The Whipple porcedure was explained to me and my husband that made it easy to explain to the family. I was also told that the cancer I have is very rare.. but it has been caught early enough to treat. Good.Good. Kings College hospital is the best hospital for this procedure was another thing I was told, so Martin and I were feeling really optimistic even though we were all daunted by the whole THING. Martin and my children came up to hospital the night before to settle me in. That was incredibly emotional.Scary frightening trying to stay strong for my family - they cried and I hugged and comforted them.They left and I cried and the nurse comforted me. It all felt so alien and strange,I don't remember much from that evening. I was woken early the next morning to shower and get ready and then was taken down to theatre. My anaethetist was German, so we had a little chat in German, which was funny and surreal.I was most scared that I would wake during surgery but assured that would not happen and it didn't. Worse was yet to come. Surgery completed and my husband was by my side.Phew.. I had made it. I had an epidural for pain relief but it was too low and didn't work very well, so they changed it to a PCA.Much better because I could manage my own pain relief. the next day was the shocker. Imagine being told they could not perform the whole operation because the cancer is more advanced and I need chemo before they can finish the operation.Imagine being told that when you are doped up on pain relief and still full of anasthesia.I remember just staring at the registrar trying to take in the information he had just given me and then having to phone my husband,Martin. Unbelievable. All that had been removed was the gall bladder. Got a very neat scar with internal stitching.I was assured by the doctor that we are taking a different path with the same outcome and I will be well, because I am young, strong and positive.I carry those words with me every day. the after effects of the operation are a hugely distended stomach.My daughters were shocked by the size of my tummy when they came in to see me: 'mum you said you will lose weight from the operation.. you look pregnant!' Being able to go to the loo by yourself once the catheter is removed is a wonderful feeling. It took a couple of days before I could poo and that was also a relief.. but smelly!!! Eating was difficult- I had no appetite at all. The most important thing is drinking plenty of water and I drank lots of peppermint tea. I met two lovely ladies in hospital and we are keeping in touch. The nursing staff were fabulous- very positive and cheerful. My physiotherapist was also fantastic and very encouraging and supportive.On the fifth day I was allowed to go home. Hooray. I was being referred to my local hospital for chemotherapy.I found my diet tricky to start with.I needed foods that take very little digesting and my appetite did not return until I came off the pain killers.I ate lots of mashed potato and mashed avocado sandwiches and then Martin and I found a fab recipe for chicken soup. Martin made it and it was delicious! I eat a bowlful most days and I also use a juicer to make my own fruit and veg drinks.Again easy on the digestion. So this Friday will be my first session of chemotherapy.......
