Second surgery

[Alice77]

Less than two years since ultra radical cytoreduction surgery my primary peritoneal cancer has recorded and the multi disciplinary team is recommending further surgery...more of the same as far as I can see. Has anyone else experienced this please? Best wishes

[Laz66]

Morning, its a scary time for you but positive that they think a second surgery is an option. I have now had 3 surgeries, usual first hysterectomy etc then a much bigger “ ultra radical “ operation, then a smaller op last month. I am not sure of the definition of ultra radical but I know my second one was. You can maybe read my posts when I have reached out on here for help where I have listed what was removed. I had extensive spread . I have recovered well from each surgery and had 2 cycles of chemo. I may be about to start a third lot. Personally I have found the surgeries much much easier to deal with than the chemo. If I can help at a with anything please message me. Xx

[Alice77 in reply to Laz66]

Thanks for your reply. My last op was the full 9 hour ultraradical stuff although I avoided bowel resection because the six pre surgery chemo cycles had sorted out the disease there. I suppose it just seems so soon after such major surgery to be doing it all over again but you are right to point out that it is actually a positive step and I should be grateful for the option. Best wishes

[delia2]

I think that being offered surgery is very positive ( given you are having a recurrence). I think it’s been shown to have better results than chemo alone and they won’t offer it if they don’t think they can get it all out. I would rather have surgery than chemo myself.

[Alice77 in reply to delia2]

Thank you Delia for your encouragement...You are right of course, but I am having the surgery and the chemo as well. Still I have much to be thankful for, I know, and am viewing it positively. Best wishes

[lesleysage]

Hi Alice,

My feelings are similar to delia2 and Laz66 in that I'd feel positive. I don't know which MDT is treating you but if you have any doubt whatsoever as to their recommendation, why not ask for a second opinion? Ovacome Support Team could help?

In 2013, I asked Professor Christina Fotopoulou (Queen Charlotte, Imperial College Trust, London) and many on this site have found her team's surgical skills invaluable - and also those of the Christie Team (Manchester) under Professor Gordon Jayson. I found asking questions of clinicians so helpful in supporting me to face the decisions I needed to make for my body and my life.

Take care, warmest wishes and keep being kind to yourself. x