Surgery success

Discussion Board Forums General Discussion Surgery success

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  • #38329
    linda-z
    Spectator

    Bob,

    really glad to hear surgery went well. My surgery was almost identical…40% liver, left side, gallbladder gone, many nearby lymph nodes. I also developed fluid build-up about a week later which required a minor drain inserted for about 1-2 weeks too. It took care of it really well. The other thing that some mentioned was little exercise day by day to build strength back up, ease off on pain meds for the constipation (use stool softeners) and eat very, very small portions of food. Even if it’s only a couple tablespoons at a time, but eat 8-9 times a day. That will help digesting easier. If I ate more at a time, I had difficulty digesting. Smaller amounts worked.

    It all takes time, but it will get better.

    Take care of yourself too.

    Linda Z.

    #38328
    xepalomero
    Spectator

    Cholecystectomy combined with hepatectomy is a very complex surgical procedure and it’s really great to hear that it went so well for your dad! Look after him well and keep us updated with all the good news in the future!
    I wish you and your dad the best of luck…

    #38327
    gavin
    Moderator

    Hi Bob,

    I am glad to hear that your dad’s surgery went well and I hope that he has a very speedy recovery indeed. I can’t add to what has already been said to you about recovery, but I hope that it all goes well.

    Best wishes to you and your dad,

    Gavin

    #38326
    dmeek
    Spectator

    Bob – so glad to hear the surgery went well. I had a similar surgery in 2004. I had Stage 2 CC. I had a liver resection and they removed 3/4ths of my liver, and gall bladder too. My surgery took about 6 hours. My recovery in the hospital was about 8 days, then I went home.

    It was kind of rough, and ached, but day by day I could tell a difference and I was getting better, and I continued to get better. About 2 months after my surgery, I developed a fluid build-up near the incision area. It was called “seroma”, but I was told that was a somewhat common occurrence during recovery. They put a small drainage tube there, and after about 1-2 weeks, it all drained out, and no further problems afterwards.

    I wish your dad continued success in his recovery!

    – Dale

    #38325
    lainy
    Spectator

    Bob, we are so very happy to hear all went well with your dad. It is a huge surgery and very slowly he will start to feel better. He has had a great start and his body will become his boss until he feels much better. Wishing him a speedy recovery and that all the discomfort soon leaves. We love the good news!

    #38324
    marions
    Moderator

    Bob….so nice to hear that everything went well. A few things come to mind re: post-op.
    Caughing: holding a pillow against the chest while coughing helps hold down the pain
    Light activity: a few steps a day (if possible, more) help him regain strengths and activate his digestion.
    Bowel movements: pain medication causes constipation. Stool softeners help.
    Time: Your Dad may feel like run over by a truck. This is a complex and complicated operation and the recuperation can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. But, each day will be a bit better than the last.

    I am happy to hear that your Dad came through the surgery as well as he has and no major issues have come up.

    Others may have much more to share with you.

    Best wishes coming your way,
    Marion

    #3568
    indianaboy
    Member

    Dad had his surgery last Thursday 5/13. They took out 40% of his liver (on the left side), gall bladder, bile duct and all proximal lymph nodes. It was about a 6 hour ordeal for him. The doctor was very pleased at how well the surgery went.

    He was in the hospital for about 7 days total and is home now. He is still in some discomfort from the large incision and very tired with low energy, but that’s not much of a surprise given what he’s been through.

    I’m just wondering if there are any things that we should be on the look out for post surgery other than the obvious ones like infection and blood clots. Would appreciate any input from you people who have gone through a similar surgery.

    We’re still waiting on the pathology reports from the tissue that was removed to see if he will still need chemo at some point in the future.

    I can’t say enough about the care he got. Dr. House at the Simon Cancer Center (IU Med Center) in Indianapolis did the surgery. He seems to very expert in this field and has a great bedside manner. He patiently answered ALL of our questions and went to lengths to make sure we understood everything that had happened. I also thought the facility was excellent and the nursing care first rate. I would definitely recommend this facility for cholangiocarcinoma.

    Thank you all for your advice and support – this is a great site.

    Bob

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