New to the site

[AILEEN3]

Looking to talk to anyone who has had surgery for ovarian cancer

[Hidden]

Hi Aideen. I had total hysterectomy bilateral oophorectomy and partial cervical resection. This was an emergency because a large ovarian malignant ant cyst ruptured before surgery was sheduled. I had chemo after all healed up. The surgery was a big relief to me. I would have wanted everything gone even if the cyst hadn't ruptured or I had presented in a differen th way. Not everyone feels that way but that's my story. I hope that helps. Your question is fairly open so I'm not sure what aspect you are looking at.

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi Aileen,You are on the right site for advice about surgery for ovarian cancer as most of the ladies on here have had surgery , surgery and chemo are the normal treatment,

I was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago and have had chemo then surgery then chemo, in this time I have had 5 different treatment all chemo.

As Bmemccabe said your question is open so if you have a particular question just add to post. Take care of yourself Lorraine xx

[Hidden]

Hi Aileen and welcome to the site. If you are in Ireland and would like to connect with other women who had surgery, Ovacare are holding a Patient Information day in Limerick Clayton Hotel towards the end of May. To answer your question, I had surgery and recovered well, it wasn't as bad as I feared to be honest. I was in hospital for about a week, you spend a day or so there before surgery and then about six days post op. When you come round you will be in recovery and be monitored for a day or so post op, There will be plenty of painkillers available if you need them. A physio will help get you back moving. When you get home you are not allowed to lift anything heavier than a cuppa for six weeks. You will be a little tender at home for that time. Hope that helps and if you need further information please ask

[AILEEN3 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Suzuki im new to this technology / Your reply has been very helpful. Since I made my decision to have surgery ive been having fears and doubts. Ive just come off Avastin. But I hope its to right way to go.

did you spendlong in hospital post surgery. Should I start looking for a nursing home post op. I have no supports at home.

thank you again

Aileen

[Hidden in reply to AILEEN3]

Hi Aileen, I was about a week in hospital but I had been constipated so not left home until the deed was done. Perhaps you could see about having a home help for a few weeks. You could get an option to stay in a nursing home for a week or two to get strength back. For six weeks you are not allowed lift anything heavier than a cuppa. Would you have a neighbour or friend you can ask to drop in, that might be another idea. You can discuss this with your team or your family doctor and perhaps something could be worked out for you. I would suggest you have loose clothes ready to wear as you would be sore after the surgery. A nightie or two would be advisable for a day or so post op. Have slippers you can get into with out any trouble and slip on shoes so you don't have to bend to tie laces. For hospital bring a nice towel,etc slippers hand cream and face moisturiser. Maybe music if you are into that or some magazines you can read, you may not be able to concentrate on a book but everyone is different. hope that helps

[Nancy222]

Tell us a little about yourself or what you want to know and that might generate more conversation

[bquinnx]

Hi Aileen 😊 Nearly 5 years ago I had a Bilateral abdomectomy (Removal of ovaries/womb/faloipian tubes and fat pad.) I had Stage 3 Ovarian metatastatic cancer with secondary (lung). While it took me a few months to recover Aileen the op was definetly a success for me as I didnt have a reoccurrance again until last year and while I was on chemo again last year I didnt need more surgery. I wish you the best of luck Aileen3. Stay positive and keep me posted. B x

[MarieRB]

Hello Aileen, like you I'm new to this site, and am finding it all very helpful and encouraging to hear about others' experiences. I had surgery autumn 2011 and then diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Remembering the hospital experience back then, yes, bring lots of 'nice things', ie, smellies, etc, and definitely 'light' reading! I had my laptop and charger, but there can be security issues here - perhaps get a friend to bring it into you when the op is over? I was able to watch sci-fi films on mine, so whatever presses your buttons! But, I would leave out the really funny films until your scar has healed - it can be painful laughing! Also, the food wasn't great; there is obviously a big disconnect between the catering department and the dietician's department! Noise can be an issue, with many visitors staying way beyond the designated time (of course, things may have changed over the following six years).......it can be really hard getting to sleep, so ear plugs might help? (That's for those of us who go to bed early normally and wake early!). Nurses work really hard under difficult situations, and generally manage to smile through it all - they're great! Blessings, MarieRB