Liver resection Sugery Next Friday June 11th

menright
menright Member Posts: 256 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well, the day is fast approaching. I realized during my recent travels that it would be the last time of easy security screening. Next time I will have a titanium HAI pump inside me and that will light up the airport scanner. I will be given a card, but I am sure there will be delays. Anyone else deal with this?

I will have around 55% of my liver removed, my gall bladder will be removed (guess I don't need it anyway) and they will install the HAI pump which directly feeds a chemo mix to my liver artery.

Seven days in the hospital will be a record for me. What has been the standard hospital stay for those of you who had a liver resection and HAI Pump?

I am going down to Sloan Kettering in NYC. I am trying to set up housing for my wife at either Miracle House of Hope Lodge. Both are proving to be a challenge. Any other suggestions are welcomed.

I have been told that surgery is the "Gold Standard" for cancer care. I guess I should be pleased to be a candidate. I do not like hospitals though.

I am told and planning for 8 weeks of recovery after surgery. Is this in line with others who have had the Liver/HAI surgery? I have a desk job and travel, so I do not require tremendous physical strength to perform my job.

How's the food at MSK? Would you suggest medium or medium rare?

Wish me luck. I look forward to reading replies about liver resection surgery experiences and lessons learned.

I have an advance doctor visit on Tuesday. Any specific questions I should ask?

Thanks,

Mike

Comments

  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #2
    Hi Mike,
    I haven't had the
    Hi Mike,

    I haven't had the surgery but want to wish you the best of luck. I don't like hospitals either, but they are definitely necessary at times!
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #3
    AnneCan said:

    Hi Mike,
    I haven't had the
    Hi Mike,

    I haven't had the surgery but want to wish you the best of luck. I don't like hospitals either, but they are definitely necessary at times!

    Mike
    Mike what good news.....

    i have had 2 resections....

    I am happy this is happening for you

    mags
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #4
    hahaha!
    medum or medium rare! You crack me up! Glad to hear your surgery is coming up and I'm sure everything will go fine. I hate hospitals too, but i guess they are a necessary evil at times. I haven't had a liver resection per se, but I had HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery which included removal of the gall bladder and portions of various other organs, including the liver. I know liver renewal takes a lot out of the body, so just plan on the full 8 weeks before you begin to feel normal again. Can't wait to hear how everything goes!
    mary
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #5
    Praying for it to go well
    Hey, Mike.

    I'm so glad you're going to do your surgery and get on with the business of getting better! I will be praying for everything to go beautifully, and I will also pray that your wife will be able to find lodging.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • pluckey
    pluckey Member Posts: 484 Member
    #6
    Mike-
    I had a liver
    Mike-

    I had a liver resection and gall bladder removal March 17 at MSK. 8 weeks recovery is a good marker.

    MSK is a well-oiled machine- a very efficient hospital. When you call the nurse on the button they answer right away, the beeping sound on the IV machines isn't as loud as most, they don't wake you up every hour in the middle of the night for vitals...

    They take recovery very seriously- they will make you walk every day and do breathing exercises..the respitory therapist was very dilligent. MSK wants no infection or pneumonia! 7 days is standard. Are they requiring you to stay a week in the city post surgery as well? They did for me, but I was from chicago.

    You will be sore...I didn't stretch enough consistently when I got home, so I am still sore around the incision area and liver. Nothing bad though. Laughing and sneezing will be a bear !!!

    Food- better menu than most- it'll be gradual diet- no food, then liquid, then solid. Good thing is you can order food whenver you want, not on their scheudle of breafast/lunch/dinner

    the doctors round alot- meaning, at my chicago hospital, they rounded in the morning, sometimes evening after a day of surgery. at MSK you'll see them alot, so good to ask questions etc....

    Best of Luck Mike - Surgery is the gold standard. Cut those bastards out I say. I was not waiting for the cancer to return by doing nothing.

    Peggy

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