Home After Surgery

Recuperating from partial nephrectormy done at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Oct. 16. Was walking six hours after surgery, only 10 minutes. Almost did not have the procedure. The robot was not working a half hour before the surgery was due to start, and Dr. Sexton advised me to reschedule rather than do an open surgery. I prayed that the surgery would proceed. About 20 minutes later, I learned that the surgical team would use a 2nd robot not scheduled for use that day. The opearation was not without glitches: the camera failed at one point, and it took at least 30 minutes to get it operating again. Pain, particularly from the carbon dioxide gas, was fairly well managed. I took my last pain medications the morning of Oct. 18 and declined to bring oxycodone home with me. I am having minor discomfort from the incisions when going from standing to sitting or vice versea. Nurse said I couild use Tylenol if necessary. I think the walking was a big help. Did 90 minutes a day Oct. 17 and Oct. 18. Was discharged home yesterday. Had a slight fever last night 99.9, but it was down to 98.7 this morning. Will get pathology report in about a week. The hernia repair was done done. Two doctors had conflicting views on whether to do it, and the decision was made to focus on the kidney ... It's gone better than I thought so far. I had great support from friends and family leading up to the surgery, and this discussion board. Dr. Sexton, his team, and fourth floor staff at Mofftt were outstanding.