Hi; I'm new to this community; unfortunately! My father was just diagnosed in November 06 with lung cancer. Then following a PET scan; we found out he had stomach cancer as well. He just had a partial gastrectomy last thursday and I have some concerns.
He had the NG tube removed 3 days postop and then started with horrible breath taking hiccups; stomach cramps; nausea; vomiting and diarrhea. Finally after 4 days of this; they replaced the NG tube. They keep telling us his stomach is not "waking up".
Can anyone tell me what we should expect? According to the path report; they did remove all of the cancer and 3 lymph nodes were removed and benign. I should tell you that he also had a left lobectomy in December to remove the lung cancer so his body is still healing from that on top of this.
They have placed a PICC line and have started giving him nutrients IV. Also they are giving him Reglan, Lopressor for high blood pressure and now Heprin. Is it normal to take Heprin after this type of surgery?
Thanks for any help.