Going in to have debunking after a 5 cm complex mass was found during an ultra sound. My oncologist thinks it is likely a borderline ovarian cancer or stage 1 which I know is a good thing. I got a call Friday to be in the cancer center on Monday and I have to say I am really scared. Being tough and joking around that it is no big deal but it is. I am concerned about pain and recovering quickly...I run a business..and to be honest not coming out of surgery...any encouraging words?
Nice to be able to express my fear somewhere..thank you
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Porschadarling
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Hello there. I was apprehensive too as I’d never had an op so did it in style with debulking!! I can say hand on heart, for me, it wasn’t bad at all and I’m fact the worst bit was getting constipated when I’d been discharged. Ask about the type of pain relief your hospital does as some give spinal blocks which help immensely with gynae ops; I had local anaesthetic implants down the incision and had no pain at all. I was actually more uptight about being sick as I’m quite phobic.
The first get out of bed was uncomfortable but the physio was wonderful in showing you how to do it; remember that one will be the worst it gets!
You will be tired and tire easy but just get up and toddle around when you can then rest. I was driving after three weeks (manual) and had to remember not to push things as I did feel well (you’re more at risk of hernias so do be careful). X
the anaesthetist told me it makes you feel less sick than with the morphine pump and that gynae ops generally make you feel sicker anyway.
Ultimately you should do whatever you feel is best for you but don’t be a hero, and speak to the medics around you; they’re there to help you. Good luck on Monday xx
Hi, I know exactly how you are feeling. I'm due for my operation a week Monday and have never had surgery before. Keep trying to put it to the back of my mind, although I know its for the best. Have had 4 chemo's so far, so my op is half way through my treatment. I will be thinking about you. Jan. x.
Mine was my first surgery too although I had my op before any chemo. It really wasn’t bad at all and I didn’t have any pain, discomfort at times yes but no pain. If you’ve already started chemo then you’re probably well versed in the bowel situation, but really don’t get constipated! Good luck with it xxx
Like you I was terrified but actually my op went really well, I asked for toast when I came round and found I could get out of bed within two days. This op can go very smoothly, this may well happen to you. I hope so xx
Thank you for all the reassuring words. I have felt better since I posted. Actually went out to an international women’s day celebration and it was nice to think about something else. The sisterhood always comes through !
Yes it's a big deal it's surgery, but seems like found early. I've always been kind of tough, never really scared for me but more for my family. Mostly mom. I'm stage 3c, but I've been through a lot I put my faith in God and my surgeon's. My surgeon wasn't alone most are not. The unknown is always scary, trust that your in good hands. Prayers . I've been cancer free 6 yrs. Things are coming along with research. Prayers for success. Liz
I had my debulking surgery on 12th February. I’m 69 & was really frightened. Quite honestly it was not as bad as I had feared. I was at City hospital Birmingham & I was really looked after well by doctors & nurses. I was home after 5 days & have been getting more active a bit at a time. I was not able to tolerate strong pain relief so more or less had paracetamol! I think you will be fine & soon be on your journey of recovery, sending you all good wishes
I work in a hospital and everybody, from the Consultant Surgeon to the most junior recruit, is terrified before a big operation. As everybody else said , it’s not half as bad as we all fear. I also had a borderline tumour removed ten years ago. Going through this is no picnic, but it is more than doable.
Hi there, I had debulking surgery in October. It isnt nice, obviously, but I got through it. You'll be given plenty of pain relief, and the minute you get home, you'll start to feel better, immediately.
Two bits of advice, if you are taking medication in with you, tell the nurse exactly what time of the day, you have them. I didnt, and it mocked me around a bit. Also, if you have or can get yourself a grabber, just for when things fall on the floor. I've got one now, but I wished I'd had one then. You wont be picking things up for a while. I recovered well, and five months on, am back to (my normal)😁. I have been for a few months now. Good luck, I hope you have support at home, cos you wont be doing housework for a while (shame). All the best for a speedy recovery, and let us know how you get on. Love and best wishes❤
Hi there, I had my debulking surgery last September and like yourself, I felt very scared and wasn’t sure about the spinal block. However, after talking to the anaesthetist, I decided to go ahead with it.
It was a little uncomfortable ( though not painful) having it put in and I shook like a leaf but I have to say, the staff who look after you during gynae operations are especially kind and sympathetic. The nurses and anaesthetist who were the only people present while I was given the block and the anaesthetic were so gentle and reassuring that I was asleep before I knew it!
Afterwards, I barely suffered any pain to be honest! Bearing in mind my op was a little more complex than expected too ( I was stage 3 ) I recovered pretty quickly. I just suffered from a bit of mild nausea for a few days.
Place your trust in your team and you’ll be through it before you realise.
