@nikkiww7 Your appointment in Gyn Oncology is barely two weeks away. Yes, I predict that your surgery will be scheduled quickly after your appointment.

Hmm. Yes, adjusting to a diagnosis you totally did not expect? Who expects to hear that they have cancer? Are you planning to paint inside your house or outside? I just love the lift that new color and paint gives you, don't you? It's good that you won't be up on that ladder. Have you hired professional painters?

Since you are going to Mayo Clinic for your surgery I expect your pre-operative period will be similar to mine. I was in a pre-op room in Methodist Hospital for a few hours before surgery. My primary nurse spent a lot of time with me and provided really helpful information about my recovery period. Here is what she told me that I followed:

No lifting anything heavier than a grocery bag that is lightly packed. I don't recall the time frame for this but it was in my discharge instructions.

No driving your car for a period of time. My nurse told me how to figure this out. I should get in my car as if I plan to be the driver. Push on the brake as if I plan to make a quick stop. (I had to start my car to do this but I didn't move the car). If the seatbelt is painful when I push quickly on the brake then I wasn't yet ready to drive. For me it was about 7 - 10 days before I felt comfortable enough to drive.

After I returned home I followed the discharge instructions.

I took short walks every day as my energy came back. I didn't have any difficulty walking, going up and down stairs, or getting in and out of bed. I had general anesthesia so the combination of the anesthesia and the surgery meant I was fatigued for about 7 days. I took naps when I was tired.

Within a few days after my surgery I was ready to get out and socialize a little.

I took two weeks off of work (I worked part time). When I came back to work I found that I still tired easily so I didn't push myself.

I returned to Mayo Clinic about a month after my surgery for my Gyn Oncology surgeon to check me over and especially to view the vaginal cuff and make sure it was healing OK. I have a partner so we discussed how long before intimacy (vaginal) could resume while the vaginal cuff continued to heal. Also, during the month after my surgery I didn't go to the gym or do any weightlifting which was (and still is) part of my exercise routine.

My surgeon gave me a cancer survival plan. It contained my diagnosis and pathology information, recommendations, and how often I should return for what is called "cancer surveillance" appointments.

I didn't prepare any meals ahead of time but in retrospect I think that would have been a good idea. Yes, I agree that something you can easily reheat and is nutritious especially for a kidney-healthy diet is a great idea.

Do you feel better when you plan ahead?