Re: Re: June

[Guest guest]

Hi June

Just wanted to say welcome. My husband, Phil, never had the colon surgery.

He was diagnosed Stage 4 inoperable in June 2003 he had/has multiple

metastatic cells (mets) to his liver pretty much all over

After 18 months of chemo (Dec. 2004) his 13 cm tumor was GONE but the liver

mets

remain(ed).

In April 2005 they inserted a pump to deliver chemo straight to his liver.

The surgery was probably even more extensive than that for your colon tumor.

My husband was in the hospital a week. He had an epidural for pain and could

control the delivery of pain medication by pushing a button which delivered

measured doses. Don't be afraid to use it!! They also drained like 10 IV

size bags of fluid from his abdomen post surgery! But remember his was much

more

extensive.

He was up walking about 3-4 days after surgery. He was protecting the area

and had some pain around the incision.

He did get a ride back home but was back to work 10 days post surgery. Phil

is a pastor and he did 2 services that Sunday and a couple of hospital

visits. Phil tends to push and has been lucky so far in terms of side effects

to

treatment and recovery so please don't feel like you are " whimping out " should

you not feel up to this type of schedule. Go at your own pace and let your

body tell you what you are and aren't capable of doing.

Your own surgery is of course different Besides the pain issues it may

involve some degree of bowel disturbance but hopefully this gives you an idea

of

some of the issues involving abdominal surgery.

Narice

PS Phil has tolerated chemo very well. He has had some minor side effects

such as mouth

sores, chills, nausea and dry skin at various times but all very

managable.