Cervical cancer (update)

[fliptheswitch]

Hi all,

My sister is going to have her op this month, and will be coming to stay with me for a week afterwards, and then with my parents.
I was just wondering, does anyone know what to expect?
I am in the process of turning the spare room into a bedroom for her, but just wondering what she will/won't be able to do.

They've told her to expect six weeks for recovery, but I don't really know what that means. I'm just wondering if I should be making her a bedroom downstairs? Would that be easier for her, or do you think upstairs will be fine?

Thanks.

[RATTER15]

Give the hospital a phone call and ask to be put through to OT department, they are the experts.

Im sure you will also get some excellent advice on here.

[RATTER15]

I hope all goes well with your Sister XXX

[fliptheswitch]

Ah, that's a good idea Ratter! I wouldn't have even known what department to ask for, so thanks for that :-)

And thank you :-) xx

[rowanwitch]

upstairs should be fine if you have a handrail as she might be a bit unsteady the first couple of days... if you have a shower that would be good as she probably won't be able to have a bath at first... even with a radical hysterectomy you are pretty mobile after about 4 days just get very tired so a comfy couch is good with soft cushions for naps

[fliptheswitch]

Oh no... the shower is over the bath. Damn, I didn't think about that.
I'll stick with making up the bedroom upstairs then, as it would be a hell of a lot easier.
I've got a nice, big sofa and a ton of dvd's ready for her. Just wondering what else I can do, so she doesn't get bored and fed up.
Yeah, my Mum said about the tiredness. She went with her to the last meeting, and they said about being overly tired.

[riptide]

After a complete hysterectomy, which I had 10 years ago, I was in hospital for 5 days and after the 3rd day, they had me in the bath by myself. The only thing you really have to watch is lifting, no ironing, etc. No driving either for 6 weeks. i was fine with the stairs, although you feel weak, you are normally fairly steady on your feet after a few days. My mother came round and stayed at night but in the daytime I managed fine on my own. You just really feel a little weak after the op, although some people may not manage so well.

[NOX]

No help I'm afraid on the question itself Flip, but just wanted to wish your sister the very best for her procedure, and good luck for a swift recovery.

[China Doll]

I had an op at the beginning of the year and was off work for five weeks with a reduced mobility. After I had exhausted DVDs, books, got bored of AB and fed up of daytime telly I started to buy those rag mags, chat and take a break etc, I got quite in to them and was happily doing the puzzles and then submitting the answers online. I didn't win anything but it sort of felt like I was 'doing something' if that makes any sense at all.

[TOWIE]

Morning Flip

I had a complete hysterectomy 15 years ago - was in hospital for 5 days but could manage stairs - also used shower over the bath - bit of a struggle getting to lift legs over to stand in the bath. Couldn't bend down much, and hubby had to help me.

The only problem I had was, the painkillers they sent me out with were Co-Codomol - they made me really constipated - nobody warned me about this. The offshot was, I ended up in A & E after straining all my stomach muscles.

It took me longer than 6 weeks to get over the op, mostly just feeling weak.

I wish your sister well and a speedy recovery. Den xx

[rowanwitch]

Also had mine just under 15 years ago but had more major follow up surgery 2 years later... the physical stuff you can get over pretty quickly but the head stuff takes longer. still cry sometimes over the things i lost out on .. one thing i would suggest is where posssible plan some girly stuff for later in the requirement phase... a facial maybe... and with christmas coming up really pretty things on the present list,,, its about reinforcing a sense of femininity as gynae surgery can make some feel 'less of a woman' she's lucky to have someone who cares so much... you probably don't realise how the little things you will do will have a huge impact on how well she copes

[Euphemia]

The no lifting is very important - even a full kettle. Otherwise, lots of rest and love.
Best wishes for the op. x

[mumsie_wumsie]

Hi, I hope all goes well with your sisters op. To have such a caring sister to look after her, goes a long way in her recovery.And it will be good for you both to have some 'sisterly' time together; shows how much you care about each other.Also, if you have a Mobility shop in your area, you can get a board that goes across the bath to enable you to get into the bath to have a shower. You sit on the board and gently lift legs into the bath. Might take a bit of effort at first, but will get easier. xx

[chrissa1]

I hope it all goes well for her flip.

[Euphemia]

Yes the bath board is very useful. I was provided with one after my op by the district nurse or social services

[NoMercy]

Do you know if shes's for any follow up treatment post-op?

Usually some adjuvant radiotherapy is indicated.

[rowanwitch]

a little step stool to help her in and out of the bath would be good they are not expensive

http://www.essentiala...hroom/bath-steps.html

a few here and other websites too but worth asking if the OT dept can lend you one for a week or so

[fliptheswitch]

Thankyou so much for all the replies and lovely comments.
Puzzle books are a good idea, I'll be sure to get some of those.
Rowan, that's a nice idea. I'll play it by ear, and see how she goes, and then take her somewhere nice.
NoM, they won't know until after she's had the op. We're keeping everything crossed that, after they've taken out the tumor and part of the cervix, that'll be it gone. They won't know until they've done another scan though, to see if it's spread any further.

Thanks for the advice on the board. We've got a mobility shop nearby, so I'll have a look in there, or will speak to one of the nurses when I go to the hospital to see her.

Thanks again, it's much appreciated :-)

[anneasquith]

shes young flip, and will recover quickly. lots of TLC from you and her family .

[fliptheswitch]

She'll get plenty of that, Anne. I think she'll probably be sick to the back teeth of me, by the time she goes home! :D

[NoMercy]

Well I work in clinical Oncology and one of my consultants is breast/gynae. If you have any random and non-specific questions, just give me a shout and I will try to find you a prompt answer.