Recovering from surgery

Thank you for your kind words and helping with some questions I had, My Mother in law is 3 days out of surgery and recovering well.  The surgeon does not yet have path test back yet but he said her surgery was extensive (10hrs) and there was an astronomical amount of tumors in her stomach cavity.  He was able to remove about 90% but said there is still quite abit in there which would need to be shrunk by chemo and then operated on again.
It was not on her liver, a little an her lung, he said he is not concerned about that his concentration is on her bowel and intestine. Her levels where over 4000.
So, we are taking a deep breath and concentrating on one day at a time and making she sure she is recovering comfortably.
We have options so I guess that is a good sign but we just feel so devasted!! It was more than what we had thought and we know its going to be a tough battle.
She has a temp colostomy bag to go home with and a nurse will come and change that for her, do you think she needs a full time live in nurse to stay with her when she comes out of hospital? she is nervous about doing these things and leaving the hospital.
Thank you for you help and I do find comfort in your words....

[Shari4444]

Dear Cbmilito,

First, I'm very sorry for your mother-in-law, you, and your family. I'm glad she is recovering well (those first few days can be very painful).
Second, regarding your question whether she will need a full-time live-in nurse.......A lot depends on how your mother-in-law is doing. If she was pretty much self-sufficient before surgey, she will probably be fine with just a visiting nurse. Or perhaps, maybe she could have a full-time nurse just for a small amount of time until she feels more comfortable with being able to handle her own health care. Is there family near by that she could call on if needed? This is all a very hard decision to make. Talk with Mom. See how she feels about how much time she needs a nurse. Maybe a regular care-taker could help her out, too, with cooking, cleaning etc... There are quite a few options out there. I think, through talking with your mom and the rest of the family, you all will be able to come up with a solution. Good luck!!!!

Hugs,
Shari

[marie3B]

Thanks for the up-date. I pray she recovers from surgery quickly and can start the chemo. I am so sorry that your family has to deal with this. Shari is right. There is no way to know how much care she will need at home. I know that ostomy nurses are a big help and that will be something she'll need help with. I wish you the best possible outcome. Marie

[TrudieC]

Fifteen years ago after 10 years of suffering from ulcerative colitis my colon perforated and I had emergency surgery to save my life.  I loved with an ileostomy for a year until I was able to have reconstructive surgery.  The ostomy nurses in the hospital did a very good job of teaching me what I needed to know to handle my ostomy on my own.  Upon returning home (after a month in intensive care) I was assigned a visiting nurse and a housekeeper.  I also had my husband to help with meals and my son.  I managed quite well with this.  Mind you I was in my early 30's so much younger than your mother in law but I hope she can have the same abilities upon her return home.  I wish her well with her chemo and future steps.

[Morrowville]

I agree with the ladies above.  You should also know that alot of churches or senior centers provide medical situation conveniences (like a chair to sit on in the shower, which I am in love with), or a walker, wheelchair, canes etc.

In Chicago, they are referred to as "lending closets".  It saves a great deal on financial exposure if you don't think mom will need these things long term... and it helps her get back to a sense of "normalcy" when she can use these tools and get doing on her own.

If find the lending closet at a nearby church to be very helpful.  Furthermore, you don't have to be a church member!  They are just happy to help!  God Bless all churches!

You will be in my prayers, for wisdom, guidance.  And prayers for healing, love and peace for your mother in law.

Morrowville