I'm sorry he's having such a tough time. You can read my journal and get my story. How is his eating? Is he sleeping inclined? It will take a while to get his strength back up from major, major surgery. I think his Drs. will probably give an idea of how long that should take, but lots of variables probably enter into that for everyone. I recall it being about 3 months (after surgery) before I had a day that made me feel like it was a normal before cancer day! I think changes happen in such small stages sometimes, that all of a sudden we realize we can do something we couldn't since surgery. I think I just kept improving from that day forward in a swifter pace. Take whatever time it takes - there's no rush. Better to heal completely than to rush it. Also, maybe have them check his dose of Ativan too? I didn't take it, but if he's still depressed maybe they could make some adjustment with that? Tell him I was DX with Stage 3 five years ago and live a very comfortable life. Brenda

Glad to hear that he is Stage 0. I know it's hard to think of celebrating anything right now, but that is cause for celebration! My sister was extremely nauseous and depressed after her surgery. It took her about 3 1/2 months before she could control the nausea enough to get out of bed for any length of time. Someone on this site mentioned marional (or drabinol), so she asked her doctor for a prescription. It worked wonders! She tells me that in addition to helping her nausea, it also relaxes her, and keeps the coughing to a minimum. I think depression goes along with this disease, as my sister still struggles with that. She takes anti-depressants to help. The last thing I would suggest, is to take it very slowly, even if your husband is feeling better. My sister had some set backs because she tried to do too much when she felt a little better. Hopefully your husband will begin to have some good days soon. Tell him to hang in there, it takes longer to recoup from this surgery. Sending good thoughts your way.

I don't think I was very clear: Perhaps Marionol could help relax your husband and that might help with his breathing issues.

Five weeks out from this major surgery is really just the beginning. Take it very slowly and begin to adjust to the new normal. Eating and sleeping were the biggest adjustments for me. As long as I didn't eat ANYTHING I felt completely fine. However, theres not much future in that. Start with soft stuff...don't want to eat potato chips, crusty bread or anything that might tear your new stomaphagus. I was the type who would eat an entire large pizza by myself, 2 hot dogs and 2 burgers at a BBQ....those days were fun...but they are in the past. Sleeping is different because your anatomy is different. You no longer have the flaps that others have to keep food in your stomach when you recline. You will find a time...7PM or 7:30 in my case...beyond which you just should not eat anything, or else it will come up. 30% incline is about right for sleeping. He is 52 years young and at stage 0. For EC that gives him better than a fighting chance....I think hes going to be fine. Everyone gets depressed when told they have cancer...I know I did...but increase your activity a little at a time...take walks or get to the gym when you feel up to it...and thank goodness the situation is not worse...because it certainly could have been. By the way, I was Stage 4 4,5 yrs. ago and I'm fine and people tell me I've never looked better. I personally do not believe in the depression pills...if I get depressed I go to the gym or walk my dogs in the woods....ML.

Yes, he will start feeling better. I recall that the shortness of breath took quite some time to abate, but it will.

He should try to walk a little two or three times a day to regain strength and condition and also continue to use the spirometer to strengthen his lungs.

I have to sleep propped up by a wedge eleven months after surgery. If he is not sleping propped up that may help, or perhaps sleeping in a lounge chair that lays back would be more comfortable.

My appetite began returning at about five months after surgery and I felt much better by then.

Like your husband, I was found to be stage 0 after the operation and I feel VERY fortunate to have caught the disease so early. So should your husband. Catching it that early and with the quality treatment available is as close to a cure as you get.

My husband had surgery six months ago and I remember weeks four and five as being pretty rough. He started walking even when he got home from the hospital, but I had to really encourage him at the phase you are. Although He did wean off OxyContin before most, he held on to his night time dose for a while. He did feel better after he got off the pain killers during the day. Given his stage, and his age, your husband has an excellent prognosis, he just has to get through this patch. This weekend we combined a business trip with a little R & R and had a great time. I can tell you he never thought he would travel again.

Thank you all for responding to my post! He is having a very tough time right now, it just seems that he is not improving as expected. He has felt so badly for so long -it is all wearing so thin! He is starting to eat better, hoping to wean off the tube in a few weeks. That may help with sleeping at night. He sometimes sleeps on several high pillows, sometimes on a wedge, however he can get comfortable. The lack of a good night's sleep is a major problem right now. Saw Drs yesterday. Although he feels so badly, all labs look great, prognosis is excellent - very thankful for that! But, this has been so stressfull throughout treatment-a lot happened before surgery -we are both pretty exhausted. Brenda, drs are changing meds up (no more Ativan) to help with insomnia, depression and anxiety-trial and error. We'll see. I might add that he has been on pain meds since before surgery, so weaning off may be part of the problem. Linda, our nurse mentioned Marinol and I do think we will request that at next dr appt if things have not improved. Doing all we can- walking, spirometer, etc.- just so slow! Brenda, Linda, Martin, Bonecanyonranch & Prayinglots (me too!)- your words of encouragement are so appreciated as I know you have been through it-

I am so sorry your husband has been having so much trouble and discomfort. I don't know if this will help him, but in my case, the first few weeks after surgery I found I could not sleep in my bed. It was too painful and uncomfortable. I had to sit, propped up in a chair. I wish I had had a recliner at the time (I do now).

Thank you, Dan - he is trying a new sleeping pill for now to get him through this rough patch. He really wants to sleep in bed if he can -He had a better night last night, so hopefully things are improving.

Sorry he is feeling so uncomfortable, but I agree with everything that has been said, one day at a time. Walk. Sleep whenever and wherever he can just to get that needed rest. It takes time and I believe he will get there but don't rush it. It was major surgery..I was stage 2 four years ago and i am doing great.. Prayers said or you both.. Cindy