Preparation for Colon Cancer related Liver resection

Otto605

Hello, it’s been a while since I’ve been here.

In the interim my medical team determined that despite being stage IV colon cancer (diagnosed 2.5 years ago), I am a candidate for a surgical option.  The primary tumor was removed from the colon last March and I am back on chemo getting ready for liver resection sometime late summer/early fall.  I’m looking for help in preparing for the surgery.  What can I do to best prepare my body for the surgery.  I am assuming to increase my aroebic activity, but what else?  Also, what helps improve recovery?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks all!

abita

My surgeon kept saying eat

My surgeon kept saying eat more protein. So I ate 90 grams a day. I am vegan, so ate lots of seitan. I am vegan so it was easier to eat less processed foods, and more foods with good nutritional value. I also tried to start walking a bit. I was only in the hospital for 3 and a half days for my liver resection.

Msboop15

Surgery

Otto65 - sounds like we are on a similar plan.  My primary tumor was removed from my colon  at the end of February. Pending the results of a PET scan next week I will be having the liver metastasis removed on June 24.    I wish I had more time to get prepared for that surgery… To get in better shape. Unfortunately the chemo knocked me for a loop so I haven’t been able to exercise the way I would have liked to. I keep telling myself that even at that I am in better shape than a lot of people. 

Abita, Incredible that you were only in the hospital for 3 1/2 days! Everyone is saying 5 to 6 but now I have a new goal - 3 1/2! 

Elaine

abita

Msboop15 said:

Surgery

Otto65 - sounds like we are on a similar plan.  My primary tumor was removed from my colon  at the end of February. Pending the results of a PET scan next week I will be having the liver metastasis removed on June 24.    I wish I had more time to get prepared for that surgery… To get in better shape. Unfortunately the chemo knocked me for a loop so I haven’t been able to exercise the way I would have liked to. I keep telling myself that even at that I am in better shape than a lot of people. 

Abita, Incredible that you were only in the hospital for 3 1/2 days! Everyone is saying 5 to 6 but now I have a new goal - 3 1/2! 

Elaine

I was the same as you, still

I was the same as you, still recovering from colon resection and going through chemo. So, I totally understand not being able to exercise. But, I wasn't doing anything before, so even walking around the block was considered exercise. every little bit helps. I had also been in the hospital for 3 weeks a few months prior to the liver surgery where I was diagnosed, had colon resection, and built strength back enough to go home. So I was a mess for that. The nurses who had seen me during that first hospital stay were amazed that I was able to recover so fast the second stay!

Otto605

Msboop15 said:

Surgery

Otto65 - sounds like we are on a similar plan.  My primary tumor was removed from my colon  at the end of February. Pending the results of a PET scan next week I will be having the liver metastasis removed on June 24.    I wish I had more time to get prepared for that surgery… To get in better shape. Unfortunately the chemo knocked me for a loop so I haven’t been able to exercise the way I would have liked to. I keep telling myself that even at that I am in better shape than a lot of people. 

Abita, Incredible that you were only in the hospital for 3 1/2 days! Everyone is saying 5 to 6 but now I have a new goal - 3 1/2! 

Elaine

Thanks...please stay in touch

Msboop15,  I hope you’ll stay in touch and let me know how your surgery goes,as well as recovery both in and out of the hospital.  Any insights you can provide would be appreciated.  I’m not worried about this surgery, but want to be mentally and physically as really as I can be.  Thanks.

Cheers, Paul

Otto605

abita said:

I was the same as you, still

I was the same as you, still recovering from colon resection and going through chemo. So, I totally understand not being able to exercise. But, I wasn't doing anything before, so even walking around the block was considered exercise. every little bit helps. I had also been in the hospital for 3 weeks a few months prior to the liver surgery where I was diagnosed, had colon resection, and built strength back enough to go home. So I was a mess for that. The nurses who had seen me during that first hospital stay were amazed that I was able to recover so fast the second stay!

Thanks for the help

abita,

Thanks for your insights and help.  I appreciate it.  I hope you continue to improve and beat our common skurge!

Cheers, Paul