Shocked

[Tay100]

Well I have just got the biggest shock of all. I have been having some tummy cramps but on Monday they were really bad. By Wednesday I was doubled over so I saw my doctor who sent me to A&E with a letter. Well after various tests over a couple of days I have been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. I am 55 and through the menopause so have never ever once thought this could be possible. I have to have chemotherapy and major surgery and I was wondering if anyone else has had surgery while asthmatic. I have severe asthma anyway so am concerned, any advice would be fantastic. Thanks in advance xx

[Hidden]

no I ve not but wish you well in your treatment.

[M-D-F]

No but I am sure the surgeon have dealt with this and other complications before. Take care.

[Minushabens]

I'm so sorry to hear that, but I'm sure that you will be in the very best hands & that they will make sure your asthma is planned for during & after the surgery.

Good luck & I'm sure that lots of people will be there for you.

[PMRPete]

You may find this useful:-

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

[Tay100 in reply to PMRPete]

Thank you!

[Wheezycat]

I am so sorry to hear! All the best on your journey. I am afraid I have no advice to give.

[Kitten-kat23]

I am so sorry. What a shock. I'm sure the consultants will know what they are doing.

I wish you all the best.

[hypercat54]

Oh my goodness not news anyone would want to hear. I do agree with the others though and they wouldn't perform surgery on you unless they thought it was safe. All the best with your treatment and stay in touch with us on here. x

[breatheeasy1]

Hi im so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I have had asthma for decades and also a recent mild COPD and bronchiectasis diagnosis. To top it all off I also had an ovarian and cervical cancer diagnosis at the end of the summer last year, resulting in two lots of surgery to remove one ovary, both tubes and part of my cervix. Just wanted to let you know that both lots of surgery went well and recovery was slow but normal- 6 weeks or so. I wish you the very best of luck with it all. x

[Tay100 in reply to breatheeasy1]

Thank you so much, that has made me feel a lot better about it. I’m so sorry though that you have had to go through it but it’s great to hear that you have recovered well. Xx

[Clanmacbeath]

I'm sorry that your going through this. It must have been an awful shock. But at least now you can get the treatment you need. 're your question about surgery and chronic asthma, I have chronic asthma and it's difficult to control. In the past few years I have had surgery twice. The aenethetist was brilliant. I had the head guy there and his assistant and they talked me through everything on both occasions. Hopefully your team will be just as good and will take excellent care of you. Good luck.

[Abc64]

Sorry to hear your news. Wishing you all my best wishes for your surgery and chemo.

[Stitcherrach]

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis, sending love & prayers. I have chronic brittle asthma, I had an oophrectomy 9years ago for suspect cancer, I had a spinal block during surgery so it meant I was awake. Not sure they'll be able to do that for your surgery but is perhaps worth asking. God Bless

[angievere]

I’ve had operations and anaesthetic was fine. All the best. xx

[Spikedog66]

So sorry for your diagnosis they will look after you. I have copd and asthma and had a general anaesthetic last year the anaesthetist was really good. They deal with chest issues and anaesthetics every day I'm sure they will answer all your questions and alleviate your fears. Take care of you, best wishes and a speedy recovery x😊

[Shirleyj]

Hope everything goes well for you x x

[Dpotter]

So sorry to hear your news. Just to reassure you about the op - I have had several ops under a general and each time they have considered my asthma. I was always given oxygen after and carefully monitored. Sending my best wishes that all goes well x

[Anniecath]

Hi there, sorry to hear you are going through a tough time. I have chronic asthma and have had it all my life. I am nearly 64 now and have been through surgery 3 times and anasthetic 4 times. Last time I went through it I wrote all my medication down, dosages, how often I took it etc. If an asthma plan is in place take a copy of that too. Make 2 copies of everything so that you and the medical team can refer to the same items if need be. I found this to make everything less fraught for me, I get very apprehensive, and it means the medics have the information to hand. Hope this is of help, and good luck and good outcome.

[strongmouse]

Hello Tay100,

I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I had to undergo emergency surgery about 18 months ago for a twisted bowel which herniated. I had a part of the bowel removed and was in intensive care for two days. Because of my medical history the surgeon arranged for me to be a room in my own room but I then had to move into a small side ward of six patients. My advice is to make sure that all staff know that you have asthma. I was allowed to keep the ventolin inhaler with me in the side locker all the time. If you have any known triggers then again write it out and make sure everyone knows. I find perfumes can be a problem plus I have a number of allergies. I told the ward sister.

When you are feeling ill after surgery that is not a time you want to try to convince someone not to use a smelly cleaner round your bed! Fortunately my husband had made clear to the staff my problems. In hindsight a printed or written note to that effect would probably have been enough taped to the head of my bed or on the wall or door. It was only a minor problem a couple of times with a night cleaner. The staff were absolutely fine about making sure I had my medication.

I find an ioniser helps and my husband brought mine in for me once the emergency was sorted. You could probably take an air filter in if you needed one.

I also had surgery three years ago which was planned and again they gave me a side room. In that instance I had a pre-surgery assessment with a nurse and was able to express all my concerns, although on the day it was a matter of what was available. Write down what you need and ensure that not only the operating surgeon but also the staff on the ward know your needs and I'm sure you will be fine. Both of my experiences with two different hospitals were good overall. The anaesthetists came to see me beforehand both times and made sure that they took account of my medical needs. There was no problem at all.

Write out what your concerns are, and what you need beforehand and I am sure that part will go well. My knowledge of cancer care units and chemotherapy - via relatives - is that they are very caring, highly skilled people.

Wishing you all the best and a good recovery in time.