I was nervous about the debulking operation but it went like a breeze and I was not in pain afterwards as I had a morphine block. You will need to rest up a lot after the op. I slept for long periods. Also watched a lot on Netflix. Gradually built up my strength by going for walks. Best of luck to you!
My cancer was much more advanced than yours and I had to wait 2 months for my op. I was so dreadfully ill by this time I just couldn’t wait to get in there and have it taken out. I had an epidural which I recommend if you are offered it. I really didn’t have any pain despite the huge 7- hour op. After the epidural was removed I was given a morphine pump which I barely used so it was taken out and I was given paracetamol. I was sent home with codeine, paracetamol etc but didn’t need them. I was in hospital for 12 days for various reasons but was walking round the ward and up and down the corridor on my own and could do the stairs. Think I was driving after about 6 weeks.
So sorry you had to wait so long for your surgery! I know the feeling of wanting it out now! I am glad you are doing well on the trail meds. Thinking of you!
So sorry about the dread but so understandable. I was going to write about requesting an epidural--I saw someone post to ask for a nerve block (same thing) which helped immensely (I had two ops and had it once and not the other time so I can compare). What you might physically feel as the worst thing is actually the best thing--the heathcare team will try to get you up to walk and you won't feel like it. But the more they pushed me, the better the next day was by A LOT. Can't say it's pain free--it was a bit tough for a couple of days-but then the walking and pushing to get up and walk really paid off. I also agree to ask for a pain management team if the pain after the op is worrisome to you. My team had it under control based on what I told them but precautions are a good thing! Good luck! oxoxoxo
Really helpful to have the comparison . Advise on the getting up was as well. I am pretty determined to do this the first night as the team will want me to do but one never knows how the determination will fade when the ouch’s. Many thanks. start
Just want to wish you well and hope all goes well for your operation - you will be in very safe hands. My operation was a very long time ago but it was fine. Of course, moderate pain and discomfort initially which was easily dealt with by the pain relief . I was shocked though at what a knock to your system major gynae surgery is and I know for myself, I thought I'd never feel normal again.! You do have to take it easy and heed the instructions they will give you about not lifting etc.etc. But you will find you won't be able to do certain things anyway til your body heals. Also you are in danger of developing adhesions if you push your body too soon, which is what I did as I wanted to get out of cancer victim mode asap. Only way that has affected me is I just cannot do sit ups no matter how hard I try!
My cancer was stage 1 and I was extremely fortunate to need no further treatment and my situation has remained that way for over 30 years. I really hope you have the same, if not better outcome. Take care.
I have had the surgery and got good news...it is believed now that is benign even tho it eas complex and I am 65!wont know for 10 days or so for sure but wanted to let you know it was not half as bad as I imagined..care was excellent and the tips here really helped me.i was given an internal nerve block during surgery ..at least is what I agreed to and was told I had and I have so very little pain. After first night just extra strength tynol and today...day 2 post surgery I have nothing. Only thing that is causing me a bit of grief is gas...that will go away. Plumbing working fine as of this morning. Thank you for all your help.
This journey has shown me a path for my retirement. Just not enough resources going into OC research!
That is brilliant news; an immense weight off your shoulders I'm sure. I'd forgotten about the gas! It's soooo uncomfortable. But, onwards and upwards for you and many many healthy and happy years to come. Same age as me btw!
Wishing you all the very best. If only everyone who had a brush with this disease had the same outcome that you and I had. Sad thing is outcomes haven't changed much in the 30 + years since I had it.
I was the same, dreading surgery, only ever had my tonsils out, I was in hospital for 3 days, getting in and out of bed was quite painful but once I was home I was more relaxed, I’m a self employed driving instructor so I decided not to work during chemotherapy in case I picked up any infection off my pupils, Macmillan were fantastic helping with financial stress, chemotherapy was okay, carbo and plaxi so lost all my hair but still here to tell the tale, good luck on Monday
Bye the way , l don’t know how to feel about telling ladies who know they have this horrible disease that I very likely do not! Like a fake really...odd feeling. But I do know what the uncertainty feels like and about how blood lucky I was that I went in to complain about incontinence and had a bloody good GP. That is the story I have to share and I will be relentless about it! Women doctors rock!
Alberta, Canada is changing the payment rules for GP doctors on March 23 rd that they only have 10 minutes with patients and after that they don’t get paid..another appointment has to be made! Really...would OC be potentially have been diagnosed as a potential cause of incontinence by a GP stressed out by a 10 minute limit. Let’s be clear here..my issue had a 20% chance of not being cancer and an 80% chance of being borderline cancer....you ladies all know how important early diagnosis is. I got lucky again and had it found before this stupid law.
You ladies have been amazing in helping me and I am forever grateful. I will, until told not to, be supporting newbies who are afraid of their first surgery....ok by you all?
By the way...my dr has told me she is not going to limit majority of her patients to the 10 min...again amazing doctor..it translates into th really good ones taking a pay cut!
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