Major complex bowel cancer surgery

Hi Beanie2024 I’m sending you a big virtual hug to start with. It sounds an awful long time to be on an operating table doesn’t it but if it’s complex then they will want to take their time. I remember being told all the risks at my meeting with the surgeon and the mortality rate but they have to tell you all these things - bit like listing all the possible side effects on a box of paracetamol. They also pointed out that the mortality rate is based on deaths that occur within 2 years of the operation for any reason even if not linked to the operation.

So how to deal with the stress and anxiety. It’s difficult - try to remember that these surgeons are experts in their field and put your faith in their knowledge and expertise. Another forum member posted a link a few months ago that his hospital had given him about dealing with stress and anxiety which may help

https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/our-services/clinical-psychology-cancer-service/feeling-stressed/

Please keep us posted and give the support desk a ring if you want to talk to someone in person?

Take care

Karen x

Hi Beanie, I’m sorry you and your husband are facing this.  I had recurring rectal cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes in the far right of my pelvis.  I underwent a 16 hour pelvic exenteration with permanent colostomy and Barbie bum.  I am just coming up to a year post op and latest scans and bloods are all clear.  The risks were also explained to me and they are frightening but the alternative wasn’t an option. 

I think the length of surgery is harder on family as when we are under we are completely unaware.  I was kept sedated for 24 hours and I have no memory of ICU and very little of HDU.  I was utterly terrified beforehand and I could only cope with the anxiety in my own way, you’re allowed to be scared and anxious as it’s totally normal.  I think I coped better than I thought I would afterwards.  With a complex surgery he will be in the best hands.  As for recovery it’s just a case of taking things one day at a time, everything he does no matter how small is an achievement even if it’s just getting out of bed, showering or making a cup of coffee it’s all steps in the right direction. 

Focus on evicting that cancer and getting the other side and on the road to recovery. xx

I am right there with u! My hubby is 42 and is on the last cycle of chemo.  Next week we are booked in for mri and ct.. then oncologist then the surgeon the next day. We were told from the start it was going to be major surgery as of where it was. No experience yet just sending positive hugs  

Hi,

I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in 2022 and subsequently has chemotherapy, radio chemotherapy a bowel resection operation in October 23 then further chemotherapy. 
This seems to have cured my bowel cancer and I am booked to have a stoma reversal in the next month. 

Obviously major surgery is not without its risks, but there are incredible surgeons out there and whilst the thought of surgery is devastating for you and your husband, it’s just another routine operation for the team carrying out the procedure. 

Cancer was never on my life plan and when I was diagnosed, I too was absolutely shocked, though I decided to take control and not let the disease rule my life. 

You never know what life has in store for you, so don’t dwell on the cancer and try to live as normal a life as possible, I truly believe that having a positive outlook is the the best medicine you can prescribe for yourself. You can be the healthiest person in the world and walk out of your door in the morning and get wiped out by a bus. 

Enjoy life while you can and don’t think of all the bad things that can happen, most of them are beyond your control anyway. Best of luck with the surgery.