Surgery

• Pre-Surgery Preparation:

  • Consultation with the Surgeon: Discussion about the surgery, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.

  • Medical Tests: Blood work, imaging scans (e.g., CT, MRI, or ultrasound) to assess the extent of cancer and ensure you’re fit for surgery.

  • Pre-Op Instructions: Follow specific instructions such as fasting before surgery or stopping certain medications.

  • Anesthesia Consultation: Meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss your medical history and anesthesia plan.

• On the Day of Surgery:

  • Arriving at the Hospital: Check-in, change into a hospital gown, and an IV will be inserted for fluids and medication.

  • Pre-Surgery Medications: You may receive medications to help relax or manage anxiety.

  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia is typically used, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

  • Marking the Surgical Site: The surgeon may mark the area of surgery to ensure accuracy.

• During Surgery:

  • Surgical Procedure: The surgeon removes the tumor or affected tissue, and possibly nearby lymph nodes or organs, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

  • Duration: Surgery duration depends on the complexity and extent of the procedure (may last a few hours. Mine was 5 hours long).

  • Note: your personal items will be bagged up and safely locked away. You will be given the bag in recovery room.

• Post-Surgery Recovery:

  • Recovery Room: After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. I vomited through the night due to long exposure to the anesthesia.

  • Pain Management: Expect pain relief medication to manage discomfort after the procedure.

  • Hospital Stay: Depending on the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or more for observation. I only stayed one night.

  • Incision Care: The surgical site will be monitored for infection, and you’ll receive instructions on how to care for the incision once you're home. I showered normally after two days, but was told I can showered right away.

• Post-Surgery Follow-Up:

  • Follow-Up Appointments: Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and check for any complications.

  • Further Treatments: Depending on the pathology results, you may need additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies.

  • Physical Recovery: Rest and gradual physical activity will be necessary for healing. You may also be referred to a physical therapist to regain strength and mobility.

• Emotional Support:

  • Emotional Recovery: Surgery can be emotionally and mentally challenging, so it's important to seek emotional support from loved ones, support groups, or a counselor.

  • Resources: Ask your healthcare team about resources to help with both physical and emotional recovery post-surgery.

 

The surgical process can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of the anxiety and help you focus on your healing journey.