SURGERY

Surgery

Most cancer patients will need surgery to remove their tumor from their body. This surgery is very important because doctors can learn a lot from the tumor during a pathology report. This report can show the effectiveness of the chemotherapy regimen as well as if the entire tumor has been taken out. It can be a scary time, especially for those like me who had surgeries that aren't common and needed extra work to be done. Surgery is usually performed either after chemo is done or during chemotherapy treatment, in which you'll get about a short break from being poisoned. Not necessarily a vacation, but better than nothing.

First and foremost, when you talk to your oncologist and surgeon about surgery, ask questions. I know you got them. Don't be afraid to voice what you want to know, any concerns, and to request to have it broken down. I promise you you will be reassured by your medical team. 

The day before your surgery, I recommend you stay at home and try to rest. If you're nervous, find activities within the house to get your mind off things, but you may have trouble sleeping that night and you definitely need to let your body unwind before it goes through something so serious. Prepare to have your mind keep you up for hours. 

It's commonplace that you aren't supposed to eat or drink a few hours before a major operation. It's torture, I know. As someone who seeks comfort in a warm chocolate chip cookie, I was going crazy not being able to sink my teeth into something. You. Must. Resist.  If, by accident, you do break that rule, it's not the end of the world. But you do have to own up to it and tell the nurses before surgery so they can adjust accordingly. 

Pee before surgery. Don't ask questions, just at least try. 

If you get anxiety for major operations, or, if you're like me, anxiety about those awful hand IV's, ask for something to help you calm down. If they can give it to you, you'll feel better before you go into the Operating Room. If you go in loopy, so be it. 

And in you go.

(Me, post surgery)

Aaaaaand you wake up. 

You're confused, still heavily medicated, but you did it! Yes, go you. Chances are you'll be staying at least one night to be monitored to make sure there are no post surgery complications, like blood clots. Staying overnight can also help gauge how much pain you are in and what kind of medications can help ease it. I totally recommend someone staying the night or at least during the surgery and afterwards for a second set of eyes and hands. They can help be your advocate because, while you know your body best, they are in the correct mindset and position to go ask for help if you need it. 

Soon, you will get to go home!!!!

You will be in pain, still a little woozy maybe, but you have just passed over a HUGE milestone in your journey. After recovering a little bit, you will check back in with your surgeon to go over pathology results, and you will either be set free or cleared to go back to your chemo regimen. Depending on the surgery and the nature of the cancer, this is when physical therapy starts to kick in. It's gonna suck, you're gonna hate it, but it is so rewarding to see the progress as you continue. 

Also, never be afraid to show off your battle scars. They're proof that you're winning. Here's (one of) mine; the incision is 27 centimeters long! 

Cheers to the miles it took to get here.