I have just been diagnosed at age 47 with right side colon cancer. I am due to have surgery on 4th July. I’m so scared about everything at the moment and worried about the operation and recovery and then if I will need chemo afterwards.
Thank you for your reply. I had my pre op today so it’s starting to feel real now. It’s good to know that the chemo probably isn’t as bad as I’m thinking. I have been told that he thinks it’s stage 2 and my CT scan was good but he said we won’t know for sure until 2-3 weeks after surgery x
Thank you for your reply it’s nice to hear from someone who has had this done. I’m terrified of the operation but I hope it goes well. I have been told I could be in hospital for 5 days but hopefully it won’t be that long x
I had my resection in March… my advice for what it’s worth is to first of all know that 5 days post op in hospital after abdominal surgery is absolutely the norm, so don’t be in a rush to get home. Allow the experts to take care of you, see how you’re recovering, making sure that you’re absolutely ready to be discharged ( for instance I was kept in a day longer for an iron infusion because they felt my levels were too low) go with the flow, and rest. They’’ll have you up and in a chair the day after the op, and maybe walking around a bit. They’ll be making sure that you have the right food to ensure that your newly joined tubes are working properly. Take plenty to read or watch between naps, if you have any pain ask for something to reduce it. Pretend you’re on a spa break! lol. All the best, look forward to getting the “beast” out of you and to starting your recovery.
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I came home from hospital today following a right hemicolectomy. It was keyhole surgery. I went in for my operation on Wednesday morning and was discharged on Sunday lunch time. I’m 46 years old. There was a lady on my ward who had open surgery and she was only 2 days behind me in terms of recovery.
I was nervous about the operation but my surgeon reassured me and said they do this all the time. I felt well cared for every step of the way and it wasn’t as bad as I had feared.
For me, the pain afterwards was more uncomfortable than painful. The discomfort was caused by trapped wind. I found that peppermint tea helped with this.
I have also been advised it’s stage 2 and my CT scan showed no spread and clear lymph nodes. I had 4 lymph nodes removed for testing and should get my results on Friday.
Thank you for your reply and the reassurance it hopefully won’t be as bad as I’m expecting. I’m glad your operation went well for you I’m really hoping I don’t have to stay in hospital long. Good luck with your recovery xx
Thanks for the positive post. I’m in on Tuesday for same op. Trying to keep positive. But it’s hard. I think I’m most scared of general anaesthetic as never had one before. As someone told me this is surgeons everyday job and you just have to believe you are in the best hands. I’ve still put the life assurance papers on my desk though just in case. Expecting emotional final day at work tomorrow. Take care everyone x
It’s natural to feel scared or nervous before your operation. I was also scared of the GA and transferred all my savings to my mum just incase.
Please be reassured that you will have a whole team of medical professionals taking care of you in theatre. They will guide you every step of the way and help reassure you.
Good luck for tomorrow. Look forward to seeing an update when you’re up to it xx
Hi - I have been diagnosed with splenic flexure cancer on the left hand side and am due to be operated on the 4th August. How is your recovery and how are you feeling?
Hi my surgery went really well I was only in hospital 3 nights. I wasn’t in any real pain it was just very uncomfortable to move. I have been out walking a little each day since I have been home which I find helps I do get tired but just rest when I need to. Hope your operation goes well on the 4th August let me know how you get on x
