Surgery on Monday for rectal tumour

Keep in your mind that you are going to get rid of the cancer.thats the most important thing

As for what to take with you.a long charging cable for your phone/tablet/kindle etc.books and puzzles to keep you occupied.squash to make the water taste better.

Im sure others will pop on here with more tips.

Have a read of peoples bios by clicking on their names to get some ideas of how they got on.

All the best for monday

Kath

Hi Babs

Obviously, you will be fearing the unknown right now - but try to rationalise those fears by thinking of the positive outcome - in that the cancer will be removed. For the next couple of days, try to distract yourself with your interests. For me, it was immersing myself in Netflix/ catch up TV.

The moviprep is just a nuisance - with constant trips to the loo. You will need to stay home for this.I found my bottom got quite sore - but Vaseline helped with this.

Whilst in hospital & recovering, once again...take items that interest you, that will pass the time. I enjoy Codewords, so took a book of those, plus a new book. Obviously your phone & charger too.

They will have you up out of bed the following day - so, the obvious items are slippers, dressing gown or pj's. I personally found my ward at night was quite noisy, & very brightly lit by the nurses' station...so eye masks & earplugs can be useful.

I am sure you will get many more useful replies here.

Lots of good wishes to you - & have a speedy recovery.

Marianne x

Also dont worry about the stoma.they are really easy and the stoma nurses will make sure you can look after it yourself before you go home.tbey will also send you home with all the bags etc that you need.

Kath

Ps.I took pjs but some prefer nighties.depends where your scar is going to be.

Hi Babs29

I had a rectal tumour and needed a LAR August. I fully understand how you feel, I was all over the place but I wanted that tumour out more than anything!

You can read my bio

Before the op
I watched TV that was heartwarming, ate food I liked including chocolate and listened to meditation on my iphone. It gave me some head space. I shopped for nice smells for washing in hospital and packed. As time got closer I felt calm I had prepared myself, done everything I had to so I was handing myself over to them to get that thing out. The nutritional drinks are nice. 
Lavender oil is lovely on the pillow. Also smells from home. I washed my nighties with my favourite softener. 

Shopping /. packing 
Like others have said a long phone charger iPad if you have one, big pants, dressing gown,  slippers , 3x loose short nighties for easy access ,  I took two it wasn’t enough., favourite toiletries, loose clothing for getting dressed couple days after op A little money just in case. If you like herbal tea take in some teabags, high sugar squash or isotonic if your having and Ileostomy they need high sugar and salt. I was in a private room so didn’t need earplugs but wished I’d taken eye mask. I put a flannel over my eyes. I’m light sensitive however I had pain meds they knocked me out  

Are you allowed visitors? 

I hope this helps,

Thank you so much.Will take all advice on board.

Thanks.Will take all your advice.I’m worrying about everything right now.

Thanks for all your advice and thoughts.This forum definitely gives you support at the right time.I am so anxious but will try and think more positively

Hi . You’ve had some great replies but I just wanted to attach a link to this booklet which is pretty helpful 

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourOperation_BowelCancerUK.pdf

I world mix the Moviprep up and put it in the fridge to chill. I then try and drink a glassful every 15-20 minutes through a wide straw and chase each mouthful with a swig of something clear to take the taste away! I have lemon flavoured tonic water.

Try and remember that your operation is a normal days work for the surgeons. You will be well supported by the nurses throughout and once you can manage the stoma then they will be keen to get you home and into your own bed. I found the worry and build up to be worse than the actual event if I’m honest.

A lot of us on here have had Low Anterior Resections with temporary stomas and will be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Thank you so much for all your encouragement and information.Feeling a bit calmer right now.Going to do some mindful meditation tonight.

Babs. 
Mindfulness is  relaxing and calming

I used it often through my treatment it really helped