A stomach cancer treatment may involve surgery. Once a cancer surgery is scheduled, a physician can provide suggestions to prepare for the surgery, which may provide you with a better recovery time. One type of preparation before surgery is a question and answer session. Some other preparation types for stomach cancer surgery include pre-operative testing, pre-operative diet and a second opinion. These preparation methods allow cancer patients to be proactive with their surgical treatments.
Question and Answer Session
Prepare for a question and answer session. One question may be the type of stomach cancer surgery, including the known risks, such as post-operative infections, your overall physical health and recovery time. Another question may include when you should obtain pre-operative testing and the loction such as a local clinic.
Answers received by your physician should be well-informed and non-technical. You can ask for more details if you do not understand an answer. Part of your stomach cancer treatment plan is your ability to feel comfortable with your physician.
Pre-Operative Testing
Once your physician recommends surgery, you will be scheduled for pre-operative testing. One purpose of pre-operative testing to confirm your body's ability to undergo stomach cancer surgery. A common test is a urinalysis (urine test), which may detect blood in the urine and postpone your surgery.
Another purpose of testing is to determine the best drug treatment, including pain relievers. Pre-testing is a measure of your current health. Otherwise, your receiving stomach surgery under poor health conditions may cause a higher risk of post-operative complications, such as infections.
Pre-Operative Diet
Speak with a qualified nutrition specialist about your nutritional needs before you have your stomach surgery. A registered dietitian may recommend a liquid diet before your cancer surgery. For instance, the most common beverage is water, which can have sliced fruit added to enhance flavor. Or, you may drink cold tea with limes.
Also, your dietitian may allow you to ingest soft foods. For example, you may want to eat home-made vegetable juice made with organic produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers and squash. Or you may be advised to eat strained, cooked cereal, such as oatmeal with fresh sliced berries.
Second Opinion
Your primary physician will provide you with your initial diagnosis of stomach cancer. However, you may have additional questions and concerns before your cancer surgery and feel uncomfortable asking your doctor for a second surgical opinion.
However, a second opinion allows you to discuss your medical condition with a second physician, and you may receive the same diagnosis or a different diagnosis. Remember to obtain an opinion from an expert with extensive stomach cancer experience.
