NHMike wrote:The hands and feet/neuropathy peaked yesterday. It's often worst in the morning and it's notable when I don't notice it when waking up.
The bigger problem right now is blisters. But those aren't cancer-related problems.
susie0915 wrote:NHMike wrote:The hands and feet/neuropathy peaked yesterday. It's often worst in the morning and it's notable when I don't notice it when waking up.
The bigger problem right now is blisters. But those aren't cancer-related problems.
My neuropathy got worse about a month after finishing chemo. That was over 2 years ago. My hands have improved pretty much back to normal. Just the tingling on the bottom of my feet. No pain just annoying. I wear shoes or slippers almost all the time as it's uncomfortable walking on hard surfaces without something on my feet. It doesn't stop me from doing anything, I am still able to do my walking and running with really no problems. I tried acupuncture, didn't seem to really help. I never took the neurontin my oncologist prescribed just didn't want to take it. Hopefully, yours will disappear as with many it does. My oncologist said it can take up to two years.
NHMike wrote:I was in a hurry to get the reversal and then the Dana Farber Oncologist said four months so my frame of mind was four months. Then I called the surgeon and she said one month after end of chemo. Most people seem to have it done one month after but I have seen a few people report two months or three months. So now I'm thinking maybe a bit longer than one month, like six weeks. But that's a mental thing.
I arranged an appointment for next week to speak to the surgeon so it's a trip into Boston (I usually leave at 4:15 AM for those) and I suspect she'll tell me about the surgery and maybe I'll have to sign some things though sometimes that's done at an appointment a week before the surgery. I imagine that my anxiety levels will rise as we pick a date and as we get closer to that date. Then the stuff with not eating and the special body wash three days beforehand.
juliej wrote:NHMike wrote:I was in a hurry to get the reversal and then the Dana Farber Oncologist said four months so my frame of mind was four months. Then I called the surgeon and she said one month after end of chemo. Most people seem to have it done one month after but I have seen a few people report two months or three months. So now I'm thinking maybe a bit longer than one month, like six weeks. But that's a mental thing.
I arranged an appointment for next week to speak to the surgeon so it's a trip into Boston (I usually leave at 4:15 AM for those) and I suspect she'll tell me about the surgery and maybe I'll have to sign some things though sometimes that's done at an appointment a week before the surgery. I imagine that my anxiety levels will rise as we pick a date and as we get closer to that date. Then the stuff with not eating and the special body wash three days beforehand.
About the reversal surgery prep - don't forget the infamous "leak test" beforehand (a barium enema followed by x-rays).
Its purpose is to ensure the integrity of the resectioned colon to make sure all plumbing will be operational for the reversal. The radiologist reviews the films afterwards and provides a report to the surgeon within 24 hours. Then they can confirm the surgery date. Once the x-ray is completed the barium drains out of the colon, which takes several minutes. Make sure you stay in the bathroom until it feels like it's all drained out. Also make sure you take back-up pairs of underpants and pads as dripping will most likely continue for awhile after you leave. Forewarned is forearmed.
You might already be doing this, but if not, start doing pelvic floor exercises and Kegels. Strengthening the sphincter muscles will help prevent incontinence after your reversal.
1. Tighten your buttock muscles like you are trying to hold back a bowel movement. Hold this position for five to ten seconds. Release and rest for the same count.
2. Repeat 10 times, four times per day. Practice them while sitting, standing and walking.
Juliej
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