Had my debulking surgery on Monday, & I'm not gonna lie it's notwhere near as bad as I thought. Think the anticipation of the unknown is far worse! Sunday was utter pants (the day before) & when I felt really stressed. Wanted to just scream at the top of my voice with frustration, self-pity & Anger! Instead I went for a walk to clear my head (ended up signing up for Walk for Cancer on my return - 10,000 steps a day in March, for a Cancer Research!)
My op all went well, surgeon said my diaphragm was quite 'diseased' and so he ended up cutting a fair bit of it away, but thinks he's got it all. Let's hope so! Not too much of the bowel, so no stoma, phew!
Spent a day in ICU now back in my own room. Am lucky to have good private health cover so at least I've actually managed to get some sleep tonight, as opposed to hardly any last night!
Thank you for all your tips and advice. Am drinking plenty of fluids, even the dreaded peppermint tea, which I hate! No appetite at present, so eating really small portions (& lots of prunes/prune juice!!)
Looking forward to moving past this. I restart my chemo in a few weeks, & then, dare I say it, there's light at the end of the tunnel... 🙏🏼
Sending love & good vibes to everyone today lose out there, no matter where on the journey you might be ❤️❤️❤️
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SarahsJourney
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Glad it went ok Sarah and good to see you raising a smile. Keep smiling Hope you manage to get some more sleep. Before you know it you'll be home, just remember to take it easy and be kind to yourself xx Take care , Kathy xx
Thanks Kathy, def slept better last night. Even managed an unaided trip to the bathroom last night which is progress...just gotta try & achieve a 💩 today!
I honestly didn't even think I could get out of bed the first day, then I didn't think I could just 'stand up'... & then I walked up & down the ward yesterday morning aided by the physio & a nurse. Slight setback yesterday afternoon when I couldn't stand up without feeling sick & dizzy, but then later that night I managed to go to the bathroom with the nurse, and now this morning I'm able to go on my own. All of this shows me that despite my fears & doubts I'm actually making progress which is great. X
Hi Sarah, glad it went well, you've done the worse bit now so onwards and upwards. Your post is so encouraging to others on here awaiting their surgery You lucky lady having your own room, sleep is very important, your progress sounds really good, keep up the good work and remember one step at a time, you're still learning to walk again, no running for quite a time yet 😊. Take lots of care and be extra gentle to you, sending big hugs ❤xx Jane
Glad you made it through with flying colors! One day at a time. The biggest hurdle for me was gas you accumulate when they pump you up before surgery. its a bugger to pass but when you do everything looks sunnier.
So pleased all went well for you, Sarah, and things weren't as bad as you feared. What a relief! Now you just need all systems to go!!😊 Make the most of a good rest, pace yourself, and hopefully you can soon restart your chemo. So pleased you didn't have to have a stoma.
The worst is over and done,you will start to feel stronger,don't overdo it and don't beat yourself up when you feel tired or can't do something,you will get ther,
Hiya Sarah! Isn't it just the most amazing feeling knowing that the biggest hurdle is now out of the way 🎉.. despite our battle scars, there really appears to be that much sought after "light" at the end of the tunnel!
Recovering for me was an up and down process (only 8 weeks post surgery) it was quite painful, especially the wind! Also complicated by my ileostomy... As I couldn't drive for 6 weeks it was a l painfully boring time, well done of it !!!
Looking back now, it's what you got to do and I'm more than thankful that they WERE able to operate...
Awesome news and great picture!! Love that you signed up for a walk in March. I believe that positive 'looking forward' attitude really helps in healing.
Keep eating small portions and looootttttsssss of liquids. I made the mistake of trying to eat too much too soon and it didn't go so well. I also found protein shakes with almond milk and fruit (without seeds) were filling and gave good nutrition......and they tasted good!
Sarah, it sounds like you're making fantastic progress! I'm so pleased for you! And well done on the peppermint tea (I used to hate it, but have grown to love it and it was a real life saver after both my ops!) and prune juice (again, was an absolute life saver for me after my surgeries...and preferable to drugs...took about 3 days to work for me though on both occasions but after that, happy sailing so to speak!) Good to hear you've got your own room, because rest now is going to be your saviour (and that's hard to do on a noisy, busy hospital ward!)
Take the next few days and weeks slowly...look after yourself...let others look after you and regain your strength ahead of your chemo. You're in my thoughts and well done for getting through the worst bit
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Hope you manage to get some more sleep. Before you know it you'll be home, just remember to take it easy and be kind to yourself xx Take care , Kathy xx
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