Debulking Surgery

JulieL
JulieL Member Posts: 141
in Peritoneal Cancer #1
Next week I have an appointment with my Oncologist to discuss and plan surgery following my third cycle of Carbo/Taxol. I would like to ask for any comments, advice, information from those of you who may have had this surgery please - also questions to ask!

I have been fortunate and not had too much in the way of side effects from the chemo - have had hair loss, tingly feet and very minor nausea.

There has been another good drop in my CA125 at the end of the second cycle from 191 to 67 which was great news. Came down the previous cycle from 658 to 191. The chemo seems to be doing its job!

Thanks.

Julie (Australia)

Comments

  • wanttogetwellsoon
    wanttogetwellsoon Member Posts: 147
    #2
    Surgery
    Hi Julie. I'm afraid I can't really help since I didn't have debulking surgery. I'd already had many of my organs out - the ones I didn't really need of course. There are people here who have and I'm sure they'll be able to give you some sound advice and questions you might want to ask. However, I would like to wish you well on this journey. I'm really glad the treatment is having a good effect. :)
  • Anxious Kathy
    Anxious Kathy Member Posts: 21
    #3
    Surgery Soon
    Hi Julie! My husband was diagnosed at the end of November...he's had 5 rounds of the same chemo. Very nauseated and extremely tired but handling it as best he can. We too are heading toward the surgery. He is having a CT scan today to see if the chemo is being successful. that will determine if they will do more chemo or start talking surgery. Our prayers are with you as we face the same road that you are on! I have heard that the recoup time is hard but so many seem to be doing well after the surgery..stay as positive as you can! Kathy
  • MarisaUK54
    MarisaUK54 Member Posts: 41
    #4
    Debulking anniversary...
    Hello Julie

    I am in London and wanted to give you a positive view regarding debulking surgery.
    This time exactly last year, I had just been returned to the ward at St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster (right opposite the Houses of Parliament) following debulking from Primary Peritoneal Cancer.
    It was a long night but I was doing ok and after a visit from the pain control team in the morning, I was well on my way to full recovery. I was up and about on the Saturday morning and amazed my family by texting to tell them that I was guzzling a much needed coffee and awaiting a wonderful hot shower. I was home on Feb 9th, two more chemo's and I returned to work in May. It was really ok. My advice would be to take all pain relief and if whatever is not working, tell them. A wonderful lad from the Pain Control Team told me that discomfort was unacceptable and he wouldn't rest until he saw "his ladies" settled and comfortable. He gave me the PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia), where you get a little button that gives you a little blast of pain relief when you need it and it worked a treat. Saying this, I only needed it for the day after and was off most pain relief by the Sunday (surgery Thursday).
    I have my next 3 month check up next week and fingers crossed my CA125 will still be low. The scar on my tummy has really faded and next to my 30year old my ceasarian section scar, it is a real masterpiece.
    All in all, my experience of surgery wasn't that bad. Sure, I was nervous and the NHS not being what it was but it was really ok; I was only glad to get the nasties removed! The best part was the view from my room over London and the Thames; you'd pay a fortune for a hotel room like that!!

    I hope some of this gives you encouragement. I am constantly up lifted by the stories from ladies on this site; we're really special people...

    All the best
    Marisa
  • MarisaUK54
    MarisaUK54 Member Posts: 41
    #5
    Think this posted twice,
    Think this posted twice, sorry!
  • Tasgirl
    Tasgirl Member Posts: 85
    #6
    Hi Julie
    One of the main
    Hi Julie
    One of the main things to do is make sure you have a gyn/onc do the surgery - but I am sure if you are already going to an oncologist he will recommend the right one for you.
    If you want someone to talk to I can give you a call (when I get home as I am on holidays) and try and answer any questions that I can.

    Jenny
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642
    #7
    Tasgirl said:

    Hi Julie
    One of the main
    Hi Julie
    One of the main things to do is make sure you have a gyn/onc do the surgery - but I am sure if you are already going to an oncologist he will recommend the right one for you.
    If you want someone to talk to I can give you a call (when I get home as I am on holidays) and try and answer any questions that I can.

    Jenny

    Debulking Surgery
    ...unless of course you have secondary peritoneum cancer like from the colon or appendix or gallbladder! A gyn/onc surgeon wouldn't touch you. There is a lot more success in the gyn/onc side of things as they believe that PPC is chronic whereby the gastro people have the opposite view, for some reason, don't know why! Good luck with the surgery!
    Cheryl
  • JulieL
    JulieL Member Posts: 141
    #8
    MarisaUK54 said:

    Debulking anniversary...
    Hello Julie

    I am in London and wanted to give you a positive view regarding debulking surgery.
    This time exactly last year, I had just been returned to the ward at St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster (right opposite the Houses of Parliament) following debulking from Primary Peritoneal Cancer.
    It was a long night but I was doing ok and after a visit from the pain control team in the morning, I was well on my way to full recovery. I was up and about on the Saturday morning and amazed my family by texting to tell them that I was guzzling a much needed coffee and awaiting a wonderful hot shower. I was home on Feb 9th, two more chemo's and I returned to work in May. It was really ok. My advice would be to take all pain relief and if whatever is not working, tell them. A wonderful lad from the Pain Control Team told me that discomfort was unacceptable and he wouldn't rest until he saw "his ladies" settled and comfortable. He gave me the PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia), where you get a little button that gives you a little blast of pain relief when you need it and it worked a treat. Saying this, I only needed it for the day after and was off most pain relief by the Sunday (surgery Thursday).
    I have my next 3 month check up next week and fingers crossed my CA125 will still be low. The scar on my tummy has really faded and next to my 30year old my ceasarian section scar, it is a real masterpiece.
    All in all, my experience of surgery wasn't that bad. Sure, I was nervous and the NHS not being what it was but it was really ok; I was only glad to get the nasties removed! The best part was the view from my room over London and the Thames; you'd pay a fortune for a hotel room like that!!

    I hope some of this gives you encouragement. I am constantly up lifted by the stories from ladies on this site; we're really special people...

    All the best
    Marisa

    Thank you all
    I really appreciate the responses to my query re surgery - thank you all very much. I will certainly make sure I use any and all pain control and relief Marisa! I am seeing my surgeon this Friday to set a date!

    Thanks again everyone.

    Julie

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