Quote Originally Posted by betagirl
... I do recommend trying to walk as soon as possible. People seemed to have done better getting moving when it was allowed, even if taking only a few steps. If they do the long cut, it's going to be pretty gross to look at. So try to arrange for someone to help change your dressings for you once you get home ...
I gather things are not handled the same in the US as here (Norway). That whole insurance situation again. Don't get me started. Or do. The US uses so much more money per capita on health than anywhere else in the world, yet millions are uninsured and even the insured find that they're forced to cut corners to save the insurers money!

But back to my point ... Here, at any rate, the recovery phase is pretty standardized. Depending on what type of incision, you may have anywhere from hours to a few days in the ICU. Already as soon as I was awake, there was a PT by my side, helping me to cough, massaging out leg cramps, and having me sit up, then stand beside the bed, then take a few steps, and so on. I think the program took a total of 2 weeks with daily events to celebrate (off the morphine pump, various drains and tubes removed, first shower, first flight of stairs, first no-foods-barred meal). I was asked about my home situation (any stairs? anybody to help with this and that?) and not sent home until I could handle it (in my case stairs training and instruction on bandages etc. before I went home). I went home with an exercize program (starting with daily walks, then moving gradually to situps and other core muscle exercizes), a schedule of follow-up outpatient appointments, PT appointments, and so on. I don't remember it all, but I do remember that I found it all relevant and helpful.

Well, let's hope that things are handled as caringly over there! On the bright side, US hospitals DO have great cancer cure rates and are quick to use the latest medications and therapies. All in all, don't worry about the recovery time. It'll take the time it takes, but you WILL recover. And however long it takes, there will be milestones all along the way to keep your spirits up.