Hello :)

Hi.  I’ve got two rounds of chemo left after pelvis debulking hysterectomy in June.  I recovered quickly from op, I’m 72.  Chemo hard as had lots of complications along the way, infection and the antibiotics caused liver problems.  Had blood transfusion yest due to anaemia.  Emotions are a real rollercoaster.  Good luck with your treatment and surgery.  

Thanks so much for getting back to me Trish

So glad to hear you recovered quickly from your op...thanks so much for sharing that 

I'm so sorry to hear your chemo has been hard...it's such a rollercoaster isn't it?!

I've got a telephone consultation with my oncologist on tuesday as some bloods have come back with a spike on my liver function so I'm hoping that isn't too serious

Yesterday was a real rollercoaster emotional day for me..just gave in to it and let the tears flow...finished a good book in the afternoon too

Hope your blood transfusion has helped with the anaemia and the rest of your chemo is a bit kinder

I've been having acupuncture and I think that has really helped me to cope with the chemo

Best of luck with it all :) 

Hi

I was diagnosed in March 25,  aged 58, with the same and had debulking surgery after 3rd chemo, to be honest I was glad of the break from chemo. After surgery I didn't feel pain it was more discomfort, I was given oramorph and paracetamol, oh and laxatives. I found i could only eat small portions for a period of time afterwards but tried to eat every couple of hours, also kept drinking water. I did need a magnesium drip and a blood transfusion although I had felt fine. Physios got me up and walking within approx 36 hours after op and did the stairs. I found getting up and walking, well shuffling, at first around for a few minutes each hour helped and short walks outside when I got home. I used a v pillow when sitting and lived in comfortable, loose dungarees for about 6 weeks, I didn't realise how swollen my tummy would after surgery. I had staples not stitches and didn't feel any pain or discomfort when they were removed.

I would advise you to follow the guidance given to you, don't rush to do everything and eat when you want and what you want to keep your strength up. Don't be afraid to ask for help and pain relief if needed.

I had a further 3 chemo after surgery and am now on niraparib for 3 years. I occasionally feel discomfort in my abdomen but have been told it can take upto 6 months to fully recover from the surgery

Good luck with your surgery 

Hi, I remember how scary the thought of surgery was. I had my debulking operation in June 24. It’s tough but doable. Take long charging cables for iPad and phone. Download load whatever you would like to watch or listen too for when you’re in hospital . Loose baggy comfort clothes and fluffy socks and slippers. I remember being worried about pain which was really well managed, and to be honest it was more uncomfortable than painful. Once your home, listen to your body and rest as much as you can . Start off with short walks, no heavy lifting at all. I was about 4 weeks after surgery when I attempted to change bed sheets, thought that would be ok, but it was still too much too soon. After about 6 weeks it became much easier again. It’s amazing how much our bodies can go through and want to heal. I had to be careful with my diet afterwards and tended to have a lot of soup and food that was easy on my stomach to digest. ( well cooked vegetables ). Keep as hydrated as you can, I had quash drinks in little cartons because I got a bit bored with water. The doctors and nurses looked after me so well and I’m sure they will be there for you too. Ring the buzzer if you need anything when you’re in hospital. I’m stage 3c high grade and feel fortunate to be NED after frontline treatment and enjoying life again. Good luck and be kind to yourself. 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply ...yes, don't think I'm going to be very good at sitting still so short walks sound like a good idea

I've been looking at loose elasticated trousers, but actually dungarees sound like a great option

I think I'm a bit daunted by the after care too and how you reimagine your life after this experience...I expect it will all come clear and so best not to overthink or rush...need to accept the fact that recovery will take as long as it needs to

Hope your journey is going as well as it can and thank you for your support

Thank you so much for the encouragement, I really appreicate it...and so good to be reminded not to try and do too much too soon

Its good to go high on the comfort I think and make yourself as cosy as possible

great suggestion on the squash cartons to stay hydrated too

I'm so pleased you're NED now, that's fantastic news

I had a very long midline incision so baggy dungarees & loose silky shirts were really good for not squeezing or rubbing the scar. M&S bikini knickers with soft lace at top were fine as they didn’t rub

good luck xx

Thank you so much :) 

Yes, have just bought some one size up M&S bikini knickers and dug out my old baggy dungarees and given them a wash

I hope you are healing well

All the best xx