Side Effects after Cancer Surgery
Very few people come through cancer surgery without some sort of side effect. It may be that they have had something removed and in some cases this will be a visible amputation. There may be scars from some operations and in many cases there will have been hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. Side effects after cancer surgery can often be dealt with at home but may need further visits to the doctors.
What Will the Side Effects After Cancer Surgery Be?
The first thing is probably going to be a degree of pain. The wound will probably be painful for a few days and depending on where it was the pain could last longer. The hospital will monitor the pain and provide medication but if it lasts for more than a few days it will be best to have the wound checked out if this has not already happened.
As there will have been a lot of stress leading up to the operation there may be a feeling of elation once it is over but it will not be possible to get back to normal right away. There could be fatigue for up to 4 weeks after the surgery has taken place. This normally is caused by a lack of food leading up to the operation and also the body making sure that enough energy is diverted to the wound site to help it heal. This is normal and one of the common side effects after cancer surgery.
Anaesthesia often leads to a loss of appetite and this can be a viscous circle with the feeling of nausea and general weakness. The body is tired as there is not enough food and then the body does not want food due to a feeling of nausea. This can take a couple of weeks to right itself. There is also likely to be some swelling around the wound. This will be caused by the fluid from white blood cells that are fighting the infection. It is only once the wound is well on the way to recovery that the swelling will start to subside.
Side Effects after Cancer Surgery that May Need Attention
There may be the need to drain fluid away from the site of the wound and sometimes this happens on its own. This is not always a problem but if the fluid is a strange colour or has a horrible smell it can be a sign of an infection. If this seems to be the case the surgeon should be informed immediately.
As with any surgery there can be a lot of bruising. Excessive bruising and swelling that does not subside should be investigated. The same applies to bleeding. There may be as small amount but if there seems to be a lot go back to the surgeon. For a small amount it can just be covered by a clean bandage and checked for the amount and possible infection. Infection will be identified by redness, pain, swelling and sometimes yellow substances weeping from the wound. This is one of the more serious side effects after cancer surgery.