Tomorrow is the first of my two dates I'm waiting for, we go to see my onco ENT surgeon for pre-op q

GregP_WN
GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
edited March 2020 in General Cancer
After the surgeon's appointment, we go to speech pathology to get information on what's to be expected and how I might be able to talk again. I'm in the dark on that one, so we will just see. I have a box full of questions for her, I might get tossed out of her office. Things I want to know are:
How long will this surgery be?
How long is the expected recovery?
How long in ICU, then in hospital regular room?
How long with a feeding tube?
Can I swallow water by mouth while using the feeding tube so I don't lose the ability to swallow?
How do we follow this in the future to monitor it? PET scans?
Has it progressed to the next stage of diagnosis since we've been waiting?
How will they control my pain in light of the new opioid rules on prescribing?
How will I manage this stoma that I will be breathing through? Dust? Are filters available?
And how do you like the gift (bribe) that we brought you?

As you probably did, I have about two hundred questions running around in my mind.

Comments

  • Bug
    Bug Member Posts: 394
    edited January 2020
    Good questions, Greg.
  • meyati
    meyati Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2020
    Okay Greg, questions-- the Speech Pathologist will visit you in the hospital and check on your throat- and well being.The SP will work and do exercises with you to keep you swallowing--Also the SP will have to work on your gag reflex, as you will more than likely start gagging sometimes fight during the therapy. Don't be embarrassed by that and Don't be angry at the SP. You have a strong mind and heart so I know that you'll do well . I know you will do well. My daughter is a retired SP. Also stroke victims get the same treatment for swallowing therapy.
  • beachbum5817
    beachbum5817 Member Posts: 238
    edited January 2020
    It sounds like you have covered all of your bases. I imagine that her answers will lead to more questions. Keep asking until they are answered to your satisfaction.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited January 2020
    Thanks meyati I know you have been through this. Yes I do have a hair trigger gag reflex.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited January 2020
    Greg, I wish you good luck today. Thank you for keeping us posted. I know we are all thinking of you.
  • Jayne
    Jayne Member Posts: 134
    edited January 2020
    Big day - good luck and sounds like you've got a good set of questions (and a bribe!).
  • PaulineJ
    PaulineJ Member Posts: 205
    edited January 2020
    To Bengal
    Sorry for deleting the photo and your like .I was trying to repair or delete greg's name spelt Gred and it was impossible unless I deleted the whole thing and do it over again
  • BuckeyeShelby
    BuckeyeShelby Member Posts: 196
    edited January 2020
    Hugs! Good luck. Hope you get reasonable answers to all your questions.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited January 2020
    It was a good visit with my oncology surgeon. We learned a lot about the surgery and the recovery process. Then we had a good meeting with the speech pathology office where they showed us the ostomy that will be put in. She explained how things will work and showed us what will be involved with taking care and being safe. I feel much better about the surgery and the future.
  • Bug
    Bug Member Posts: 394
    edited January 2020
    Oh, that’s great, Greg.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited January 2020
    Greg, good news! I hope that now that you feel encouraged, the waiting won’t be so hard.
  • meyati
    meyati Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2020
    Speech Pathologists are the unsung angels and gate keepers for so many infants on through the very elderly
  • beachbum5817
    beachbum5817 Member Posts: 238
    edited January 2020
    This is great news, Greg. Getting encouraging news going in is a big help.
  • Kp2018
    Kp2018 Member Posts: 105
    edited January 2020
    Greg, I'm glad the information you received has decreased your anxiety and increased your confidence.

    And, meyati, thanks! I'm a retired speech-language pathologist. Your daughter has chosen a great profession.
  • Molly72
    Molly72 Member Posts: 227
    edited January 2020
    Hope you got the dr. a NICE gift!
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited January 2020
    @Molly72, I might have made her a little something.
  • meyati
    meyati Member Posts: 308
    edited March 2020
    Greg made the doc a very beautiful plaque. It's on the Pin Board

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