how long should we expect to be at home after rplnd

[maureenj79]

Just wondering, how long did it take for those of you that had an rplnd to start feeling comfortable with walking, driving, going back to work? how long did you have to stay in the hospital?
how long should i (the wife of someone who may get an rplnd) expect to take off of work to be at home helping my husband?
i have told people at my workplace i may require some time off, but i have no idea how long it will take before he starts feeling okay and can be left alone. what do you all think?
and how long do you think until he can go back to his regular life and not be affected by this surgery? he has pretty much decided to get the rplnd since his tumor was at least 40-50% embryonal carcinoma.

[jtyler]

I'm 23 and had my RPLND at MSKCC about 3 weeks ago on wednesday. By the time I left hospital [8 days after surgery], I was walking well, had trouble sitting down/standing up and generally getting around for another week, and now I'm more or less back to "activity" [aka working on the computer sitting upright, making food etc] at this point. The only problem is the lifting part [no heavy lifting for a while longer], but I've found more than enough ways to get around it while my lady's at work.


Hope this helps, and best of luck.


JT

[rusty009]

I'm 30, and had my rplnd 7 weeks ago. My wife took off for 3 weeks including the week I was in the hospital. I'm glad she did as I really needed her by my side.

He should be able to return to 'normal' life anywhere between 6-12 weeks depending on his recovery. I went back to my office job after 6 weeks at home. The first 2-3 weeks are tough to stand up, walk, get out of bed, make meals, etc.... so he'll be a happier man with you helping him then.

My wife gave me a sponge bath on day 3 in the hospital, and it was pure heavenly.

[Scott]

At first, I was back to work after two and a half weeks, but in retrospect, that was pushing it even without the complications that took me back out of work twice. However, I wouldn't think both of you would need to be home the whole time.

[Mizu]

I had my RPLND on 3/3, left the hospital on 3/9. Went back for 3 days later for bowel obstruction and stayed another 3 nights. I was OK moving around and actually went home after the second stay by subway on my own.

My wife worked from home the first week out of the hospital, and that was helpful, but other than that I got around on my own pretty well.

I went back to work (college prof) 3 1/2 weeks after the surgery on an easy schedule. I was sharing my teaching load that week with a TA, but picked up my full teaching schedule the following week. I don't have firm office hour requirements and very understanding colleagues, that helped a lot.

It's been 7 weeks now and I feel pretty much back to normal. I'll see Dr. Sheinfeld on Thursday and will inquire when I can go back to the gym.

[Martin]

4 days in the hospital, 3 weeks at home afterwards.
My wife was on maternity leave at the time, so we kind of had 'double trouble' when it came to lifting things. Out neighbors were kind enough to help us out with carrying grocery bags, etc.

I had thought I could return to work a week earlier (had to wait because my doctor's appointment kept being pushed off - and I needed his clearance), but as soon as I spent an entire day in the office I knew it was good to be home that long.
Don't push it too hard, listen to your body!

- Martin

[Dave40306]

Lots of good info here. Thanks Maureen for posting the question.

I'm hoping I can avoid the RPLND after Chemo but if I need it, I've now got a good idea how long I'll be out of commission. To me, getting back to a normal, pre-TC life is my most important goal (besides being 100% cured, of course).

Still scared SH&#LESS in CT,

Dave

[Fish]

I'll repeat my standard caution. If you have a traditional open RPLND, be very careful not to overexert yourself until the doctor gives you the all clear. This especially means NO LIFTING or other activities that put tension on the incision line. I developed multiple hernias along my incision. Beleive me the repair was worse that the original RPLND, as an 8x10 in square of gortex mesh had to be inserted to stabilize the repair.

So be careful, take it easy, and don't rush the recovery. It can take up to 6 months for some people to feel back to normal after major surgery.

Best wishes,

Jim

[Scott]

To me, getting back to a normal, pre-TC life is my most important goal (besides being 100% cured, of course).

If you're able to return to "pre-TC," more power to you, but be ready to accept a "new normal" post-TC life.

[AaronK]

hmm new normal? What you mean scott?

[dadmo]

Life will never be the way it was prior to tc. Sure your body will heal but that is the easy part. For a lot of people it gives new value to the everyday thing that used to be taken for granted. Many survivors will be looking for a purpose higher then just being here, some feel responsibility as survivors to help others. Make no mistake about it you have a disease that could very easily end your life, will you live to be 25, 30, 35, those are now real questions that can't be ignored. Livestrong is not just a buzz word to sell product or promote Lane Armstrong, it is a philosophy of life and how it should be faced. For me they need to add to additional catchy phrases. It should be Laughstrong, Livestrong, Lovestrong. Of those three love is the mana from heaven that feeds the human existance.

[Chris'Mom]

My son had RPLND in NY, stayed for a week, home a week and then the girlfriend called and he drove two hours away...and he is doing great...hope that helps...Mary Ellen

[AaronK]

Life will never be the way it was prior to tc. Sure your body will heal but that is the easy part. For a lot of people it gives new value to the everyday thing that used to be taken for granted. Many survivors will be looking for a purpose higher then just being here, some feel responsibility as survivors to help others. Make no mistake about it you have a disease that could very easily end your life, will you live to be 25, 30, 35, those are now real questions that can't be ignored. Livestrong is not just a buzz word to sell product or promote Lane Armstrong, it is a philosophy of life and how it should be faced. For me they need to add to additional catchy phrases. It should be Laughstrong, Livestrong, Lovestrong. Of those three love is the mana from heaven that feeds the human existance.

Yeh i get it. After you get 'all clear' you think to yourself 'yes im back to NORMAL. i am normal again'. Though really you cant be normal after being a cancer survivor. So its a 'new normal'.

Wow, I hope to feel this 'new normal' and see what its like.