Because I don't know your mother's fitness level, I can give good advice. I'm 58 and was out of the hospital STAGE III CC in 42 hours and needed very little help.

If your mom has people who can provide meals, start laundry and get her back and forth to doctor visits (no driving for 6 weeks, no lifting either) then she might do fine.

God Bless,
Diane

Hi Sarah and welcome to the group, I am too far away to offer any advice on support for your mum as ours is all different. There are those here that will be able to help so if you do not mind I will say a prayer for you mum.

Wishing you well

G8

Hi Sarah - I think it's really hard to predict recovery time. Fitness level is one factor, but there are others, such as the extent and type of surgery. My suggestion is to try to talk to the surgeon. My guess is that he/she will give you parameters but no definitive answers until after the surgery. You may need to leave some flexibility.

As Diane says, there are certain common restrictions, but some vary by doctors. No heavy lifting, for sure. As far as driving, I was told I could drive as soon as I no longer needed narcotics for pain. Only your mother or you know what she does on a daily basis. I was very fit, but still needed help with things like walking the dogs, changing the cat litter, etc. It's those little things you need to think about.

It sounds like you are not sure if your mom has cancer. It's my understanding that for cancer being older can be a good thing, because cancers tend to be more aggressive the younger we are. I think it has something to do with the way cells divide.

Your mom sounds very strong-willed and independent. That's not a bad thing. My father died last August at age 77. Going through his stuff after hhis funeral I realized how important it was for him to have his independence at the end. Hopefully your mom won't have to give that up.

Hi Sarah,
I am sorry to hear that your mom has to undergo surgery at this age but there are many success stories when surgery is performed even in older patients. I agree with "notagaintoo", if it turns to be cancer, it is less aggressive in older patients. Also I am not sure whether it would be possible to hire a live-in carer to live with your mom for a while but this might be a good idea. Let's hope that everything goes fine. Your mom will be in my prayers.

Thanks for all the responses. Even though my mom is strong-willed and wants to be independent, she has always been very reliant on others. She is small both in stature and weight and is not fit (especially in terms of issues like balance.) She doesn't drive (never has) so she's used to relying on cabs or friends. She also chose to live in a condo complex where there is no washer/dryer in the unit. I guess I could either piece together some services like meal delivery, laundry pickup or hire a caregiver. Does the American Cancer Society or the social services department at the hospital provide recommendations for such services? So sorry you all are going through this. I know from my daughter's condition that it is so hard when your body betrays you. (She used to be extremely athletic and, now, can't even participate in pe at school.) Thanks for all your help. Sarah

My heart goes out to you....having to plan ahead is smart but there will be many unknowns... I would call the Cancer Society, they may have volunteers that can do some shopping and stop by to help her around the house with some things... Hard to anticipate everything.
I had my surgery and I am fit and recovery was fairly swift. I m hoping for the same for your mom.