? No, because now I have more room for people I love who care about me. 

I'm happy you have a loving and supportive husband and in laws. I have found my relationship with my husband has been strengthened by my cancer dx. I would not wish this disease on anyone, but when you find yourself on this journey only take along those wanting to come.

As far as your surgery goes, if your doc is using the DiVinci robotic machine it is pretty standard to bag the uterus prior to bringing it thru the vaginal track. Ask your doc to ensure.

Please keep us posted as you proceed, best wishes for a smooth surgery~

TeddyandBears_Mom

Gardena said:

Welcome Tichondria

There are a lot of great people here who are happy to listen or share, so please reach out anytime you are in need. I think the beginning of the cancer journey can be some of the hardest days, dealing with all the unknowns. You will find yourself doing things you never thought possible. Looked at that way, cancer can be empowering. When I first found out I had cancer I kept it private and have continued to tell only a handful of close friends and family. Thats just how I am, others share their dx freely. There is no right or wrong way. Regardless of how much or little a person shares with others there will always be the possibility of rejection due to others comfort level hearing the news. Whether it makes them question their own mortality or have a fear of being depended on, or whatever goes thru their head, the result is they step out of our lives. And for that I am grateful. One of my dearest friends said terribly insensitive things to me when she learned of my dx, and was glib and shallow towards me when for the last 12 years we've been thick as thieves and traveled together with our families. She backed away and I am glad she has, as I need and want positive, life affirming people around me. Do I miss her? No, because now I have more room for people I love who care about me. 

I'm happy you have a loving and supportive husband and in laws. I have found my relationship with my husband has been strengthened by my cancer dx. I would not wish this disease on anyone, but when you find yourself on this journey only take along those wanting to come.

As far as your surgery goes, if your doc is using the DiVinci robotic machine it is pretty standard to bag the uterus prior to bringing it thru the vaginal track. Ask your doc to ensure.

Please keep us posted as you proceed, best wishes for a smooth surgery~

Welcome

First of all, congrats on losing the weight! That is a major accomplishment.

Sorry for your DX and glad you found us. Like others have said, the early part of learning you have cancer is the hardest. You will find a lot of support and information on this site. So, please stay with us and let us know how you are doing. Also, a thread 'Ladies going through Chemo' is loaded with information on several experiences that happened last year. If you have time to read it, I think it will help you.

For me, the surgery was the easiest part. I had the robotic hysterectomy and it took just over 6 hours. Recovery wasn't too bad. Only took pain pills for the first couple of days.  It is important for you to WALK afterwards. Make yourself do it so that you don't have any clotting issues.

Come back with any questions. Nothing is off limits.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

ConnieSW

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Welcome

First of all, congrats on losing the weight! That is a major accomplishment.

Sorry for your DX and glad you found us. Like others have said, the early part of learning you have cancer is the hardest. You will find a lot of support and information on this site. So, please stay with us and let us know how you are doing. Also, a thread 'Ladies going through Chemo' is loaded with information on several experiences that happened last year. If you have time to read it, I think it will help you.

For me, the surgery was the easiest part. I had the robotic hysterectomy and it took just over 6 hours. Recovery wasn't too bad. Only took pain pills for the first couple of days.  It is important for you to WALK afterwards. Make yourself do it so that you don't have any clotting issues.

Come back with any questions. Nothing is off limits.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

Welcome

I won't repeat what the others have said but heartily agree with them.  I hope your surgery goes well and that everything is early stage, low grade.  No matter what, you've just added a whole bunch of caring people to your corner.

Tichondria

Thank you everyone

It felt so good to just talk this all out and hear some wonderful replies back.  Today is day one of the bowel prep. I'm already hungry but making sure I don't stray from the instructions. I however have a massive headache atm, I hate that. I feel so bad for my husband, this morning I had to take an "emergency" shower, and then call him in because A. I was dizzy and B. I had a HUGE clot that came out and needed him to get the garbage. I admit, I freaked out a little. I've never had these before. Oh sure, little ones every now and again, but this one filled my entire hand. And you know... this has only gotten like this since about 3 days before my appointment with my gyno/oncol. I'm not really sure what to make of it.

