So, scans are in, no change in the mass. Surgery is the option. I have to get in to see my surgeon here in the next week. But they're hoping to get me into surgery in bout four weeks or so.

i have to figure out what surgery it is (well. rather, my doctors have to figure out what surgery it is and let me know) BUT, it'll probably just be a pelvic scoop (my name for it) scoop out just whatever is in there. ovaries, uterus n all.

i'm thinking, there goes any sex life i may have ever had. not that i'm thinking i ever would anyway.

but, what i was wondering about, is, what happens with the pouch? i mean, they catheterize your bladder when you go for surgery right. so would they put the constant drain in? b/c if i put it on constant drainage before going in to surgery, wouldn't that interfere with them cutting me open and scooping things out? my surgeon has studied with dr. fazio in the past, so he's familiar with the kpouch, though he doesn't do them. but would i be able to trust him to have his peeps put me on constant drain when he's done?

man. i'm so tired of thinking bout all this crap. wish it could all be done and over already.

I was going to have a hysterectomy then my surgeon said a very trained surgeon would need to assist because the intestines are like tissue paper and getting to the uterus, etc. is tricky. I passed since mine was only due to hemorrageing from fibroids not cancer so I had a choice.

I always put a constant drain in before I hit the operating table. No matter how long they say the surgery will take because if the anethesia makes me whacky, I don't have to deal with trying to insert my cath. I get much better piece of mind and rest leaving it in until I feel like I can manage.

I'm sure that they will be very careful, you have every right to really discuss it with them and make them understand your real concerns.

Best, you are a rock!

Becca, I can't speak for mechanics of a k pouch but when I had my hysterectomy my j pouch was glued to my ovaries. A colorectal surgeon was not approved and had to be called in while I was already opened, I almost died on the table waiting 5 hrs.
All went well. I would want the colorectal surgeon there who knows k pouch well under the circumstances, the last thing you want is someone to damage your pouch or valve.

Oh Becca, I'm so sorry. You know that my thoughts are with you.

Don't worry about the sex life. It hangs around!

kathy

Becca, Sorry about this rotten turn of events, and even more sorry that I have not been keeping up with it. I just checked this forum today and was saddened to hear that you were not only back on chemo, but now facing further surgery. Putting in a continuous drain for your k-pouch during surgery makes perfect sense to me. You don't want the nurses poking around in there after you are out.

You should still retain your vagina, even if the cervix is removed with the rest of the uterus. Not much consolation, I know, but something anyway.

Good luck with the upcoming appointments and surgery.

Jan

Becca my friend........my thoughts are with you during this most trying of times. Wish I could snap my fingers and make it all better for you. Really I do.

As to your question, if it were me I'd put the continuous drain in prior to surgery that way it is in and done, at worst you can take it back out yourself afterward; at best case you don't have anyone poking in there to do it for you or you having to do it groggy or on heavy meds.

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help; besides sending positive thoughts your way.

Charlie

Hi Becca,

Just echoing what the others have said and offering my support from across the Pond. Hopefully this next operation will truly be your last and you can get back to living that fun life of yours.

Keep us posted.

Luv & ((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))

Shell