My mother is 86 years old. She is a 4th stage Ovarian Cancer patient ( right ovary affected and nodules in the surrounding areas and in the umbilical area as well). Had her first Chemo ten days ago and handled it very well. Her doctor says if she responds well to the next two Chemos, then he will be able to do the surgery to remove her ovary. I am wodering how much time she will need for recovery from the surgery. Will there be more Chemos to deal with the nodules? I am her only son and my job takes me away on long trips - 6-8 weeks. I am wodering if she has her surgery done around the first week of May, will I be able to travel after being with her for two more weeks. My wife who is not in excellent health will be able to take care of her - mom lives with us - and I am thinking Mom may need real help only during the first two weeks after the surgery. OR after her third Chemo - lets say the cancer is under control by then - can we wait 6 weeks to get the surgery done?
Also, please be sure the surgeon is a gyn/oncologist. This is very important. The gyn/onc has additional training and more experience -- and is likely to get better results.
I'm assumiing that she will have a complete hysterectomy, removal of the omentum and even the apprendix if she still has one. That seems to be standard. So you're talking major surgery here.
Typically, it takes six weeks to recover from major surgery. I was not back to driving or doing heavy lifting after two weeks, but I was walking stairs, sitting at my desk, and doing normal activites by then. At her age, it could take longer, but she might also be eligible to have some home health care to relieve the strain on your wife. I'd talk that over with the doctor, too.
I'm sorry that your mother has to go through this. Please remember to listen to her and let her make her own decisions. She's already lost control of her health and she needs to be able to exercise her own wishes.
Good luck and God bless you all