Colon Cancer Support Group

Hi Joanne
I understand perfectly how you are feeling. It is very hard to wait and worry. I waited for almost couple weeks for my surgery - it was not easy. I think your surgeon gave you a good estimation. I spent 5 days in the hospital. I was supposed to be there for 6 days but everything went well I felt good very hungry so we decided to return home.
I did not have NG tube and I did not have a central line ( a catheter in the neck). I am thankful for that. May be you can talk to your octor about it? I mean NG tube.
Anyway try not to worry. Everything will be very fast for you - you fall asleep then you wake up - everything is done.

NG sounds worse than it is, I had one never really noticed it was there, it's a little uncomfortable when they pull it out, but otherwise nothing to worry about at all

I was in the hospital for 42 hours. No NG tube. I was up and walking, eating a regular diet and washed up and in my own jammies by time the doctor dropped by to see me the mid morning after my late afternoon surgery.

Remember, we all had cancer in different areas, different sizes, different style surgeries, etc. My scar is 1 inch long.

Joanne,
I was diagnosed with early stage colon cancer end of September and had surgery. I came out of surgery without the NG tube and then had to have the tube put down. I say it is easier to come out of surgery with the tube than have to have it later. I also had a lot of complications so I was in the hospital for 7 wks from before diagnosis unttil getting home last night. They also found I suffer from gastropheresis or unable to digest the food properly.

Liz

Thanks everyone! I've waited over a month since my visit to the surgeon and diagnosis, it seems like much longer. I've had multiple surgeries in the past and never been this frightened before. I think part of the reason is because I KNEW something was wrong and kept telling my primary doctor. I was vomiting and having intermittent diarhea and I just had this very bad feeling that kept getting worse. So insisted the doc do something. That was when I had the endoscopy and colonoscopy expecting to find something really awful in my stomach. Instead Barrets esophagus which requires watching and the large polyp that couldn't be removed then because of the type (sessile).

I don't think I'll need a central line as they don't expect I'll need any other treatment as long as the lymph nodes are clear.

In general I really do not like doctors and rarely go to one. I had a midwife with my babies and natural childbirth so I didn't have to have a shot. I hate needles!!

Anyway surgery is scheduled for Oct 29th at 8am so I will not be able to write again until I am home and up to sitting at the keyboard after surgery.

Gods Blessings to you all
Joanne

Hi Joanne...
My NG was placed suring surgery and was really very small. Not as horrifying as it seems. You'll be in my prayers for a successful, safe surgery and a speedy recovery. Best thing...as soon as you can get up,...get moving and get that plumbing on the move again.
We'll be waiting for the good news!
Survivor :)

Joanne, my prayers are with you for your surgery and recovery. Do the legwork required and it shall pass. I had a high anterior resection for stage 3 and 8 months chemo. There's a few of us here kicking ass in remission this year. There is life during and after cancer. We're cheering you on. :}

Jo I was diagnosed late Feb with the cancer and had the op Apr the 24th near on two months after the diagnosis. Like you I thought they were taking their sweet time getting me into surgery but in the end all worked out well. I spent about six days in hosp after the surgery and this included a little hic up with the heart. I did not have the NG tube so can not help there.

Jo will keep you in my prayers.

G8

I am 10 days out from a Total Colectomy with IRA, full open surgery.

The wait was bad and I'm glad it's done and over, I feel pretty darn good for the time passed. I did have an NG tube but it was nothing, so long as you don't have to have it put back in, it's all good.

Good luck, stay strong and walk as soon as you're able.

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. It can be weird, but it will pass.