Surgery on Tuesday

Hi LG1960,

Just sending love and support to you. I am awaiting a date for my operation. My tumour is in a different place and it will be keyhole surgery.

My friend's sister went through a similar operation to you last year and came through it well, She had chemotherapy for 4 months as a 'belt and braces' approach. She is now cancer free and enjoying life.

Willing you on. X

Hey there I had this operation in December.  I had 17 lymph nodes removed and thankfully they got good margins and the lymph nodes were all clear so I didn’t need any further treatment .  I’m fully recovered and back at work.  

I know how you feel I was diagnosed in November and the op was done within 3 weeks   

I’ve found telling people was difficult because of their reactions  my partner and young daughter and my colleagues (my everyday support network) got me through the dark days   

I’m happy to answer any questions you have.  

Thanks IonaF. 

Very helpful.

Hope you get a date soon.

Lots of love and support to you too. Xx

Thanks Scoutabout

Thats brilliant - especially that you're well enough to be back at work. Think Im just nervous about the whole thing really but lovely to hear from you xx

What you are feeling is totally normal.  It’s a big thing to be going through.  I had a great experience because my anxiety before surgery (literally on the day) and pain post surgery was well managed.  I had an epidural as well as a general.  I had been told that I would get a button to press post op that I could press post op to administer pain relief which I kept for 2 days then I was on intro paracetamol for a half a day then paracetamol tablets.  I never turned down any pain relief and also because I have a massive fear of being sick I took the anti sickness whenever it was offered.  I wasn’t unwell before or after the op at all so I think this helped.   Being pain free is a game changer   Uncomfortable and walking after I felt like I was 100 I kind of expected but I didn’t over do it but I kept moving   Listen to your body!!  Rest after don’t feel guilty.  

it’s a big operation I have friends now who think it was a bit of a procedure purely because I recovered so well and quickly.  

After the op when everything gets moving again your poo will not resemble anything except baby / hospital poo.  That was a low point for me but I was expecting it because someone on here gave me the heads up.  My bowels started working very quickly but it varies for everyone.  Mine went back to normal after a week or so and while I was nervous I celebrated the blood free normal poos.  

I’m here for you   I’ll be cheering you on with the bowel prep and let me know how you go  I really have found talking on here tye best therapy   ️

Hi Scoutabout,

Some great tips especially regarding pain relief. Beat wishes with your recovery. Hoping that I get a phone call with a date soon. Anxious to be on to the next step. x

I feel for you.  Waiting is hard   I hope you get your date quickly too   

Thank you for your kind words about recovery. Physically I’m back to normal. Mentally it’s taking longer. I remember that it’s ok to not be ok ️

This is so lovely of you and really helps. Im off out now to enjoy the sunshine while I can:)   I'll be in touch. xx