Well I am now through the surgery! What a relief the cancer has gone! Emotionally the lead up to the day was very stressful, I felt so scared but was reassured by the surgeon and the anaesthetist that I would be well looked after.
I followed the Enhanced Recovery Programme and took the four Carbohydrate drinks on the evening and the final two on the morning at 6 a.m. I went in to hospital early in the morning and the operation lasted four hours. It went well and 80% of my stomach was removed. The cancer was early stage from the previous biopsy but a small lump was found that had not been seen on the scope. This was always the risk as they don’t know until the operation what they will find. I now wait for the pathology results and whether I need more chemo!
From theatre I went to HDU, where I received really fantastic care. I had no pain due to the morphine during the operation and a wonderful little pump, which pumped local anaesthetic into my abdomen. I did have a PCA , a button that I could press to give a shot of morphine, I really didn’t need it much.
I am sure it was very scary for my husband seeing me with all the tubes! But I was so sleepy , I felt fine.
The next day, I was up sitting on a chair , a major effort! I am sure I looked like a real granny asleep in the chair! I was allowed 30 mls of water every hour and could wet the sponge lolly sticks to keep my mouth moist.
Day 2 saw further progress, I went for a short walk twice and sat in the chair for a short time! And moved up to 60 mls of water and at night a cup of tea!
Day 3 all the tubes came out! Bliss as the Naso Gastric Tube had become quite uncomfortable! I was then allowed to drink freely and was given a yoghurt. I ate six teaspoonfuls and it was fine.
I continued to make good progress and moved out of HDU. Eating was about taking tiny amounts very slowly! I had some tomato soup but felt quite uncomfortable after it. It passed after half an hour but I realised I had to fight the instinct to keep eating.
I got home on day 5 post op, which was very quick but I was lucky there were no complications. Following the Enhanced Recovery Programme was really good and I went for short walks building it up every day.
Now for the next stage of my recovery! Getting used to eating with my new baby tummy!
