First of all, the CT scan from last month did not reveal any signs of more cancer in my bowel. While this is good news, it likely means that I have developed LARS, which is not remotely nice. So I'll be off to my GP to get that sorted out as soon as I can arrange it.
But what WAS on the CT scan was my gall bladder. It's a horrible mess, apparently. Now, I have been saying for months that it was not right. Back in February, while in hospital, scans were taken. At the time, my inflamed lungs were pressing on my gall bladder, resulting in bile refleux. Once the infection was gone, the hospital had no real reason to suspect anything else was wrong - but of course, they had not seen the issue at the time as the lung infection was likely getting in the way.
No such issues on the latest scan! And what it reveals is not good at all. They are more or less positive that these are not stones in the gall bladder, as they can identify those easily enough, and do so on a daily basis. No, something else is going on, and they do not like it one bit. Gall bladder and liver are amongst the first places bowel cancer metastasises to, and with my medical history, there is a very strong probability that this is what has happened. They won't know for sure unless they actually look at the damn thing, but to err on the side of caution, at this point they are treating the problem as if this is the current situation.
So, what to do?
The whole thing has to come out. And given the cancer aspects, they will need to take out a chunk of the liver, and the lymph nodes at the gall bladder mouth, as well. It's another big operation for me, then. Not the one I anticipated, but still... under the knife I go once more. It'll be a few months recovery. I am not sure when this will happen, but they are scheduling it next week, I believe, so I should know then.
And if it is cancer, well... more chemo is likely to follow.
I know this is a low-risk operation, as far as such things go, but this is not the news I wanted to receive. I am going to be a little less than my usual ebullient self for a while. And all support is gratefully received. There's not much anybody can do at this point other than send good wishes, but I'll take them, and gladly!
Fortunately, the local cancer charity has finally opened its doors again fully, so I have three support group meetings a month, and am booked in for a regular reflexology treatment every week. The lady who does them just gave me the best session I have ever experienced, I felt like I was floating on air. As she is also very pretty, my feet may be developing a crush.
I'll let folks know when I get a date for the operation. If anybody reading this has had the same surgery, I'd truly welcome any tips on surviving the post-operative convalescence. The help everyone gave after my bowel resection was extremely useful, and I am hoping others may be able to offer the same this time, too!
Oh stoatlord, I’m so sorry – not the news you wanted to hear. Let us know when you get the date for the operation. I can’t help regarding info on your coming surgery but sending you lots of hugs and my very best wishes.
Oh, stoatlord, definitely not the news you want, but hopefully it is fixable. Always around if you want a chat or to rant. Can't help with this operation but maybe with the LARS. Keep fighting like the rest of us.
"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have"
Sending you lots of strength and care . So sorry to read you have to endure more surgery . Great it’s operable but still it’s more to go through !
My mum was just saying that despite her energy being depleted with the liver resection she found it easier that the bowel resection to recover from as it did not include the whole trying to restart the bowel aspect ! Take care and we are here to support you until you are safely through !
Just got an email through to say our cancer care has started in person contact again too! Yippee. So good to here !
Indeed, I know nothing about the after effects of this operation. I am going to have to look it up, but that does sound positive. I found the recovery from the bowel resection was actually not too arduous. And if the result of this operation is the same, the relief from pain will make things all worth while.
I'll let everyone know, when I find out the operation date!
I was surprised when she said it as she was definitely weaker for much longer but she had the same type of wound for both so after a few weeks of healing with that she found them easier to deal with than the bowel . I honestly thought she would say the other way around as it was longer recovery but she felt able to handle it . You I suspect are also much younger so that would hopefully help too! Take care ,
stoatlord. Hi Robin - well no wonder you’ve been feeling crappy for so long. Another hurdle for you my friend but I’m sure you’ll scramble your way over it - in fact after another couple of reflexology sessions you might just float over it! Sending you a big hug and you know we’ve all got your back and will be sending you positive vibes and healing thoughts
I know it's not the news you wanted to hear. You probably feel like your going backwards. But hang in there you've got this. Sending you positive vibes & a quick recovery from your op x
