Connect
Want to connect with others who have had pelvic exenteration surgery
I’m scheduled to have pelvic exenteration and wondering about recovery from surgery. I will not be able to sit for 6-8 weeks and wondering how to manage such especially for car travel to doctor apts.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.
Connect
Hello,
I am a 37yo female who was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer(3b) a year ago. I have been through all the radiation I can possibly have, I went through 2 treatments of brachytherapy earlier this year and I am now on my last treatment of chemotherapy. My next step to consider is a total pelvic exenteration operation. It is a major surgery so I wanted to hear all the pros and cons from everyone who has experienced this surgery. My biggest question for anyone who has gone through this surgery is, Would you do it again?
Thank You for taking the time to read part of my story. I would love to hear all the feedback possible and I will also answer questions of myself if you have any.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have no personal experience with this procedure. I hope you can find out what you need.
I did recently watch a documentary type show where they performed this procedure on a man. There were two surgeons and it was a two day surgery due to the complexity. It’s airing on Prime. The series is Surgeons: At The Edge Of Life. Apparently, it was originally on the BBC. Filmed in the UK. Season 4, Episode 4. It’s very graphic. I found it fascinating. They show the personal side of the situation too.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00123yx
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThis is a major surgery.If you haven't already, read this article that explains it thoroughy.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22455-pelvic-exenteration.
I suggest you get a second or even a third opinion, because your quality of life would be pretty bleak.
I have stage 3C1 endometrial cancer, and had a total hysterectomy. After a round of chemo (no radiation because I couldn't have it), cancer still spread to my lymph nodes, likely because the surgeon didn't get it all out. But pelvic-exenteration was never mentioned as a treatment. Currently on Letrozole to see how that works, and if not, will consider immuno and or/targeted therapy.
Hope this helps somewhat.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@ericad21
Here are some discussions on Mayo Clinic Connect that address the questions you are asking about pelvic exenteration surgery. I am hopeful that you will find some information here. I am also tagging @afowler876 @bevmarant @mrswo who have all posted that were considering or have experienced this surgery.
Anyone had pelvic exenteration surgery for cervical cancer?
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pelvic-exenteration/
Want to connect with others who have had pelvic exenteration surgery.
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/looking-to-connect-with-others-who-have-had-pelvic-exenteration-surger/
I suggest reading the above discussions and asking whether these members who do this surgery again.
Thank you so much for your response and information 😊
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi @ericad21, I moved your question about pelvic exenteration surgery to this existing discussion so you can connect with @bevmarant @mrswo
- Want to connect with others who have had pelvic exenteration surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/looking-to-connect-with-others-who-have-had-pelvic-exenteration-surger/
Erica, have you been scheduled for surgery or are you in the deciding phase of whether to have surgery or not?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction