bowel cancer operation

My hubbies operation is on 12th and i’m worried sick. So scared he won’t survive the operation! Not sleeping well and my head is all over the place.

All support is much appreciated x

Hi t24 and sending you a big hug. It’s natural to be worried but this operation will be something that the surgeons do on a regular basis and will have given your hubby a thorough mot before agreeing to do it. I was asked to supply a number so the surgeon could ring my husband as soon as the op was over. Make sure your hubby has an extra long charging cable with him too for his mobile. 

I know it’s hard but try to keep busy and distracted. I’ve attached a link to a post about dealing with anxiety which may help? 

 Controlling anxiety and panic 

Please let us know how it goes?

Take care

Karen x

Hi,

I found it helped to make a worry list.  I wrote down the worry, how likely it was to happen and what I could do about it (if anything) and what could happen if I didn’t do it. It helped to put it in perspective. 

I also made myself a little Lego staircase (even though I’m in my 50’s) to always remind me ‘one step at a time’.  

while it’s very scary for you and your husband, for the team it’s just a normal Tuesday.  I’ve had the op and I’m 6 mo the on but I do remember exactly how scary it was! 

I hope it goes well!

cerysm

Thanks for your insight and support.

Im usually a very rational person, but this is something else. The enormity of it is looming and although I keep saying just focus on one thing at a time, my mind is going places i really don’t want it to go.

On day of surgery did you all stay at the hospital or go home? not sure what to do - walk? sit and drink coffe, try to read , housework?

cheers x

Thanks for your support.

Im usually a very rational person but my mind is going places i don’t want it to. The enormity of this getting very real. We’ve not told my hubbies mum as she has dementia and we don’t want to upset any more than necessary. This so very difficult for my hubby as it’s only ever been him and his mum. He lost his dad 12 months ago in december. 

Im trying my best to keep positive and not discuss my own fears and worries as I know he’s scared enough as it is. As long as I look like i’m in control and not overly worried he feels better,

What did you all do on day of operation? not sure if i should go home, go for a walk, sit and read while drinking coffee

.Any suggestions - and thanks for being here at this dreadful time xx

He will be in good hands with a team experienced in colorectal surgery and anaesthesia. He will be in theatre for a few hours (I believe up to 10 in complex cases) so you might be better off going home, with its comforts. I recall coming round from surgery in a side room, with reassuring words from the team and an inner, euphoric feeling that the job was done. Covid was in full swing at the time so visitors were banned and my dear wife didn't know what was going on for some days. Each day got better, but I don't recall being in any pain at all. The nursing staff were first-class 24/7.

Worrying doesn't achieve anything at all, particularly as you have no control over events anyway. Try and carry on with your daily routine as you will feel better for it. Don't be surprised if he just wants to take things easy for a while; inner and outer strength will return but you both just might look at life a little differently afterwards. Some of us here do!

Best

Dulac

Hi Tesco

2017 I had an anterior resection in Dundee Ninewells, the worst part was the waiting and prepping, on the day of the op I was a bag of nerves but NHS staff were brilliant, all went smoothly, 5 days recovery (tablet and portable DVD player helped pass the time) ...home after passing a toilet test (pooing)....try to download the Libby app before admission...newspapers and books FoC...free UK library service.

Take care 

Peter