My Dad is now 3 months post op,- removal of large bowel and tumour, permanent colostomy. My Lovely Dad is now back driving and popping out and about,- somehting i didnt think he'd do again! The only question for me is, Where is the appointment for Chemo???? Although they said my Dad was cancer free, after removel of tumour, they offered him chemo 'just in case' in the new year, this was in Dec 09. Does anyone know how long they wait before having chemo after an operation?? I really want to chase it up because I think to have it sooner is better than later. Dont want any little buggers to have the chance to grow, if they were left there!! Has anyone else had experience of this?? And how soon after would you have a scan to check to see if you're still all clear?? Would appreciate any advice, Jobo
FormerMember
Jobo I am sorry to hear that your father is going through this awful situation, but I am pleased he is doing well.
As for your question regarding chemo and post op bowel resection, the wound has to be completely healed up ( both externally and internally) before the Dr's can give chemo as the medication is intended to stop new growths or as in some cases slow the growth of the tumour, however the side effect is that it also slows wound healing. The last thing your father needs now is a wound that wont heal due to the side effects of chemo.
Also it needs to be considered that bowel resections is a very intrusive proceedure and so it takes a fair time for the body to recover and make adjustments to the 'new design'.
My husband had a bowel resection in August and started his chemo at the end of November that year, it was post operative about 3 months later.
The scans were done mid way through chemo if I recall correctly and one at the end and he had another one between christmas and new year this year.
Well my Lovely Dad now has his chemo sorted, has to go in to have a picc line put in in 3 weeks, then fortnightly chemo as an out patient for 6 months. We've persuaded him to have it, although he is v frightened, and i'm hoping it all goes smoothly and he doesnt have too many side effects! The consultant apologised to him for the delay and said he should have had it 3 weeks after his op!!! But Hey, its all sorted now.
The appointment came and went, my Dad had decided he isnt having Chemo, doesnt want to be 'messed around with' anymore! We did expect this from the start, its something he has always said, but its hit me like a ton of bricks!! Thort id got my head round this. The thing is, although they said he was cancer free after the op, he's now been admitted to Hospital 3 times in a week because his blood isnt right, ending up with a blood tranfusion, and they did mess him about really, telling he could go home and then not letting him. So this hasnt helped at all he (he doesnt have any patience and is scared stiff of hospitals) so after a few things the doc said it would seem something is still amiss, thus the need for the chemo, but now my dad has said he's not going to the Hospital again, and promptly Discharged himself! He's now very down, not wanting to go out, etc. And of course i'm worried sick at what is going on, and what is ahead of us. Dont really know what else to say, just wanted to rant!!! jo
