Worried and apprehensive

Hi Simonee0c868d and a warm welcome to the bowel gang. It’s good to hear that you’re fit and healthy - I was 53 1/2 when diagnosed and couldn’t believe I had cancer when I felt so well! 
I’ve attached a link to a booklet about the operation - try and remember that the surgeons do this for a living and are skilled at their job. After the op you will go onto a ward and the nurses will take good care of you and encourage you to get up and about as soon as possible. Initially you’ll have a few drains and possibly a catheter in but these are removed quite quickly and then moving about is a bit easier. 
The usual stay is about 5-7 days. Do you know if you’ll be having a stoma? 
Once home then recovery is about 6 weeks and they recommend no lifting anything heavier than a kettle of water with 1 cup in and no driving until you feel comfortable and can safely perform an emergency stop

https://bcuk.adidocdn.dev/Publications/Your_Operation/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Your_Operation_Booklet.pdf

Yes it is easy to say keep positive and don’t worry but put your trust in your team and then join those of us who are living with ‘no evidence of disease’.

Take care and keep us posted

Karen x

Hi Simonee0c868d 

Trust me, it all looks very worrying from where you are BUT once things start happening, and you sense the care and skill being lavished upon making you better, so your outlook will change 

I was diagnosed with a very low bowel/rectal tumour in oct 24.In Dec 24 I had an 8 hour robotic operation,with a big chunk of colon removed,leaving an ileostomy stoma bag.At first they thought they had all cancer removed but histology on the tumour showed cancer in one lymph node and a vein so chemo was suggested ,and I did 3 months of Capox from Feb until May. I didn't much like the bag and the chemo was not easy!

3 weeks ago I had the stoma reversal Op, to bin the stoma bag and get back to looking and feeling a bit more normal and although I'd rather that none of it happened,I am delighted at how that's working out so far - --so, I've been through all the stages , that you might expect to endure and you know, it isn't that bad. If I can help in any way ,please ask X

Hi Simone,

Welcome to our exclusive band, one we all wonder how we qualified to join!

Yup it does your head in doesn't it. But isn't it better that they cracked on and start treating you! I was diagnosed mud August and my operation was Mid  September. 

Have you had a chance to talk to your consultant about what the operation is going to involve,  every one is different. Let's be honest there are some tough moments ahead but with support from the medical team and your family support network you will pull through.

Yes you will not to have a rant, that's why we are here we have been there and while we don't know what you are going through, we all have our own stories which give us the empathy to support you.

Ask any questions of your medical team, they are used to it, no matter how daft it may seem. 

Good luck with everything keep in touch with us all.

Peter

Hi thanks for that. I'm just worried about all the unknowns, they have said they are going to try keyhole but due to location of the cancer may have to switch to open surgery but they won't know if they can get to it fully until they start. Definitely a loop ileostomy but if they are unable to do the resection it will be a permanent stoma again I won't know which they have done until after surgery and then will have to wait until results back from histology to see if 6 month chemo will be required. So just a lot of unknowns, I went yesterday to get markers put on both sides of tummy just in case. Only 4 more sleeps to go eeek

Hi thanks for the reply. Seems a pretty similar story so happy you were able to have the reversal as that is something im hopeful for. can I ask how long you were off work for recovery 

Thank you 

I'm lucky to be a retired Police officer so I don't work at all now  But if I was working my guess would be about 6 weeks post Op, by which time I was able to do most of what I did before.

HI Simone,

That is pretty much what my situation was to the letter. 

I woke with a loop illiostomy (temporary) it was a tough moment as it had only been discussed as an outside possibility. Forwarned is forearmed. Tuck it away for future reference. 

Thereafter ask everyone anything information is your friend, the oncologist offered all the advice she could the surgeon gave his two penny worth and ultimately your informed decision.

Heads up if no need for chemo then only a few months and into stoma reversal. A new set of issues

mmmmmm

River Peter3aa

Hi Simonne - they said the same to me - they would hope it will be keyhold but open surgery if needed - and if that is the better way to get to the cancer and improve the chances of getting it all out - then perhaps the longer recovery time for open surgery will maybe be worth it in the long run.  Yes, it is all very confusing at the beginning, but, with hindsight, just pick up what information you will get answers to all our questions - I really felt it was a great relationshiop I had with my nursing team.   I, too, was v worried about having a loop ilieostomy but I can honestly say that that stoma team were superb, so patient and encouraging and they will show you exactly how you do change the bag and clean.  I felt pretty confident within 3 days of leanving from scracth, with their help and they give youan  excellent zip up bags with everything you need to remove, clean and replace with a new bag.   Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery.   Bridget

Thanks for that Bridget, how long was your recovery after surgery and were u not worried about what and how much you ate afterwards did you loose much weight initially