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Bowel resection surgery

Gary476
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I will have my surgery on 4th November and already have a ileostomy. I am not sure of the procedure to remove my 7cm tumour and what will happen to my body during the procedure.

  When I had my ileostomy in March I had the shakes before the procedure and was very worried which I think added to my mental health recovery after the procedure being concerned about the upcoming surgery.

i am concerned that I will have another stoma or bladder drains and more intrusive scarring after the procedure. This is causing me great anxiety and I am afraid to ask about the procedure. I just wish I could pass the next few weeks quickly and as comfortable as possible.

Any positive advice will be greatly appreciated.

kind regards Gary 

  • Hi there Gary and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery and the anxiety it is causing you.

    It is very natural for people to be worried about having treatment and how it will affect them, however as everyone is different it is difficult for anyone to say exactly how you will feel after this procedure.

    We have some general information about the different types of colon surgery on our website, that may be worth a read. Ideally you need to have an open and honest conversation with your hospital team so they can explain what will happen and what to expect so you can prepare yourself best for it.

    Often it is the uncertainty and unknown that makes people fearful and out of control. Whereas if you are more aware of what is to come this can actually help you to be able to plan and feel more in control of the situation.

    Do speak with your team when you can so they can give you more information as well as friends and family to help support you through this.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Hi Naomi,

    just to inform you I had my operation and all went well after the procedure that lasted 10 hours with the robotic surgery I was in excellent shape afte. 
      Although in a lot of pain the morphine that I was given helped managed that.

      One thing I would like to inform you about was my journey leading up to the surgery. I was advised by my oncologist that I should try and keep myself I reasonably good shape.

      I slowly started to build up my morning walking routine until I was achieving 8 miles of vigorous walking everyday and this with a balanced diet has helped me get in the best possible shape. This with a strong mindset of trying to recover quickly has helped me obtain the best results.

      The nursing staff at my hospital have stated this recovery so far has been staggering. I am convinced that regular exercise is key in this kind of surgery.

     I am 57 year old male who feels 30 again.

    yours positively Gary

  • in reply to Gary476

    Hi there Gary and thanks for letting us know your surgery went well.

    Hope your recovery continues to be a speedy one. There is a lot of evidence to show the benefits of prehabilitation, which we have information about where patients prepare for cancer treatment by getting active, eating well and looking after themselves and how this really does help.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care

    Naomi

  • Offline

    Hi. So glad to hear your surgery went well. I just wondered what stage your cancer was at 7cm. My husband has just had a colonoscopy and they have found a 5cm lesion which they said was big. We are terrified that it’s advanced and are waiting for a ct scan. Thank you 

  • Offline in reply to Lemonsherbert

    Hi, I was stage 3 going into stage 4.

    after diagnosis I searched the net to find out what was my chances and found negative percentage on sites from mainly the US. I was told these sites are not very reliable and to just stick to the UK sites which are much more encouraging and helpful.

    I hope your husband gets the news you both desire and I am sure you deserve.

    If I may offer a bit of advice, now is the time for your husband to get himself in shape physically as I did just by walking and changing to a different diet. 

      Also, remember he is ill now but the professionals are about to take over and help you both through to a healthier place. Dark days are ahead but many more happier days will lose them from memory.

    My prayers and thoughts are with you both and remember it’s part of life’s journey and you can make it a happier place by staying positive and strengthening each other.

    Kind regards Gary.

  • Offline in reply to Gary476

    Thank you for your reply. This has settled my mind somewhat. 

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