Debulking surgery

Posted by dnfjc @dnfjc, Sep 23 2:11pm

I just completed 7th round of chemo. If I am a candidate for the surgery it would be after 12 rounds. I’m starting to wonder how hard it is going to be recovering. I can’t imagine being under anesthesia all day as I’ve been told. 10 days hospital and 3 mos recovery. Any experiences of what you went thru would help prepare me. I’m 74 which I know plays into it. I have 2 story house and basement laundry and kitty room. 30 steps from bedroom to basement! I’m fairly active person so hope that’s in my favor. Thanks for any input.

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Sep 24 11:01am

First, my best wishes for your recovery ! My experience is that it goes slower at the beginning as you would expect. Your doctors should be able to guide you…. I had PT come to my apartment 2x a week a few weeks after surgery… it was very simple/gentle , easy to do in between PT sessions…. You will need to take increases in activity very gradually, just like you will do after surgery with diet…. Stairs may not be good right away, but as soon as you are stronger, they are great exercise for whole body…don’t try to tough this out on your own—there are sources of help…a good social worker should be familiar with the ones near you. Hang in there, recovery is doable if not always easy or fun.

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 25 7:18am

Good luck completing your chemo sessions and I hope you then qualify for debulking surgery!

Immediately on diagnosis of a cancerous mass in my abdomen after a CT scan I had debulking surgery. This involved removal of the big appendix and ovaries mass as well as a radical hysterectomy and removal of my omentum.

I’m not sure if this is what you’re having or much more?

The slit in my stomach was huge and needed careful wound care before the stitches were removed - but not nearly as huge as the massive cut when I had HIPEC with further Cytoreductive Surgery after I’d completed my 6 months chemo. That was a huge surgery and included removal of my peritoneum, my gall bladder, part of my colon and other tissue.

The initial debulking surgery was fine. I just had to remember when I got home not to carry heavy things but otherwise I could be active including going up and down stairs but not carrying anything heavy. I had physical therapy lessons while in hospital to teach me how to put as little pressure on the wound such as when getting out of bed etc.

I was also warned before going into hospital to bring down everything that I need that were in higher cupboards for easy access and to limiting stretching.

You will need help bringing the laundry up and down stairs and changing your bedding etc to protect your wound.