Recovery After Pelvic Exenteration

My mother recently had surgery, pelvic exenteration.  She's 61 years old.  Sugery was on Feb. 11.  Due to recurrent uterine ca, pelvic exent. was basically the only option.  Because of past radiation and hysterectomy, and the extent of the ca, chemo wasn't a promising option to even consider.  My mom is home now, after 11 days in the hospital.  Undoubtedly, she is in a lot of pain, extremely weak, has no appetite...but those are side effects to be expected after this extreme surgery.  Her gyn/onc surgeon was able to save her bowel, so no colostomy needed; however because the cancer surrounded her bladder, it had to be removed.  She now has a urostomy.  Along with the emotional set-back, my mother is having a difficult time with body function issues.  Her doctors stated that she would regain bowel movement control after a while.  Is there any one out there who has had this procedure?  If so, can you tell me how you did after the surgery?  We were told that it would be a long road to recovery, but just wanted to know about how long did things start to look brighter?  When would one expect to notice a gain in strenth?  And how long did it take until you were truly back to a somewhat normal day to day life? 

D.

 

On 2/24/2008 FirstDaughter wrote:

My mother recently had surgery, pelvic exenteration.  She's 61 years old.  Sugery was on Feb. 11.  Due to recurrent uterine ca, pelvic exent. was basically the only option.  Because of past radiation and hysterectomy, and the extent of the ca, chemo wasn't a promising option to even consider.  My mom is home now, after 11 days in the hospital.  Undoubtedly, she is in a lot of pain, extremely weak, has no appetite...but those are side effects to be expected after this extreme surgery.  Her gyn/onc surgeon was able to save her bowel, so no colostomy needed; however because the cancer surrounded her bladder, it had to be removed.  She now has a urostomy.  Along with the emotional set-back, my mother is having a difficult time with body function issues.  Her doctors stated that she would regain bowel movement control after a while.  Is there any one out there who has had this procedure?  If so, can you tell me how you did after the surgery?  We were told that it would be a long road to recovery, but just wanted to know about how long did things start to look brighter?  When would one expect to notice a gain in strenth?  And how long did it take until you were truly back to a somewhat normal day to day life? 

D.

D,

I too am having the same procedure as your mother.  How is she doing now which is five months later.  I have my appt with the surgeon next week and definetly afraid.  I hope your mother is progressing.  Pls contact me.

 

Hello...I hope that I can help you, but please don't hesitate to ask your surgeon/oncologist any questions or concerns you may have prior to the surgery.  Yes, it has been 5 months since my mother's total pelvic exenteration (PVE) procedure.  In truth, it has been quite a bumpy road.  Within one week of the PVE, my mom became septic and did have to have the colostomy done.  (Presently she has both an ileostomy and colostomy.)  This second surgery was an emergency procedure.  She has been in and out of the hospital for edema (swelling) to her lower extremities, and also for an infection, stemming from the surgery.  She has also been in a rehab facility for about a week, following the second surgery.  I do think rehab has helped her tremendously.  She also had home health, physical and occupational therapy for a couple of weeks at home.  Do insist on home health care on discharge.   With today's pain meds, discomfort from the surgery was easily controlled.  Physically she has yet to gain more weight...not much of an appetite.  She is still weak, but strong enough to do most of her daily activities on her own.  She has a hard time bending, and cannot lift anything over 4-5 lbs.  Emotionally, it has been very difficult for her to accept her new body image. She has good days, and not so good days.  With the help of family and close friends, she is actually getting stronger, and now goes out on short trips (stores, the mall, and even had her hair done!).   I think with a very strong support system, it truly, truly makes a difference.  My father does all of her care, and has been so lovingly supportive.  I don't think my mother has actually done much of her own ostomy care up to this day.  We don't want to force her to do it.  In time, she will be doing more on her own.  The procedure has taken quite a toll on her  both physically and mentally. PVE is a big, big, surgery, and you should know that recovery is long and at times, difficult.  The more you know about it, pre-op, post-op, and also recovery phases, the better.  With this procedure, all of the cancer is removed...that's the greatest!  How extensive of a surgery will you be having? My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Ask questions, ask for support, know that you aren't alone. 

Hello again...I hope you read my post about my mother's progress.  I hope I gave you an insight on the recovery period.  I wanted to correct what I posted.  My mother has a urostomy, not ileostomy as I stated.  Feel free to contact me.

D

Hi D, I guess I rec'd the msgs out of order.  Your mother has really had a time .  PVE , emergency surgery and rehab.  Oh my.......  This is a really big surgery. I sit here now feeling fine and know in three weeks, my world will change dramatically.

The one good thing in all this is that the cancer is all gone. I am glad to hear that your mom is getting out a little, that surely indicates that her strength is returning.  that's great news. I have read and reread what you wrote to insure that I can ask the right questions when I go to see the doctor.   Your dad is an angel to provide care for your mom. what a wonderful person.  I  am strengthened by your honesty, but terrified....

Is there something I should request before starting down this road??

You truly are a blessing to me thanks . jdb