New With Questions

Hi,  my dad just got out of the hospital for surgery from colon cancer.  He was originally told he had stage 1.  His doctor recommended chemo treatment.  We were told that they believe that they removed all the cancer and this is precautionary.  What should he expect?  Thaks so much for your information.  He had expected to spend 3 nights at the hospital and had to spend 6.  I guess he had an infection. 

I think it is always wise to have chemo as even when they say they got it all there can be microscopic pieces out there ready to rage.  Research the drugs they want to put him on and always take notes of each appointment and what goes on as well as keeping copies of blood test results and track of weight and blood pressure at each appointment.  Invest in a binder and keep files for the copy of all test reports (CT, Bloodwork, Xrays etc).  Notes will be a godsend.  You are also at a good site to help you through.  GOOD LUCK!

daughtertodad,

Length of hospital stays can vary depending on many factors, even without an infection.  The intestines "go to sleep" during surgery as a natural response to being handled, and it can take a few days for them to "wake up."  The previous post was right - takes notes and keep copies of reports.  There's too much to remember so don't rely on your memory.  The chemo nurses will give you lots of information and answer questions.  Don't hesitate to ask questions of them or the doctors.  When you find out what his chemo plan is the people on this forum can be of help with their own personal experiences.  This process can be hard on the caregiver as well as the patient, so take good care of yourself, too.  It sounds like you will both do fine.  Good luck.   

Lynn 

 

On 6/1/2008 2ndtimer wrote:

daughtertodad,

Length of hospital stays can vary depending on many factors, even without an infection.  The intestines "go to sleep" during surgery as a natural response to being handled, and it can take a few days for them to "wake up."  The previous post was right - takes notes and keep copies of reports.  There's too much to remember so don't rely on your memory.  The chemo nurses will give you lots of information and answer questions.  Don't hesitate to ask questions of them or the doctors.  When you find out what his chemo plan is the people on this forum can be of help with their own personal experiences.  This process can be hard on the caregiver as well as the patient, so take good care of yourself, too.  It sounds like you will both do fine.  Good luck.   

Lynn 

 

I am glad he had the chemo after surgery. My Dad had a gastrectomy 6 yrs. ago and they did not do anything else,chemo or radiation, and in Feb. the oncologist called him cured and in April he was determined to have recurrent gastric cancer stage II or III. after taken for not being able to eat (feeling of fullness) and weight loss. You and he are doing the right thing. My Dad is on Xeloda now. We are having an endoscopy on Tuesday to see if it working--shrinking the tumors.

Good luck to you, be proactive in your treatment, research and ask questions both of the Dr. and others who have had experience, even other cancer centers and/or hospitals. I have found even the pharmacist to be very helpful with medication answers. I usually go with something when i get two or more of the same answers.

I will be sending blessings your way. Take care of each other.

Pam 

Thanks for the help.  They found cancer cells in 4 of 8 lymph nodes.  He starts chemo next week. He will have chemo every over week for 5 hours for 6 months. He seems positive.