Sure I bled heavy for like 3 hours after my biopsy but then everything settled down and was doing just the normal on/off bleeding. Then wham! flood gates opened and then these clots. I'm not sure if my body just knows whats going to happen and now is trying to rid itself of the "thick" lining that was discovered back in December or what. Or if it just knows it's time is about up and so is making me suffer as much as it can before surgery removes this uterus for good. I'm kinda thinking the second. I swear it has a mind of its own and really trying to make me suffer now *laughs*.

I sound a little crazy saying that, but it's honestly how I feel. I also admit, being on a water retention pill, and now for next two days having to drink 2 cups of Golytely to induce diarrhea, I'm a little worried about having any energy. This bleeding has already drained me so much, but now that I have to purpously give myself diarrhea, I worry about being able to do much more than just get up from my couch, do what I need then imediately lay back down. Oh well, I suppose this is just what I have to do to get better huh. I can't wait until the 16th is here and gone and I'm on the road to recovery. I want to see if my body will finally start giving me my energy back, and my life back.

Editgrl

Tichondria said:

Thank you everyone

It felt so good to just talk this all out and hear some wonderful replies back.  Today is day one of the bowel prep. I'm already hungry but making sure I don't stray from the instructions. I however have a massive headache atm, I hate that. I feel so bad for my husband, this morning I had to take an "emergency" shower, and then call him in because A. I was dizzy and B. I had a HUGE clot that came out and needed him to get the garbage. I admit, I freaked out a little. I've never had these before. Oh sure, little ones every now and again, but this one filled my entire hand. And you know... this has only gotten like this since about 3 days before my appointment with my gyno/oncol. I'm not really sure what to make of it.

Sure I bled heavy for like 3 hours after my biopsy but then everything settled down and was doing just the normal on/off bleeding. Then wham! flood gates opened and then these clots. I'm not sure if my body just knows whats going to happen and now is trying to rid itself of the "thick" lining that was discovered back in December or what. Or if it just knows it's time is about up and so is making me suffer as much as it can before surgery removes this uterus for good. I'm kinda thinking the second. I swear it has a mind of its own and really trying to make me suffer now *laughs*.

I sound a little crazy saying that, but it's honestly how I feel. I also admit, being on a water retention pill, and now for next two days having to drink 2 cups of Golytely to induce diarrhea, I'm a little worried about having any energy. This bleeding has already drained me so much, but now that I have to purpously give myself diarrhea, I worry about being able to do much more than just get up from my couch, do what I need then imediately lay back down. Oh well, I suppose this is just what I have to do to get better huh. I can't wait until the 16th is here and gone and I'm on the road to recovery. I want to see if my body will finally start giving me my energy back, and my life back.

You have just gained a bunch

You have just gained a bunch of people in your corner, so I'm glad that you reached out to us.  I remember that pre-surgery liquid diet just not being much fun at all!  If you're tired, just take it easy as much as you can before Wednesday.  For me, the surgery was not bad at all, and this coming from someone who had never had any type of surgery before.  Here's hoping things go well for you on Wednesday and a speedy recovery.

Chris

DrienneB

Tichondria said:

Thank you everyone

It felt so good to just talk this all out and hear some wonderful replies back.  Today is day one of the bowel prep. I'm already hungry but making sure I don't stray from the instructions. I however have a massive headache atm, I hate that. I feel so bad for my husband, this morning I had to take an "emergency" shower, and then call him in because A. I was dizzy and B. I had a HUGE clot that came out and needed him to get the garbage. I admit, I freaked out a little. I've never had these before. Oh sure, little ones every now and again, but this one filled my entire hand. And you know... this has only gotten like this since about 3 days before my appointment with my gyno/oncol. I'm not really sure what to make of it.

