Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

omentum operation?

My mother was told that the best for her is to have the following surgery...Omentum surgery. Has anyone undergone this surgery? Would she be able to fly within 10 days after this surgery? How serious is this? Oh, please give me some advice.
Thank you
10 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I'm not a medic at all so can't really comment on the pain killing shots, although it doesn't seem likely to interfere with cancer treatment?  Re the CA125 the individual scores aren't as straightforward as they seem at first sight - people score quite differently often with the same amount of disease eg one woman's 4000 can be another's 1000.  I score 'low' and only got to just under 800 at initial diagnosis even though I was diagnosed as stage 3c/4 - I remember one medic saying to me he was surprised at the extent of the disease when they operated given my score - just shows the CA125 is only part of the picture.  The Sloane Kettring Hospital in NY is world famous, I've heard of it certainly here in the UK, so your mother should get the very best of treatment.  Keep faith and support your mum as best you can.  I know it's very hard for relatives especially when we don't always fall in line.  Fearing the loss of your independence when you are seriously ill is one of the most difficult aspects.  Look after yourself as well.  All the best, Jenny
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh that is such a relief to hear. I really didn't mean to insult anyone by saying my mother is 65. I just worry as everyone is different at 65. My mother is a very strong character and has been ever since her cancer arrised. I am sure she will do well. I am just so nervous and I love her dearly and really don't like to see her in so much pain. Just tonight she went to take some novacaine/numbing shots in her lower back tonight from a past slipped disk injury. I have no idea if that is dangerous at this time. She didn't ask permission from a doctor. I'm a little angry at her. what do you think?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey I'm 65 too and have had it for 2 years - well nearly - how about that!  I'm still going strong and intend to keep on doing so.  65 isn't old you know, not these days - I bet your mother doesn't think so!  They gave me the choice of having the omentum removed - said it was 50:50 whether it was removable and would be helpful.  I opted to have it done and was pleased with the outcome.  The surgeons were very pleased with themselves!  Cheers, Jenny (barney22)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your sweet responses. I'm just worried as she's 65 and has now had it for 2 years. She has been accepted at Slone Kettring in NY, so hopefully after her meeting next Tuesday she will know more about her following procedure. Nothing has been decided yet. All she knows possibly that she may have to undergo this surgery. She has had a hysterectomy  but the cervix was left in. Her CA125 is what worries me the most...as it was so high, 4000. I find you all true brave ladies. I wish so badly that something will come up soon to help you all through this hard ordeal. I really thank you all for your sweet support!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Have had a few second thoughts about my comments yesterday.  10 weeks was probably an exaggeration!  I remember being able to get up the stairs ok at home (not too many times!) when I got home and I went for short walks each day, lengthening them as I got stronger.  I was doing odd jobs in the kitchen for a week or so but that's all.  If I'd been living on my own it would have been difficult although possible if people had popped in with shopping etc.  The district nurse called to check me out and my incision and then removed the staples about a week after I got home.  I got down to London (an hour's drive away) for my next chemo a week after getting home, but it wasn't easy even though I didn't have to make any effort ie car took me etc.  My first grandchild was born 3 weeks after my op (good timing) and I went to see her and my daughter a few days later - about 45 minutes drive away - felt a bit exhausted but worth it though!  It wasn't too uncomfortable pain wise but I was told to treat it like the TAH - no lifting etc, and to take it easy - listen to my body and what it's telling you.  The chemo obviously made me weaker unless your mother is already on it?  Has she already had other surgery for ovca?  The daily walk certainly helped I think.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Kathy - glad to hear things are going so well for you!  You must be so relieved to see the end in sight of your chemo.  I'm due to have my 4th next week so can only see quite a long way to go.  The 3rd one has been pretty awful - I still don't feel as if I can do much with over 2 weeks gone.  There's an old (a bit scathing) Lancastrian saying 'she doesn't look as if she could knock the skin off a rice pudding' - well that's how I feel!  Surprised me as the cycles improved last time.  However, having said that, my CA125 score is going down nicely - 121 after 2 cycles so I'm hoping it will be down in the 50's or so next week.   I've been trying out the complementary naturopathic approach with supplements and diet etc but my colon has protested so much the doc is revising it - hope it becomes possible as I've spent rather a lot on them!  Keep cheerful - it bucks us all up!  
Jenny
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also had my omentum removed at the same time as my TAH/BSO.  The incision was vertical from about 3" above the naval all the way down.  Was in the hospital 4 days.  I do not think I could have travelled so soon after the operation.  But, everyone is different.  I would ask your mother's doctors to see what they think.  Hope everything goes well for your mom and for you!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, haven't seen you post for a while how are you doing?
Going in for my last chemo next week. How are your chemo sessions going. I started taking a few supplements and cut out some food and am feeling surprisingly well! My last treatmebnt went real well!!  Hope you are doing well!
My omentum was removed with my inital surgery but I would suspect that it is a Major surgery since it the fatty tissue covering of the stomach...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The omentum is the fat pad that covers the intestines.  It is major abdominal surgery but I was out and about less than 10 days after my TAH with removal of the omentum---I just had to go slow.  Depends on how your mother recovers, but they say that older people have less pain and less need for pain medication after surgery, which is a plus in her recovery.
Hope all goes well.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi - I had my omentum removed last year as a follow up to a radical hysterectomy (you call TAH I think).  They weren't able to remove the omentum the first surgery as it was wrapped round my colon and cancer traces had attached  it.  After 4 cycles of chemo the 2nd op was possible and indeed was a success.  It was done via the first incision ie vertical from navel to pubic bone - quite long!  I don't know if they are proposing an incision like that for your mother?  Worth asking.  There is no way I could have travelled 10 days after the op - in fact 10 weeks would have been nearer the mark although I recovered well and had no problems.  I was of course back on chemo so that made a difference.  Don't forget she will have to have a full anaesthetic and that takes some getting over as well as the post op care.  I was in hospital about 8 days though that included tests and a blood transfusion before my next chemo on the last day.  Obviously this is only my experience and your mother's surgeon may be planning something different.  It's a major abdominal incision through the muscles etc in my experience, unless they can do it by keyhole surgery.  Good luck and best wishes to your mum.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.