Healing time after surgery

Lorikat
Lorikat Member Posts: 681 Member
in Anal Cancer #1
I go back to MDA mid January for my first post treatment checkup. IF I have to have surgery after all (I hope not) how long does it take to heal and return home? IF a colostomy becomes necessary how long does ir take to heal and learn how to manage the bag?

PLEASE KNOW THAT I PRAY AND REALLY BELIEVE THAT I WILL HAVE A GOOD CHECK UP!!!! However I have to know how to handle the worse as well. This is how I handle stressful situations. Be ready either way...........

If you had treatment away from home do you have a local oncologist, and if so, why? I am having a difficult time finding one here.

All information will be appreciated. Thanks, Lorie

Comments

  • rlridings
    rlridings Member Posts: 42
    #2
    healing time
    here's hoping they tell you surgery isn't needed - if they do it takes 4-5 days in the hospital to recover and they send you home w a drain tube which comes out once it is only giving off a little fluid - if you have surgery at MDA and then go home w the drain (like I did) have a doctor locally who agrees to take it out before you have the surgery because they don't like being asked to clean up after someone else's work - I thought I woiuld walk into the ER and have them pull it - wrong! Re: the bag the main thing that takes getting used to is how foreign it is - and gross - the grossness fades - I never had any problems with the process of emptying - it just takes time to get over the shock of coming into such close contact with what used to just drop into the water
  • Lorikat
    Lorikat Member Posts: 681 Member
    #3
    rlridings said:

    healing time
    here's hoping they tell you surgery isn't needed - if they do it takes 4-5 days in the hospital to recover and they send you home w a drain tube which comes out once it is only giving off a little fluid - if you have surgery at MDA and then go home w the drain (like I did) have a doctor locally who agrees to take it out before you have the surgery because they don't like being asked to clean up after someone else's work - I thought I woiuld walk into the ER and have them pull it - wrong! Re: the bag the main thing that takes getting used to is how foreign it is - and gross - the grossness fades - I never had any problems with the process of emptying - it just takes time to get over the shock of coming into such close contact with what used to just drop into the water

    Thanks so much for the
    Thanks so much for the info..... Ran into the "NO DOCTOR" problem already... Will be sure to cover that base before I go, even though I hope NOT to need surgery.. I just always have to be prepared for the worse as well as hope for the best. Thanks, Lorie
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    #4
    Hang in there
    Lorikat ... my oncologist is on the east coast and I live in the west. I see my Primary care physician for any issues ... I am 9 months out. If you have a good primary care physician, get reestablished there perhaps. Be strong and well. I understand your worry ... it is not easy, especially that first check up. Meditate, pray or do what keeps your soul well! xoxoxoxo big hug to you.

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