Pre-op then what?

Hi Samantha

i had abdominal op, but didn’t have lymph nodes removed. I had some of them zapped afterwards which increases the risk for lymphoedema but I was determined to be active and have had no issues. I finished my radio just over a year ago.

My op went well, felt woozy on second day, lack of sleep and anaesthetic but from then onwards I recovered well. I was in hospital 3 nights. My wound was vertical so I found it uncomfortable sitting, so on third day was up on my feet waking around quite a bit. I think this actually helped me recover, as my first day home went out for 5 minute walk as recommended and it was 15 mins. Saying that in the first week I could go from being OK to very tired in minutes.

getting stitches out on around Day 10 really helped in terms of comfort in sitting. I managed to start driving - short distance -  3 weeks post op. But thing to stress is everyone is different, you just need to do things if you feel up to it, and rest if you need to rest.

key to betting through this is not to think too far in advance, so try to focus on what you need to prepare for op, and when you are first out of hospital.

Hi Samantha

I hope that your pre op goes ok on Friday and that you get your date for your hysterectomy quickly. 

It can take time to process a diagnosis and it sounds like you are doing the right thing in taking things one step at a time. 

Normally they can give you a provisional idea of stage and grade before the surgery. A CT/MRI scan would normally be used to stage the cancer. Some people do have some lymph nodes removed to test for cancer during the surgery. I did not have lymph nodes removed but my post op results did show evidence of lymphatic/vascular invasion so I do understand that it is a worry. If there has been some spread to lymph nodes then it would be seen as a locally advanced cancer. 

The post op results will be important in determining whether any follow up treatment is needed. 

I am sorry that it has taken a year to get your diagnosis. 

Do give the Support line a call if it would help to talk things through. 

If there is anything you want to ask about please do so. 

Jane

Thanks for sharing your experience. This is really helpful x