I had no idea what I was really going to experience when I came out of surgery to remove the giant tumor parting in my ascending colon. I have had teeth pulled and a few stiches, but that is it. I wanted to share a few things that made my recovery decent. Unfortunately, with colon cancer being on the rise, I have shared these tips more than I would like to have in the last year.
Family and Friends
My family and friends get all the credit for checking in, bringing food, sending flowers, books and all their love.
Movement!
Get out and walk. Doesn’t have to be far, doesn’t have to be fast, just movement. I set big goals to be up to three miles a day within a few weeks. I made it, and then about six weeks post-op, I could barely walk half a mile. Give yourself grace and time but keep moving even if it’s to the mailbox.
Recliner Life
I figured a recliner would be real handy to help with sitting up, after my abs had been cut in seven places. We didn’t have a lot of time to look or deal with that, so I went with my standard, I will be fine and figure it out. Which I did, and I decided that I needed a recliner after being home for 12 hours. Pulling myself up at the hospital and off the couch didn’t feel great. The crew at DeMyer Furniture in Meridian was amazing and delivered a cute recliner the same day. I can’t say enough for them! If you are getting a new recliner for your recovery, opt for the power option. I thought it was excessive, but it’s not.
Ice Packs
These are my favorite ice packs! They are large enough to cover your abdomen and stay cold! Pro tip, fold the waist band of your sweatshirt inside and tuck the ice pack in the fold.
THE BEST SHORTS
My dear friend Allison got me hooked on the REI women’s running shorts a year before. They are so soft and have the best waist band. I pulled on my soft, lose leggings when we went to leave the hospital. They were way too tight with the swelling. But the REI shorts were PERFECT. I still live in them! They make a men’s too!
Rest
Finally, rest. Sleep, read, eat good food, and sleep some more. My surgeon said I would be really tired for at least six months. I felt like I was back in action from an energy standpoint in a month, but that didn’t matter. I would get sore from too much movement and need to rest. Your body will tell you, and you are best to listen.
