Update on Mrs. S

Good luck to you and big hugs. 

Great to hear that you’ve got a date - make sure you pack an extra long phone charger! x

Best of luck with the surgery!

Cecile x

PS: I had surgery 3 years ago and I did wake up with no complications and my bowels work much better than they ever did!

That's wonderful news for you Yes, I well remember the mound of letters, instructions, leaflets & booklets prior to my Op. I read through as much as I could do, but in the end, I just concentrated on going in for the Op - 4 weeks after diagnosis of Bowel Cancer.

& Yes, I was fortunate enough to wake up from the GA, with no complications, having had a left Hemicolectomy.

I was in hospital for 3 days, & was sitting in a chair, then slowly walking the next day. Once home, I had a friend that shopped for me for a week, thereafter, I started shopping, walking again.

The hospital stay was very boring....but I read a few books, did Codeword Puzzles, & was ravenous for food. I loved the trolleys coming round with chocolate!

My hospital was very noisy at night, & the lights were always on at the nurses station. I took the night masks & the ear plugs, but I was always aware of the noise. It was great to get home & sleep in my own bed.

Wishing you all the best.

Marianne xx

Good luck Mrs S 

I was also shocked when my surgeon read out all the possible risks, but they are legally obligated to tell you . I love your mantra , "I woke up from surgery with no complications" I am hoping this is the case. I was worried about my surgery as I was fortunate to reach 60 with having no medical issues before this. There are many of us who have been on this journey you are travelling on and understand what you are facing. My motto would be to the tumour, better out than in. Will have everything crossed for the 18th xx

Good luck to you! I’m just waiting on my op date, I have my bag of antibiotics and prep. I had the scary meeting with my surgeon which sent me into a tailspin with all the potential issues. I wish u well on your journey x 

First big step in your path to full recovery .

Love the spreadsheet ! Now I think you just might be in management!.

Wishing you every success .

Court 

Hi Mrs S

Good luck on the Surgery. Hopefully you will get a morphine dispenser. Marvellous gizmo. Press it every few minutes to stay in la la land.

I packed noise cancelling over ear headphones to listen to books etc eye mask and sunglasses to keep the latter in place. You have to be on your back anyway...well pretty much...The objective is to cocoon.

Food is execrable but does not matter as you wont eat anyway. Bring stuff like ginger cordials that may be diluted as you need to stay hydrated. 2 liters a day plus as an objective.

Hope that helps

Good Luck 

Pack a iPad or similar with a long charging cable. Great for reading or watching some downloads 

Little update: 

Tah Dah! I'm out the other side!

What a wonderful team in the theatre on Wednesday, totally put me at ease, went to sleep at 9.30 & was wheeled on the ward at 16.30. 

Slight complication in that my bowel had adhesions & was connected to my pancreas & more. Surgeon had to disconnect that before he could do the planned high anterior resection. 

During the night my BP & heart rate was very low so they hooked me up & kept me well monitored. I had been giving my tummy Reiki whilst I was awake so maybe I went into a deep healing state as I managed to get out of bed in the morning & was dressed & walking about without the catheter & drain. Been resting well in between & following the enhanced recovery plan. 

The nurses & assistants have been wonderful, keeping me well medicated & comfortable. I'm out the other side, the tumour has gone. Now we wait for results which I actually feel ok about, time to start recovery & focus on that for now.

Great news is I'm going home this evening!