Sure I bled heavy for like 3 hours after my biopsy but then everything settled down and was doing just the normal on/off bleeding. Then wham! flood gates opened and then these clots. I'm not sure if my body just knows whats going to happen and now is trying to rid itself of the "thick" lining that was discovered back in December or what. Or if it just knows it's time is about up and so is making me suffer as much as it can before surgery removes this uterus for good. I'm kinda thinking the second. I swear it has a mind of its own and really trying to make me suffer now *laughs*.

I sound a little crazy saying that, but it's honestly how I feel. I also admit, being on a water retention pill, and now for next two days having to drink 2 cups of Golytely to induce diarrhea, I'm a little worried about having any energy. This bleeding has already drained me so much, but now that I have to purpously give myself diarrhea, I worry about being able to do much more than just get up from my couch, do what I need then imediately lay back down. Oh well, I suppose this is just what I have to do to get better huh. I can't wait until the 16th is here and gone and I'm on the road to recovery. I want to see if my body will finally start giving me my energy back, and my life back.

Pre Surgery, etc.

If you are subject to migraines and have migraine medications (imitrex/sumatriptan), it can hep with the headache from the bowel prep dehydration. I had to do my bowel prep in a motel room close to the hospital where I had my hyserectomy plus for endometrial cancer. (I had to be at the hospital at 6am) I was so glad I had thought to pack those pills. I was so miserable with cramps and exhaustion the night I was doing the prep, and that  bad headache pre-surgery was not what I needed. I had a colonoscopy first, then the laparscopic surgery a few hours later. What a day.

Hoping the best for you in the next couple of days, and a speedy recovery.

-jane

Tichondria

oh this bowel prep is nasty

Just finished drinking my first 8oz of Golytely and oh my lord it is the nastiest stuff I've ever tasted. My pharmacist said to sip it. Nope... I had to chug or I would never get through it. However I will wait an hour before my next 8oz, because I've heard if you chug all of it, you get terrible gas pains. Thank goodness for apple juice to chase this taste away. I am so glad I don't have to drink liters of this stuff. Just 2 8oz of it for 2 days, and then good to go. I hate the not eating though. Also i'm concerned about the no liquids on day before surgery to, only because I have such hard to find veins, and no liquid means they will have an even harder time finding my veins.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to hope I don't become a new pin cushion. I still remember the horror of my gallbladder surgery, 6 attempts on each arm before they asked someone else to come and try. But this wasn't at the same hospital so I'll probably have much better luck hahaha.

EZLiving66

Tichondria said:

oh this bowel prep is nasty

Just finished drinking my first 8oz of Golytely and oh my lord it is the nastiest stuff I've ever tasted. My pharmacist said to sip it. Nope... I had to chug or I would never get through it. However I will wait an hour before my next 8oz, because I've heard if you chug all of it, you get terrible gas pains. Thank goodness for apple juice to chase this taste away. I am so glad I don't have to drink liters of this stuff. Just 2 8oz of it for 2 days, and then good to go. I hate the not eating though. Also i'm concerned about the no liquids on day before surgery to, only because I have such hard to find veins, and no liquid means they will have an even harder time finding my veins.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to hope I don't become a new pin cushion. I still remember the horror of my gallbladder surgery, 6 attempts on each arm before they asked someone else to come and try. But this wasn't at the same hospital so I'll probably have much better luck hahaha.

I never had to do any of that

I never had to do any of that before my surgery.  All they told me was nothing to eat after midnight and nothing to drink after 6:00 a.m. - my surgery wasn't until the afternoon.

I have the same vein problem but after a few tries they brought in this older nurse who told me she had 31 years experience finding veins.  She did it all by feeling my arm and I never felt a thing.  When I had to have my port installed they called her in again and ta!da!, she found it right away!!  I hope the same things happens for you!!

