Anticipation

I'm so sorry you had that result from your radiation. How awful. It often seems like the side effects of cancer can be worse than the cancer itself. I felt fine when I still had my cancer but I've never been the same since they got rid of it.

Anyway, regarding the surgery. I was more firghtened to have the hysterectomy I had several years before the cancer surgery. I'm terrified of needles and any thing medical related. At that time I hadn't had a surgery in many years and had forgotten what it's like. I was the only one crying in the area they had designated for pre- surgery patients. I felt stupid but I couldn't stop myself. The hysterectomy was a breeze, as it turned out.

My point is that I remember the fear of the unknown so I can really relate to how you're feeling. When I went for my cancer surgery I knew it was more intensive than the hysterectomy but I wasn't crying and scared because I knew how good they are with pain management and that the surgical suite isn't so bad, just cold, and I'd be taken care of after to the best of their abilities. Also, I felt like the tumour was like an evil little troll sitting there in my colon and I just wanted the little b*****d out of there as soon as possible. I remember telling people I wish I could be awake so I could laugh all the way through my surgery as they took it out. I was so angry it was there. A nasty uninvited guest.

So presurgery it was just getting an IV line put in but it's a small one so it's not bad at all. When I woke up I was pretty messed up and I don;t remember much other than them getting me into a bed. The next day I didn't get up because I was still to messed up. But by the end of the day I was walking. I walked everywhere as often as possible because I wanted to go home. I went home after just a few days, I can't remember exactly how many. I'll leave it at this because I had complications within days of being home and it desn't happen often so there's no point addressing it.

You'll likely be pleasantly surprised at how not bad it is. They take a good look at everything while they're in there so you get that reassurance afterwards, too. Best of luck with your surgery! Get that little bugger out of there and be well!

Jan

I was 49 when I got the same diagnosis and was just as devistated as you are now. 2.5 years later I'm happy to report that life is still great and living with colostomy is not a big deal as long as I dont get the cancer back. 

My surgery was 10 hours because the took one of my abdominal musckes and filled up the space with it where the rectum used to be so my intestines don't sink into my pelvis. I highly recommend this option since especially with your complication and women's anatomy you have a greater possibility. They also use this to close the anal area so you heal better and don't have the so called Barbie Butt (no crack)

Was 6 days in the hospital, felt good after a month and was back to the new normal after 6 months.

Consult with a good ostomy nurse about the location and care of your colostomy asap.

I recommend you to start taking 400mg Cimetidine twice a day (over the counter) starting 2 weeks before the surgery and 2 weeks after To prevent the spreading of the cancer during surgery.

100% to consider the abdominal flap surgery. Even postpone your surgery if you need more time to coordinate this. Don't let anybody rush you or compromise your health and comfort. This is the only life you got.

Start walking as soon as you can and as much as you can.

Dont wait for the pain to start. Take your painkillers regularly.

Get on the UOAA website for colostomy info.

Ask me any concerns you have.

Wish you all the best,

Laz

I did not have radiation, but I had nearly the same surgery when I was 63.  For me the doctor recommended a total hysterectomy instead of repair.  He said it made his surgery easier to do.  I had no objection since I was past child bearing years and felt it removed additional organs where cancer might hide.

Prior to surgery you should meet with an ostomy nurse to mark best location for the stoma.  The nurse should also give you information about supplies and vendors.  There are several major companies who will send you samples to try so you can find what fits you and your lifestyle best.

At my hospital you go into a pre-op room, where you change into a gown and get an IV started.  A few minutes before going to surgery, I was given a "sleep shot" thru the IV, so I have no memory of going into OR.  The total time for the surgery I understand was about 6 hours, or maybe a bit longer, since there was lots to do.

I actually did not wake until after being put in my room.  I am sure they roused me in the recovery room, but don't remember it.  I had a morphine pump attached to the IV.  It dispensed meds initially on a schedule.  I also had a "button" to request extra.  Not sure if it did dispense more, but it did give them info regarding my pain needs so they could adjust it.

I had a complication of the bowel twisting so had to have a second surgery within 3 days.  Not long, same drill about no memories.  Total I think I was in hospital about 14 days.  Stay would have been much less if not for the complication.

Walking will be key to getting the bowel to start output again, but don't go without an escort.  Early on, I would walk holding my belly above the cut line.  Don't know that it was necessary, but made me feel less like it would all fall on the floor...lol.  Having output from the ostomy is essential to getting sprung from the hospital, so eat as they allow you. 

My incision was basically hip bone to hip bone laterally and just above the pelvic bone.  My surgeon elected for "surgical super glue" for the closing of the external butt area.  He felt it worked better than stitches.

When I got home I found that any jarring on the bed caused me pain.  I have 2 cats who like to jump, so had to exclude them from the room.

I also found that for the first week or so, sleeping in a recliner...not full out...was good...particularly since it helped to keep me from much side to side movement...I am a restless sleeper.

The nurse recommended high protien foods to promote healing, and also small meals more often.  I also used Boost with protien to help supplement.

Recovery is probably about 6 weeks by the time you get the external staples out. I was able to do without pain meds within a week home.

Lifting heavy things will remain a no-no because with the surgery abdominal muscles are cut and therefore weakened.  The definition of "heavy" takes on a new meaning.  During recovery, anything more than a gallon of milk was heavy.

Everyone responds differently.  Some respond more quickly than others.  During your at home recovery, it would be good to have someone with you to see that you get meds and foods on a schedule.  You can keep the help until you feel you can manage on your own.

I chose not to do chemo, so I can't give you any experiences there.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask here.  My surgery was just over 6 years ago, and while an adjustment, living with an ostomy has been no problem.

Hugs and best wishes,

Marie who loves kitties