have OR date for debulking finally

Many of us had chemo before debulking, like you.  I didn't want to wait for surgery, but it really was the best course.  Debulking is a big surgery; chemo first makes it a little easier for the surgeon.

I was excited to go to surgery...get that monster out of me! And scared, too.  All those unthinkable questions.  But, I made it through with little trouble.  Six weeks off work went very quickly, and I didn't feel ready to go back.  But I didn't have any complications.  

Now, I get excited for chemo days!  I feel like I am really doing something to conquer this cancer on chemo days.

Wishing you the best!

Susan P said:

finally OR date for debulking

Just wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to reply to my post with all the wonderful encouragement! i haven/t been a member very long but already feel, so much less alone & oiver whelmed than I diid

 

Now at 8 months into living with OVCA - my hope is high as I get debulked a week from now.  I'll try to keep in touch from hospital.

Thanks again  Susan P from Alberta

I also had 4 rounds of chemo before hysterectomy, which gave me time to research and prepare myself. It was not nearly as hard as I imagined. I was able to get up and walk the day after surgery, epidural / morphine pump was disconnected and catheter was out after 2 days and on day 3 I was eating solid food and out of the hospital. At home for a few of nights I took painkillers and slept in the recliner. I bought abdominal binder and glad that I did, it made getting in and out of bed and using the toilet much easier. Staples were out on day 11. Two weeks after surgery I was driving, hanging at the mall and started on Estrogen to prevent menopausal symptoms. Four weeks after surgery I re-started chemo and had 3 more rounds.

Things to be careful about are not lifting anything heavy and not making any sudden movements. When you cough or sneeze press a small pillow against your belly. Try to stay regular, loose BM is better than constipation. Because of previous chemo, internal and external incisions heal slower. I discovered it the hard way: 1) when my surgical scar popped (took 3 months to completely close) and 2) when 6 months after surgery I developed incisional hernia.

I hope your debulking is successful and recovery is easy. Best of luck!!!

Alexandra

Cafewoman53 said:

Good Luck

You will do well just take it slow and when you can eat try to eat lots of protien it promotes healing .You have already started your fight with the chemo and the surgery is another step on the road to beating back this disease.

It has been oner 3 and 1/2 years since my surgery so I don't remember all the tips to help your recovery but if you google it I'm sure you will find some helpful ideas.

Colleen

glad you are well enough to have surgery. You will need plenty of rest...don't push yourself as you need to heal. Keep us updated when you can....val

Glad to be done said:

Hi Susan -
How did your

Hi Susan -

How did your surgery go?  How is recovery?  I hope all is going well for you

Eileen

 

 

Susan, when you feel up to it, please let us know how you're doing.  I'm hoping and praying hat everything went smoothly for you.

Kelly

Do let us know!

Susan