Love,

Eldri

Tichondria

Can't take certain meds

Can't believe how grouchy I am with not being able to eat. I mean.. granted I never ate much to begin with, but I at least would have a salad or some soup. Not being able to eat has given me a horrendous headache, and I can only take acetaminophen. Because apparently Ibuprofen is not allowed, however this tylanol is not working for crud. So atm, I'm hangry (hungry and angry lol) I have a headache the size of Texas, and tomorrow when my mother in law arrives, she was planning to take us out for dinner.

So now I will have to tell her to just take the hubby out, because I guarentee there will be nothing at a restaraunt I can eat. *sigh* This is just the absolute worst part. Because I know I will hardly want to eat after surgery. Bleh!!! really hope they also prescribe anti nausea meds because any of those harder pain meds always makes me sick to my stomach. Here is hoping  this next day goes by very, very quick so I can get to the surgery day hahaha.

BabyCoach

Many of us have had you in

Many of us have had you in our thoughts these last few tough days.  Let us hear back how you are doing.

Tichondria

The surgery went well

I ended up staying an extra night though because my bladder didn't want to "wake up". And neither I, nor my husband wanted to straight cathe myself. They wanted to release me the following day and just straight cath myself. But I looked at them and said.. I can't bend over and do this, when you guys have us lay down to do it.. how does that work? Also my hubby was like.. I will just end up hurting her. So you can put in a more perm. cath and we will just have a doctor there remove it in a day or so or you can keep her one more night.

 

So they kept me one more night, but definitely not without a grumble and saying not sure "if your insurance will approve this" Which either it will or it will not. But your a non profit hospital so the whole "Trying to scare me into leaving" is not going to work. I would rather deal with some of your rude and quite honestly annoying nurses for one more night then try and straight cathe myself and possibly do something very wrong and then I have  more issues to deal with other than just healing up while I wait for my staging.

Trying to get ahold of my doctor was the hardest thing to do. Not sure if they just didn't feel that I was important or what anymore, but I definitely feel that now my surgery is done, that the "nice and helpfull" phase has ended. Instead I'm left with the "Why are you bothering me again for" phase and "Your results from the staging will come in a week or so" so don't bug me phase. Just not quite sure what to think of them. Some of the nurses were so nice, and others I would rather of had them go take care of someone else. Lucky for me, I got roomed in the orthopedic station so I got roomed with a very nice woman who agreed with me whole heartedly on how the nurses were.

And how the doctors were, although I will say hers was way more friendly and responsive. I just tried to sleep most of the second day that she was already gone for, so I didn't "bother" those nurses. I knew how much of a bother I was when the first night I had a cathe. in, my bag almost exploded because it was soo full from no one "absolutely no one" opening it and draining it. And the 2nd nurse who got me after almost 20 hours couldn't believe it. She was like.. the cna never checked. I told her "what cna?" They never came not even once to check my blood pressure, which had been all over the place, from 130/54 to 96/53. Seriously 96/53 and they were not even concerned? bleh. I should stop now Or it will just irritate me some more and I don't need that.

I'm home, I'm safe, and my hubby is doing awesome. I'm up and down on my own, i'm using the bathroom on my own. The only thing I can't do is dress and cook. So I'm happy. I would be happier if this pain would go away. LOL it's weird, out of all the incisions, only 1 of 5 hurts and that is the one on the left side and was swollen and red when I left but looked "ok and fine" to the doctor. But since bathing gently and with warm water has become less swollen and less red. Love my hubby!!

EZLiving66

Welcome to the world of

Welcome to the world of modern medicine!!  I was sent home after my gallbladder surgery with pneumonia and a collapsed lung.  That night I was so sick my husband took me back to their emergency room.  The doctor there couldn't believe I had been released a few hours before.  Fast foward two weeks and I was STILL in the hospital!  I don't have a lot of faith in nurses and doctors.  I think we have to be our own advocate and I applaud you for holding your ground and staying an extra day.

Hopefully your surgeon got all the cancer and may or may not do any followup therapy "just in case."  That's what happened to me.  My husband was an angel too!

