open surgery... what to expect???

Sorry
Sorry you have cancer and have to go through the surgery. Not sure what you mean about "open surgery." If that means that you will have a large incision from above belly button to pelvic area then that is common and hospital stay doesn't seem unrealistic. My tumor was in rectum too, but no lymph nodes involved. Not sure what kind of surgery you are having, is an ostomy involved, removal of rectum, or just resection. You will be sore, but the more you get up and walk around after surgery, the better and faster you will heal. My pathology report came back great with clear margins, but still did "mop up chemo" in case any cells got loose. Sure glad of that because that is a good "insurance" for the future. Good luck!

Kim

Hi Mark
I had my open abdominal surgery the first part of December. My very talented surgeon took out the lower part of my sigmoid colon and part of my rectum for clear margins. He then reconnected the healthy parts of my colon back together.

I'm a nurse and for years took care of these kinds of patients. It's been years since I have taken care of them, but it's amazing how it all comes back to you. ) You're however, facing the unknown. I totally can empathize with your curiosity. Sometimes the best way to alleviate would be through knowledge. Ask tons of questions of what you can expect and what they expect of you.

The best advice I can offer to you, after surgery and for quicker recovery, is to get up and walk. I was up and out of bed the morning after surgery. I'm not a back sleeper, so it was more a matter of comfort, plus, as much as it hurt, I knew my lungs, veins, and kidneys would love me for it. ) Unfortunately, some people have a tube that goes in their nose and down into their stomachs. It's mainly for decompression and nausea. I didn't have one. They are uncomfortable and they suck. I was VERY grateful that I got away without having to have one.

I also started using my incentive spirometer, which is a device that helps you breathe deeper to keep pneumonia at bay. By that evening, I was up and out of bed again and walking as far as I could go. I think I might have only gone 20 feet, one way. Remember though, you have to walk that far back to bed as well, so don't go too far. By the second day post-op, I was walking the halls around the nurses station. I had to use a pillow to brace my abdomen, but it helps with the pain. My daughter or husband usually pushed my IV pole. Everyday, I made up my mind that I would get up two more time than I did the day before -- even if it was to sit in a chair. Also, a flat harder type of pillow is great to brace your abdomen for when you need to cough. I had my husband push down on it to help with the pain. It did help.

Don't be afraid to ask for pain medication. It's there for a reason. I had a walking epidural that automatically gave me medication and I could push a button if I needed more. By the fourth day, I was passing gas, eating a regular diet and passing stool. The epidural was out as was my urinary catheter. My pain level was nil by that time and it was very easy to walk. I was in my own clothes from home, but wasn't cleared to go home until the next day. I believe I took only two pain pills before I went home for a pain level of 3/10. They will ask you to rate your pain all the time. On a level of 0-10. Zero being no pain whatsoever and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine. Since I had all my kids naturally, I used that as my "10". This surgery didn't even come close to that number.

I can't say I was scared of surgery, mostly because I knew what to expect, and what was expected of me. I did everything that I would have told my patients. It really does help to know what you're in for. If you have any questions, let us know...

open surgery
I had colon surgery cut from the breast to the pelvic area 75 staples ( fun to remove ) in the hopsital 8 days soft ball size tumor on my colon both removed 34 lymphnodes removed 19 were cancerous everyone is right when they say they are going to get you out of bed GET OUT that is the best thing you can do get up and walk. It will hurt like you know what for the 1st 2 days or so but it gets better. Will be praying for you.