Worried - more update

groundeffect said:

Hi Kirsten,

I've read your postings and your web page, and must say you seem pretty calm about another diagnosis of cancer. I know you'll do well with another surgery! If you're particularly anxious, ask your doctor or nurse for soemthing for anxiety before the surgery. I waited too long before asking the first time I had surgery, and was told it was too late, and that I should have asked sooner - who knew?

Sometimes I've made myself a wreck over the simplest things, like shots, so I know what you're dealing with now. I hope you're not afraid of the vena caval filter - I've had my "Greenfield" filter for five years, and it's not something that I think about much.

You said you had a blood clot before, and still have it - are you taking blood thinners now? Do you know what caused the clotting? I found out that blood clotting in the legs can be a symptom of lower body cancer, as I did.

Have you ever tried deep breathing for relaxation? I was very glad that I had taken a yoga class before my diagnosis, because I used the technique a lot during my treatments.

The best of luck to you - I know you'll do well!

Hi GroundEffect,

Thank you for the encouragement and suggestions.

Like I said, I have no idea why I'm suddenly beset with all these irrational fears. I have had 9 surgeries in my life, and I never was afraid before. And it's not that I'm afraid of what will be found, I'm actually afraid of checking out on the OR table. I said it was irrational.

As far as the filter goes, doesn't it clog up like the drain in the bathtub and require maintenance? Did you get a blood clot and that's why it was put in? I'm not afraid of getting it put in, but I am afraid of it clogging up.

I got my blood clot as a result of chemo. For some odd reason, people are at higher risk of clots while undergoing chemo; no one seems to know why. I was on Coumadin for 6.5 months, and just came off of it due to excessive bleeding post-biopsy 2 weeks ago. My new surgeon says that he will use heparin and lovenox while I'm hospitalized.

You are right. I need to go ahead and ask for "Loopy" meds before surgery. In fact, I should ask for "Loopy" meds right now! I guess I do it wrong, but deep breathing has never helped me - it just makes me dizzy. What does help is visualization. I have a peaceful place I go to when I get stressed; it works! But I can't stay gone in my head all the time; they tend to frown on that at work Believe me, I am far from totally calm, but also far from freaking out.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Thanks for the good thoughts!

Kirsten

tlva said:

Hi Kirsten,

I'm so glad that your grade is low...that is a factor in some circles for risk of recurrence or spread. Lower is better!

When is your surgery? Are you having an abdominal hysterectomy or the less invasive...can't remember the name...surgery where they use the robotic machine with the cameras? They got one at my hospital about a year after my surgery. The healing was tough, but manageable. Lots of lortabs!!

I was just happy after a few weeks that I could straighten up and not have my knuckles drag the floor anymore! And not having to clean house was a bonus. But I did have to pretend that I liked my husband's cooking! Ice cream is a gift from God!!!

Still in my prayers!
Tammy

Hi Tammy,

Thanks for the encouraging words. What was your cancer? What is your follow-up schedule and what does it consist of?

Yes the onc says it looks low grade; and the best news is that it is probably another primary cancer and not a metastasis from my colon cancer.

The surgery is scheduled for July 18. Unfortunately, they said the less invasive surgery (laproscopic?) is not an option. While they are in there they are going to have a look at my colon and everything else to see if there is anything obvious going on that shouldn't be. The really good news is that he has agreed to do an elliptical incision and get rid of the fat pad that I've had my whole life. He agrees that is would compromise healing if he did a traditional "bikini" cut. So I have something to look forward to once my knuckles stop dragging the ground. I'm not looking forward to another abdominal surgery in less than a year, but on the other hand, I need to count my blessings.

I have stocked up on books and movies for recuperation, and my husband's cooking is better than mine, anyway. I'm not the world's greatest housekeeper; I'm ok as long as the bathrooms and kitchen are clean. And you are right, ice cream IS a gift from God! So are pain meds:)

I am thankful for all the encouragement and hope I get from people like you. This website is a blessing.

Kirsten