Hoping for some positive vibes...and reassurance?

NewDay said:

Wise advice before surgery

 

Hi Jenn,

I remember well being where you are today although it's been a year.  My fear was through the roof, much of it due to googling statistics.  As you will hear from others, they are based on old data and there have been a lot of advances in treatment.  We certainly hope you don't need any treatment beyond the surgery and the only long term effect will be the incovenient, but necessary future scans.  You are still young, so your recovery should not be too bad.  My surgery was laparoscopic.  I went back to work after six weeks, but I am older and had other health problems so you may not need that long.  The first young Urologist that was going to do my surgery told me two weeks.  I don't know what he was thinking.  Mine was discovered as a result of scans for abdominal pain and weight loss.  While it may be hard to see yourself as blessed right now, you and I and many here are because, had it not been for other health problems, the tumor would not have been found in time.

Being a woman, I can offer one bit of advice men wouldn't appreciate.  One of the smartest things I did was purchase a neck pillow when I started driving.  The largest incision is in your pelvis right where the seat belt crosses.  I found that laying a neck pillow over my pelvis with the open part over the incision and belt going over it kept the belt lifted away from the incision.  I thought it was quite ingenious and tried to think of a way to get rich quick by patenting it as a medical device.

It will probably be about a week after surgery that you will get your pathology report.  Be sure to get a copy and share the details with us so we can offer additional advice.

Finally, I will leave you with advice I received from Icemantoo the night before my surgery which was wise advice.  Had to dig through old posts for this:

"Do drink the liquid plumber tonight

Do get a good nights sleep
Do relax before surgery
Do think about all the NEDs to come
Do keep a sence of humor

Don't run down the hospital corridor with the IV attached
Don't even think about the Nathan's hot dog eating contest
Don't go on a roller coaster until next summer
Don't get on a Harley for at least 4 weeks

Icemantoo"

BTW:  "NED" means "no evidence of disease".

I'm glad you found us.  Feel free to lean on us as needed.

Kathy

 

 

Liquid Plumber... that is toooo much... 

Jenn.. as you can see we all try to keep our humor in spite of it being a serious disease...  it helps for sure..!!  Remember the fear is way worse than the surgery..  It won't be long until you look back and smile...

Ron

I was in shock for about 4 weeks, until I had enough info to put together a plan of attack.  The first step is getting that mass out and recovery.  After that, scans and results will guide your path.  Live one day at a time.  These guys are a wealth of knowledge and correct about not paying attention to most of the internet info.  The data is way behind current treatment results.  There are options out there, just need to find the best one for you. 

Keep the faith.  Good luck!

Lou

Jenner86 said:

Thanks to everyone! 12 hours to go...

Hi all!  

Tomorrow is the big day...I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to tell me their stories and words of wisdom!

I hope to be able to be one of the people doing the pep-talks soon.  

talk to you next week!

 

jen

good luck jenner and we will see you when you get back x

Jenner86 said:

Thanks to everyone! 12 hours to go...

Hi all!  

Tomorrow is the big day...I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to tell me their stories and words of wisdom!

I hope to be able to be one of the people doing the pep-talks soon.  

talk to you next week!

 

jen

Show that tumor who is boss!  It's been hitchhiking way too long!

NO PRISONERS!  KICK ITS A55!!!!

With you in spirit!

Michael

Jenner86 said:

Thanks to everyone! 12 hours to go...

Hi all!  

Tomorrow is the big day...I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to tell me their stories and words of wisdom!

I hope to be able to be one of the people doing the pep-talks soon.  

talk to you next week!

 

jen

Good luck. Praying for good clean removal and quick recovery.

You will be amazed how much better you feel every day!

icemantoo said:

Piece of cake

The surgery will not be fun, but getting the Cancer out of you will make it worth it. My Dr. wrote on my Discharge Summary that I was discharged 2 days post surgery without pain.

I do not know what he was drinking at the time he wrote this.

 

Icemantoo

I really bothered me in the three weeks before the surgery that I had this thing growing inside of me.  It not only depressed and pissed me off but the thought of it was pretty gross. It is true that it will hurt tomorrow and you will have trouble breathing for a while but the thing will be gone.  This is a  really good feeling. Sending prayers and thoughts your way. 

Donald