waiting for surgery

Hi J,

I’m not waiting for surgery now - I was very fortunate to have mine on December 23rd, just before all elective surgery was put on hold due to Covid.  BUT I do remember very clearly that feeling of knowing that surgery was my best chance of beating the cancer, and being anxious during the weeks leading up to my surgery about what might be happening (unseen of course) inside my body while I was waiting.

For me, I found it helped to focus my attentions on things I could influence and control (as the dates set for pre-op and surgery seemed to be as early as they could be fitted in, and so the wait was inevitable). 

Think I may have mentioned to you in a previous communication that using those weeks to keep as active as I could helped enormously when it came to my recovery - and it also helped at the pre-op, where fitness for surgery was assessed too (heart rate, breathing, mobility, etc).

Also, I found that cutting dairy and gluten from my diet, and eating little and often, helped reduce the bloating and digestion problems I was having and made me feel more comfortable, and like I was “maintaining”.

Thankfully, when I did get my surgery, it seemed nothing had advanced too far in those weeks of waiting, but for me those weeks were my “project” to make myself the strongest and most positive version of myself I could be.

Hope your pre-op goes well and you get a date for surgery soon after.

Love Bx

I would  like to agree with Jaybeth regarding surgery .  Mine is happening in three days time .  Went for the pre op today . I have had 3 chemo sessions to shrink the tumours I was a stage 3 and then I was booked in for surgery less than 4 weeks after the last chemo .  The wait is agonising as you can feel something going on inside your stomach.  Try to keep positive and active .  The fitter your general health the better the recovery period .  Walk as much as possible , eat little and often .  All of the staff I have had contact with have been brilliant .  I have faith that they will look after me and surgery has to be the way forward . Good luck x 

Hi Oscar B - I want to wish you all the best for a successful surgery and good recovery.

I haven't had chemo and won't know the stage until I have had surgery.  They don't do a biopsy for me.  I will take your advice to work harder on staying fit (usually not a problem) but I do feel tired.

Again, thanks for your input/advice, think you are right in that surgery seems the only choice, together with the positive thoughts.

Jaybeth x

My surgery is now over . 6 days down the line .  It was a larger op than anticipated and I lost a lot of blood and had transfusion.  The surgeon said he cut out most of the cancer but still some left . He hopes the next lot of chemo will sort it .  The thing is I don’t think I can tolerate chemo for a few weeks .  How long is usual between debulking and next chemo ?

Hi Oscar, I’m glad you’re now on the mend after surgery. It’s usually at least 6 weeks between surgery and chemo, to make sure your healing is well enough progressed, since chemo slows down the body’s ability to repair itself. 
Your team should talk to you to make sure things are ready for the next chemo, and if they don’t, then make sure you speak to them if you’re not feeling ready. 
For now, look after yourself and take care!

Hi, 

Op on Dec 17, chemotherapy started on February 17 so roughly 8 weeks for me, take it super slow and try and stay hydrated and eat well, so your body can repair itself.

The oncology doctor saw me about two weeks before chemo start date for a “chat” asking lots of questions about how I felt physically and emotionally, to make sure I suppose I was ready ....so small steps and concentrate on recovery, be super kind to yourself and  a hug if you need it today, or save it for another day !

take care

Sue

Thanks Sue I think 8 weeks should be fine .  My surgeon was talking about 3-4  but I don’t think that’s viable .  X 

Hi rainbow thanks for the info . 6 weeks sounds about right . My surgeon was talking about 3 I don’t think I could cope with that .

Hi Oscar,

My chemo started 4 weeks after surgery and I felt about ready but, as your op was larger than expected, and it is really really important you give your body time to heal, I agree with what everybody else has said already.  Follow what your body is telling you and don’t be rushed  (unless of course your medical team advise that starting  sooner will bring you a better outcome in the long-term, in which case maybe worth considering).

All the best for your post-op recovery and chemo,

Bxx