On 4/17/2008
anniej wrote:
Thank you. It helps so much to hear this. I occasionally encounter people who say they are in agony after four weeks and I get all stressed out. "Challenging" is the word for this whole process, isn't it?
I am glad that your recovery is going well and I do wish you the very best.
Hi Annie,
It has been a year and a tumor in my right kidney since I had a Rad Neph on my left kidney. I had an eleven inch incision just below my ribs. The staples came out at 3 weeks and I was playing golf at 4 weeks. The key is to get plenty of rest and walk as much as possible. When your husband is able and ready for it, I would suggest getting a workout dvd for stretching. Stretching (gently at first) and massaging the scar will help a lot. Like I said, it has been a year and I still feel a "pull" in my left side from the scar tissue and stretching is the only thing that really helps. The first week home I had to sleep in a recliner, lying flat on the bed was okay for a little while. Until all the other organs fill the void it can be quite uncomfortable. As others have posted...going to the bathroom is probably the worst of all. The only thing that could be worse would be using that stupid inhaler torture device they sent home with me. It is EXTREMELY important that he start taking deep breaths and coughing as soon as possible, that will help keep fluid out of his lungs...not a good thing.
Hope this helps and I pray things go well. Remind your husband that he is not sick, he just has cancer. Attitude is key to recovery. You will meet some of the most caring and giving people in the WORLD now.
Welcome to the cancer family,
Mark