Love,

Eldri

Lou Ann M

Tichondria said:

The surgery went well

I ended up staying an extra night though because my bladder didn't want to "wake up". And neither I, nor my husband wanted to straight cathe myself. They wanted to release me the following day and just straight cath myself. But I looked at them and said.. I can't bend over and do this, when you guys have us lay down to do it.. how does that work? Also my hubby was like.. I will just end up hurting her. So you can put in a more perm. cath and we will just have a doctor there remove it in a day or so or you can keep her one more night.

 

So they kept me one more night, but definitely not without a grumble and saying not sure "if your insurance will approve this" Which either it will or it will not. But your a non profit hospital so the whole "Trying to scare me into leaving" is not going to work. I would rather deal with some of your rude and quite honestly annoying nurses for one more night then try and straight cathe myself and possibly do something very wrong and then I have  more issues to deal with other than just healing up while I wait for my staging.

Trying to get ahold of my doctor was the hardest thing to do. Not sure if they just didn't feel that I was important or what anymore, but I definitely feel that now my surgery is done, that the "nice and helpfull" phase has ended. Instead I'm left with the "Why are you bothering me again for" phase and "Your results from the staging will come in a week or so" so don't bug me phase. Just not quite sure what to think of them. Some of the nurses were so nice, and others I would rather of had them go take care of someone else. Lucky for me, I got roomed in the orthopedic station so I got roomed with a very nice woman who agreed with me whole heartedly on how the nurses were.

And how the doctors were, although I will say hers was way more friendly and responsive. I just tried to sleep most of the second day that she was already gone for, so I didn't "bother" those nurses. I knew how much of a bother I was when the first night I had a cathe. in, my bag almost exploded because it was soo full from no one "absolutely no one" opening it and draining it. And the 2nd nurse who got me after almost 20 hours couldn't believe it. She was like.. the cna never checked. I told her "what cna?" They never came not even once to check my blood pressure, which had been all over the place, from 130/54 to 96/53. Seriously 96/53 and they were not even concerned? bleh. I should stop now Or it will just irritate me some more and I don't need that.

I'm home, I'm safe, and my hubby is doing awesome. I'm up and down on my own, i'm using the bathroom on my own. The only thing I can't do is dress and cook. So I'm happy. I would be happier if this pain would go away. LOL it's weird, out of all the incisions, only 1 of 5 hurts and that is the one on the left side and was swollen and red when I left but looked "ok and fine" to the doctor. But since bathing gently and with warm water has become less swollen and less red. Love my hubby!!

Happy sad

i am so happy that your surgery went well, but sad and angry that you were treated that way.  For me it was a little bit the opposite.  My bowels did not want to wake up and I was beginning to think that they planned to keep me forever.  Now it is time fo you to rest and heal.  Take it nice and easy for awhile.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

TeddyandBears_Mom

EZLiving66 said:

Welcome to the world of

Welcome to the world of modern medicine!!  I was sent home after my gallbladder surgery with pneumonia and a collapsed lung.  That night I was so sick my husband took me back to their emergency room.  The doctor there couldn't believe I had been released a few hours before.  Fast foward two weeks and I was STILL in the hospital!  I don't have a lot of faith in nurses and doctors.  I think we have to be our own advocate and I applaud you for holding your ground and staying an extra day.

Hopefully your surgeon got all the cancer and may or may not do any followup therapy "just in case."  That's what happened to me.  My husband was an angel too!

Love,

Eldri

So glad that part is behind

So glad that part is behind you. And also happy to hear your husband is doing a great job caring for you.

Sorry you had such horrible care at the hospital though.  I was fortunate to have caring people after my surgery. No one should have to deal with bad nurses!

Take care of yourself. Rest and don't lift anything! You are going to have up and down days for a while.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

Tichondria

I'm doing pretty good

Love how amazing my husband is, and my in-laws. If it was not for them, I don't think it would of been as easy to get through.  I still have to wait on the staging of my cancer, but for now. I'm just going to consider myself NED. Until I get something  that tells me otherwise, I will think of myself as NED and not worry. If it turns out I still need treatment then I will take that one step at a time. It does no good to worry myself silly. It will just decrease my healing time, and I'm all about returning to be as normal as possible.

