One Year Post Surgery and Still Not Feeling Like Myself

[Gail8247]

It will be one year 4/2/09 since my TAH and diagnosis of cancer. While surgery took care of the cancer, I had post op problems with the huge incision taking months to heal. It took 5 months before the doctor would release me to full duty for work.  TAH/BSO 04/02/08 Vertical Incision - 16", Complex Ovarian Mass - 25x19x7cm, Mucinous Adenocarcinoma -Ovarian Cancer Stage 1A


I know everyone is different, and heals different, but even after a year I am not myself. I have not regained the strength I had prior to surgery, I am still fatigued all the time. My belly is still huge!

I take a nap almost everyday and still am tired enough to go to bed at the normal time. Its like I never get enough sleep.

I have Cat Scans, and blood work every three months to make sure the cancer has not returned, so far so good.

I'm really not a whimp, I'm 52 and know as you get older it takes longer to heal, but this doesn't seem to be improving.

Is this normal to feel like this for this long? Or should I be concerned?  

[shewrites]

I know you don't want to "buy trouble," but you might want to research what could cause healing problems -- diabetes, for example.  And press your doctor a little on that point.  Because another illness/condition could easily cause fatigue if it goes untreated.  

You didn't mention having chemo.  I think there are some fairly long-term consequences of pouring poison into your system.  

Do the women in your family get bellies when they get older?  You've gone through menopause, you know, and -- at least in my family -- the chances of a truly flat belly after menopause are nil.  Steroids given during chemo supposedly add weight, too.  

Just a few thoughts ... best of luck to you

[yrrek]

Hi,
It has been about a year and half since going thru about the same thing you did, 1c with TAH and all the other stuff.  I have a huge scar going up around my belly bottun, my stomach seems to be lop-sided.  My port scar where I had IP chemo is recently bleeding a little, Can't seem to lose weight.  However, on the good side, CANCER FREE so far, staying in the 8 point range with my CA125.  Getting my energy level back, (jog,walked 3 miles yesterday).  My boyfriend does not think I am fat.  Work is going well and I have Hair, but you know chemo is poison, maybe it will take a good long while to get out of our systems and of course we will never be the same spiritually, and always the feelings of gratefullness of having got it early to the worry of could that twinge in my abdomen be something?!!  I understand your feelings of "back to normal".  But I think we have a new normal now don't you.  I think you will continue to get stronger, you are a survivor.    Love, Kerry

[marie3B]

I think dian is right.  We have to adjust to a new normal.  Hope you feel better soon.  Marie

[dian07]

Hey there....I had the same cancer onlly I was diagnosed IC as the tumor ruptured during removal.  That was in 2005 (I did 6 rounds carbo/taxol) and I am not back to what I was prior to surgery...... of course I am better than I was immediately after surgery, but, still...... maybe we don't get back to "normal".   Maybe we just need to be grateful for our "new normal" !   Oh yeah, I just turned 59.
Peace.
dian