New & nervous...with a question(pelvic exenteration)

Hello Everyone!!! I am a concerned cousin with a mission, I have a 39yr old cousin diagnosed with stage IV cervical Ca,it is contained within the pelvis although there is lymph node involvment, she has undergone 6wks of combined chemo & radiation with very good results...shrinking a 10cm tumor to 3-4 cm & has done all this with little side effects,thank goodness. Surgery was never an option although it now is, she is to decide whether or not to have a pelvic exenteration & has only 2 weeks to make that choice. We are looking for anyone who may have had this surgery,how their recovery was, any side effects, just anyone please who can maybe help us out.
Thank-you for having this site available to us!
krimikkea

Hi I am sorry I cant be of help to you, It sounds like you are really having a time of it. What is a pelvic exenteration? I dont mean to sound stupid but I have never heard the term. I will keep you in my prayers.(((((((HUGS)))))))) God_Bless

Hi Krimkkea,

I had a pelvic exenteration in Aug 2002 to remove an 8 cm tumor that was between vagina and rectum. A pelvic exenteration is a radical hysterectomy with removal of part of the cervix, rectum and vagina. Sometimes the bladder is removed too. My bladder did not have to be removed and enough of the rectum was left that I was given a temporary colostomy.
It is very major surgery and usually only done in major hospitals. Please make sure your cousin is being treated by an expert This surgery while drastic, can be life saving and I am glad i had it performed by a good Doctor at a University hospital UC Davis Med Center Calif.
I was in the hospital 10 days at home and recovered at home to where I was rollerblading and riding my bike in 4 weeks. I finished chemo in March and had the colostomy reversed in June. I am still having bowel, bladder and sexual problems post surgery, that my dr is addressing, but at last check I was cancer free. My energy is good and except for the above problems my life is in some ways better than before cancer. please feel free to contact me with any questions. Your coussin is iun my prayers. With lot's of help, good doctors she can get thru this.