My mother in law is thinking of getting a new car and they were possibly thinking of giving us their other car. My hubby proudly told them, that while he would not look a gift car in the mouth, it was all up to them and no matter what they decided to do with it, he would be happy for them. I can't even begin to describe how amazing the hubby has been. Even with my little ups/downs. And I swear my temper is worse than ever. One moment I'm fine, and the next I feel like a little bit of raving lunatic.

I have decided to quit taking some of my other meds that my normal doctor prescribes for me, because atm... I don't believe it is in my best health to continue them. And that medicine is the phentermine one. I don't think in my current condition it's a good idea to be taking it. My food input has been relatively low since a few days before surgery. I've only eaten 1-2 times a day because the rest of the time I feel full and kind of nauseous. I've mostly been eating light food like scrambled eggs, and drinking apple juice. It just tastes the best atm. Thank you everyone for your replies, I don't feel so alone when you ladies talk with me. I've been a member on a  few msg boards but this is the one that I always come back to, because you ladies talk to me. And I just feel more relaxed. So thank you!!!

Editgrl

Tichondria said:

I'm doing pretty good

Love how amazing my husband is, and my in-laws. If it was not for them, I don't think it would of been as easy to get through.  I still have to wait on the staging of my cancer, but for now. I'm just going to consider myself NED. Until I get something  that tells me otherwise, I will think of myself as NED and not worry. If it turns out I still need treatment then I will take that one step at a time. It does no good to worry myself silly. It will just decrease my healing time, and I'm all about returning to be as normal as possible.

My mother in law is thinking of getting a new car and they were possibly thinking of giving us their other car. My hubby proudly told them, that while he would not look a gift car in the mouth, it was all up to them and no matter what they decided to do with it, he would be happy for them. I can't even begin to describe how amazing the hubby has been. Even with my little ups/downs. And I swear my temper is worse than ever. One moment I'm fine, and the next I feel like a little bit of raving lunatic.

I have decided to quit taking some of my other meds that my normal doctor prescribes for me, because atm... I don't believe it is in my best health to continue them. And that medicine is the phentermine one. I don't think in my current condition it's a good idea to be taking it. My food input has been relatively low since a few days before surgery. I've only eaten 1-2 times a day because the rest of the time I feel full and kind of nauseous. I've mostly been eating light food like scrambled eggs, and drinking apple juice. It just tastes the best atm. Thank you everyone for your replies, I don't feel so alone when you ladies talk with me. I've been a member on a  few msg boards but this is the one that I always come back to, because you ladies talk to me. And I just feel more relaxed. So thank you!!!

Glad it went, and is going well.

I agree with you taking it one step at a time and just taking care of healing from the surgery and not worrying about what the future might or might not bring.  Sorry about your nurses, though.  I've found a wide range in the caring of the nurses I've been exposed to.  Some are just "doing their job" while others truly see it as a calling.  I still remember the one night nurse that thanked me for the privilege caring for me!

Wonderful that you have such a strong support system.  That makes a huge difference.  Continue to eat and drink what tastes good to you.  Your appetite for other things will probably come back faster than you think.

Chris

 

Tichondria

Editgrl said:

Glad it went, and is going well.

I agree with you taking it one step at a time and just taking care of healing from the surgery and not worrying about what the future might or might not bring.  Sorry about your nurses, though.  I've found a wide range in the caring of the nurses I've been exposed to.  Some are just "doing their job" while others truly see it as a calling.  I still remember the one night nurse that thanked me for the privilege caring for me!

Wonderful that you have such a strong support system.  That makes a huge difference.  Continue to eat and drink what tastes good to you.  Your appetite for other things will probably come back faster than you think.

Chris

 

Would love to add you all

I would like nothing more than to add all you wonderful people as friends, but I'm not sure how to do that? I would like to be able to follow you all and see how you all are doing as well.