liver colon resection

Many have been through it and are doing fine. I had the colon resection, then two liver resections, and I'm here and the last year and a half, I'm clear, so take heart. You've got stuff to go through, a "new reality", but if you follow this blog you'll hear from a bunch of people who are living life while dealing with pretty tough stuff. I've gone 8 years from diagnosis,, others have over ten and battled all the way, but that may be too much to ponder right now. Most of us seem to do best staying "in the moment" focusing on what gets you through each day, and being your own advocate when they tell you your choices. Expect a good result, it pays to be optimistic on the journey.....................Dave

In February 2009 I had about 40% of my liver resected along with about 12 inches of my colon.  During the operation I had an HAI (hepatic arterial infusion) pump implanted.  After that surgery I had about 8 months of systemic as well as HAI chemo.  I have been NED since that surgery (almost 7 years now...).  I had 5 liver mets spread over both sides of my liver.

My surgery lasted about 8 hours and I had two teams operate on me at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.  The liver team was first and colon team second.  

The day after the surgery I was up walking the floors and by the 7th day I was doing about a mile in laps around the floor (walking of course... ;0 ).  I left the hospital the 8th day after my surgery.  It was painful recovery as I had a railroad track of stitches from my breastbone all the way down to my c-section scar.  The pain pump was very useful but I still felt pain.  I was "scrunched over" for a few weeks after the surgery.  I took no painkillers by the second week although I do have a high tolerance for pain.  It took about 6-8 weeks to recover completely as the liver re-generation takes up quite a bit of your body's energy and can leave you feeling run-down.  I definitely took it easy and listened to my body.  No heavy lifting for a good period of time after the surgery.

I had no complications during my recovery.

There are many on this board that have gone through this very same surgery and it is well worth the pain and discomfort as surgical intervention offers the best opportunity for sustained NED status.  

My suggestions would be to bring gum (chewing will get your intestines moving a bit more quickly after), walk as soon and as much as possible after your surgery, and bring electronic devices to keep you occupied.  I brought my sewing (hobby) but was too uncomfortable to engage in that activity while in the hospital.

Where are you being treated?

Please PM me or post here if you have additional questions.

All the best, 

Amy