Liver Resection - what to expect?

mikew42
mikew42 Member Posts: 114 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
It has been a few years since I posted on this forum. Quick background - Diagnosed stage 4 at age 41 during colon resection in February 2004 with 9 of 25 nodes positive and 3 liver mets. Did 6 months of FOLFIRI with Avastin and then RFA on the liver mets. CT scans every 6 months since have been clean. However, found out last April that my CEA numbers were rising, but scans didn't show anything. A PET scan in December finally showed a tumor on the liver (6 years after my last treatment). I am scheduled for a probable resection next Friday. My question is, what was your experience with a liver resection and how long before I can get back to work? I am an engineer so I mainly sit at a desk in front of the computer.

Comments

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #2
    6 years
    wow good for you....6 years is a great thing. I am sorry you have to have a reoccur...

    I have had 2 liver resections and they are not just a breeze....did you try typing resection of liver into the search engine here? ....there have been lots of discussions over the years. I did not have to return to work....I retired but I would say 4 to 6 weeks is a good number....I was in my 60's so this may influence my recovery....hopefully lots of younger folk will chime in for you....

    please ask lots of questions.....

    mags
  • hopeforcure49
    hopeforcure49 Member Posts: 111
    #3
    Mike
    I had a liver resection this past Nov.29, 2010. It wasn't easy, but I was in the hopital only 5 days. Had my surgery on a MOnday and was discharged on Friday. I spent only on day in ICU because my heartrate was up and my blood pressure little low. They did have to transfuse me because my hemaglobin dropped from 13.6 to 7 in 2 days. I recovered well, but I had quite some discomfort, but I keep on moving as they told me it will help my recovery time. I'm 49yr and I felt great by 6 weeks and I'm off to work next week. Just eat healthy to help the cells regenerate and incision heals faster. Good Luck...Blessings from Lourdes
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #4
    liver resection
    I had my liver resection December 20th, along with a colon resection and ureter resection.
    One and half week later, was busy cooking washing dishes, two weeks later cleaning house, 3 weeks later flew to Ohio drove every where, attended a Catholic funeral (lots of up and downs on the old knees)flew back to California on the date that would be the 4 week anniversary of my surgery.
    So I'm thinking just a liver resection wouldn't be too bad. But I think it all has to do with our bodies individually. Now, I'm NOT a health nut, like my meat and potatoes, and I'm a couch potato (except when I get a bee in my bonnet and decide to landscape my yard)so I'm not claiming healthy living as the reason I bounced back so quick. Oh, I'm 51 years old.
    So, my husband is an Engineer (well, laid off engineer)who also sat at a computer, sooo, I would say about a week and a half if you were a woman, but being a male, I'm guessing you'll need about 3 weeks. (LOL)
    Winter Marie
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #5
    Bummer Mike
    You have done so well .My best wishes for the upcoming treatment,my thoughts are with you.ron.
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #6
    wow
    Wow. You have done very well for such a long time. I'm so sorry you have had a recurrence after all that time. I haven't had a liver resection, but just want to wish you well with yours. Please let us know how you do!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Jane822
    Jane822 Member Posts: 50
    #7
    Liver Resection
    I had a liver resection in October and was in the hospital for 2 weeks. (I am 65) had some complications along the way with fluid around my lung and needed a drain and also it was quite a few days before any bowel sounds or bowel movement. had no problem with incision - it was much larger than I expected and it healed well with no issues. It's important to eat although you won't have much appetite. Walk, walk, walk, and do the breathing treatments faithfully. Unfortuntely, I had a pulmonary embolism a month after surgery and went back in the hospital for 4 days. I'm feeling well and have my energy and appetite back. I live in Florida and flew to Pennsylvania for 10 days over the holidays. Depending on how long you are in the hospital, you will probably be able to get back to work within 2-3 weeks. I wish you well and a speedy recovery.
  • Lisa_R
    Lisa_R Member Posts: 59
    #8
    I.too.had a resection in feb
    I.too.had a resection in feb 2010.. 5 days in hospital.. home by friday night.. it felt like someone cut me in half.. but the end result was I have been in remission ever since(so.far).. eat healthy & walk alot... good luck

    Lisa

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