Debulking surgery

[tisha10]

I have an appointment with the surgeon on Wednesday to discuss having the debulking operation looking for advice on what questions to ask.

[Mammi]

Hi Tisha 10, I’m not much help as I went into it all rather blind.After being told I was merely constipated to being rushed forward to debulking op,removal of a 16 cm cancerous tumour then chemo I didn’t have chance to ask questions. Was only told after the op that it was ovarian cancer but I have to say that the surgeon was fantastic & ive always felt in secure hands . I’m the kind of person that can sort my head out if I have ALL the facts, some people would rather not know! but I made that clear to the consultant. I wanted to know the Stage & grade, what exactly was removed, what they found, what would the aftercare consist of. Would I lose my hair & was it genetic. I never questioned survival rate as being realistic all our bodies manage this in different ways & it really is impossible to answer but the consultant said he was determined to cure me.... so that’s good enough !! Don’t know if this is of any help but please feel safe & go with the flow , you will get through this . Big hugs Dee x

[Lyndy]

Hello tisha10I think I would ask what they are aiming to do...ie. what they aim to remove and what success will look like.

I would ask how long they expect the operation to last ( they book ‘table time’ for each op...so will they continue until they’ve got as much out as possible?).

How should you prepare? Starving is normal but pre op exercises are sometimes used to help you recover faster.

Will you have an epidural? I did and it allows them to use a lighter general...which really helped when I came round.

How long do they expect you to be in hospital? How much will you be able to do for yourself on discharge?

Definitely ask about anything that bothers you or that you are nervous about. Best of luck! xx

[MarleyZ]

Hi Tisha

I went had a speedy two weeks at end of Nov 2019 was referred to oncology and a tumour was found at the time they couldn't tell me if it was cancerous or not had the hysterectomy January 2020 and all cancer removed and aprt from removal of appendix and bowel intersection nothing else removed, I have to say really didn't have time to look into it that much, and in a way am glad I didn't had total faith in my surgeon and the team, every step of the way I was given hints and help the sort of do's and dont's brilliant ward sister who told me what I should bring things I didn't have to bother with and what to do once I came around from the op..in on Friday out by following Thursday...lots of work to do after the op just moving around, bowel issues etc reading even then was light was given all the chemo stuff to read underwent that as well 6 rounds of it ... I hadn't really asked alot but what I asked was important in terms could I handle it if they had to remove more at op stage ...advice be positive be strong and be prepared to fight in order to beat this illness...I feel great now much more energy and even focus. Wish you all the best.

[Newbie_2020]

I personally didn't ask/dig on what they'll do.

The ultimate aim for a debulking surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible and ideally all of it or at least what's visible to the surgeon.

This is what they do and on a daily basis. Often they do more than one surgery a day. You are in very good hands.

The surgeon will go through the last scan and explain what's likely to take place. He/she will add that as much as the scan will give them an indication, once they are inside this is when they have a clearer picture.

They'll ask you to shield and they'll see you two days before your check-in date for a Covid test. Once you'll check into the hospital, they'll do another Covid and MRSA.

Don't have any foods before checking in. The nurse forgot to tell me but luckily I didn't have any food but took a snack with me which of course I didn't eat. They'll give you clear soup and jelly.

The anaesthetist will come and talk to you and explain his/her part.

Before surgery, many ovarian cancer patients have low albumin levels. Albumin is needed in the recovery and prevents edema. You need to build on nutritious food and on your protein intake. You can also try "ensure" and may be you'll tolerate it. They tend to prescribe it post surgery.

All shall be well and hopefully the surgery will go very smoothly and you'll wake up to hear the very good news.

[Lfsharkey]

Hi! Good luck with your surgery. I had it in August and the one thing I think was helpful was that they gave me a spinal tap before the surgery for pain management. It made a huge difference in my recovery. I had the surgery on a Monday and was ready to leave ny Sunday. Plus, by Thursday I didn't need any pain medication except an occasional Tylenol. Good luck. You'll be in all of our prayers.

[Summergold2]

Hang in there! I was diagnosed on a Monday I had no symptoms....... internal sonogram Wednesday CT SCAN with and without contrast consultation with oncologist gynecologist surgeon in 6 hour surgery Monday! Whew a lot to wrap your head around but so glad it went so fast! Only had a couple of days Saturday and Sunday to worry. Couldn’t / didn’t want to really know “everything”. Just wanted the “beastie” out. They go down the list of everything they possibly can do as the surgeon only makes the determination when you are in surgery and looking what is or not cancerous.Thankful for the expertise plenty of time after to find out everything about ovarian cancer and blood work and chemo and genetics WHEW!

Trust in your team and reach out to ovacome and the ladies they are all amazing and so very helpful.

Wish I had found this site sooner!

[Caroles1]

Hi love,

I had my op September the 1st 2014, with 6 months Carboplatin, Paxiotaxol after. I had a reaction to that, but was given anti hystomines and a slower infusion and all was ok.

I was diagnosed as 1c, but was very ill and near the end.

I am telling you this because I am here nearly 6 1/2 years later no reoccurance.

I don’t know why I have been this lucky, I don’t tend to dwell, just get on with life, too busy to worry.

Questions?

I would ask what stage I am, what problems I may have and how to help myself.

What aftercare I will be given, the checks, for what and how regular?

Before my op I had ascites and had to be drained, after my op I still had acid and couldn’t eat, but I was given Omaprezole (still take it occasionally) and my appetite returned, wouldn’t be here without it.

Last tip, take someone with you when you have your pre op meeting, you won’t take a lot of it in, I think it’s shock and it’s not happening to me syndrome.

Oh and buy some Sennacot, you may suffer with a bit of constipation and the last thing you need is to be straining.

Hope this helps, you can always pm me,

Carole

[HJF123]

I had debulking surgery in September and as many of the ladies have already mentioned, they can give you an indication of what they think needs doing but it's only when you have surgery that they get to see what actually needs doing. It will take the times it takes and a thorough job is what you are looking for. Also remember to be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. I recommend you take peppermint oil capsules, ten herbs and peppermint tea, it helps with soothing the gut and getting it going again. Send you much strength. Heidi

[tisha10 in reply to HJF123]

Sorry I don't know how to reply to all at once but hope everyone can see this. I want to thank everyone for the comments they were very helpful. I had my meeting with the surgeon today and am to have a laparoscopy on the 11th Feb. If what they see is operable they will carry on and do the full debulking there and then. It is quite scary but I am stage 4 and am not ready to give up the fight yet.