This guide will help you get ready for your thoracoabdominal (thor-A-koh-ab-DAH-mih-nul) surgery at MSK. It will also help you understand what to expect during your recovery.
Use this guide as a source of information in the days leading up to your surgery. Bring it with you on the day of your surgery. You and your care team will refer to it as you learn more about your recovery.
In this resource, the words “you” and “your” refer to you or your child.
About your thoracoabdominal surgery
About neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a rare pediatric cancer that develops from an early form of nerve cells called neuroblasts. Normally, neuroblasts develop into nerve cells to build your nervous system before you’re born. Neuroblastoma happens when your neuroblasts start to grow out of control and form a tumor.
Treatment plans for neuroblastoma depend on many things, including where the tumor is in your body. If it’s in the upper part of your abdomen (belly), your doctor may recommend thoracoabdominal surgery as part of your treatment plan.
About thoracoabdominal surgery
Thoracoabdominal surgery is a common surgical treatment for neuroblastoma in the upper part of your abdomen. It can also be used to help treat other types of tumors, but this is less common. Your surgeon will talk with you if you’re having thoracoabdominal surgery for a cancer other than neuroblastoma.
During your thoracoabdominal surgery, your surgeon will make a diagonal incision (surgical cut) from the lower part of your chest (thorax) to the upper part of your abdomen (see Figure 1). This helps them see the area clearly so they can safely remove the tumor.
Your surgeon and other members of your care team will talk with you about what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. They’ll go into detail about the plan for your surgery and answer any questions you have.
Getting ready for your thoracoabdominal surgery
The information in this section will help you get ready for your surgery. Read this section when your surgery is scheduled and refer to it as your surgery date gets closer. It has important information about what you need to do before your surgery. As you read through this section, write down any questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
Getting ready for your thoracoabdominal surgery
You and your care team will work together to get ready for your surgery. It’s important to tell us if:
- You take prescription or over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements. You may need to stop taking some of your medications and supplements before your surgery. They could increase your risk for complications during surgery. Vitamins and herbal remedies are examples of dietary supplements.
- You have any allergies.
- You’ve had a problem with anesthesia in the past.
Using MyMSK
MyMSK (my.mskcc.org) is your MSK patient portal. You can use it to send and read messages from your care team, view your test results, see your appointment dates and times, and more. You can also invite your caregiver to make their own account so they can see information about your care.
If you do not have a MyMSK account, you can sign up at my.mskcc.org. You can get an enrollment ID by calling 646-227-2593 or your doctor’s office.
Watch How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal to learn more. You can also contact the MyMSK Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-248-0593.
About your MyMSK Goals to Discharge Checklist
After your surgery, you’ll focus on getting well enough to leave the hospital. We’ll send a Goals to Discharge Checklist to your MyMSK account to help you track how you’re doing.
You can use your MyMSK Goals to Discharge Checklist to see the goals you need to meet before leaving the hospital. You can also update your progress throughout the day. Your updates send alerts to your surgical team about your progress.
To learn more, read Frequently Asked Questions About the MyMSK Goals to Discharge Checklist.
About Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
ERAS is a program to help you get better faster after your surgery. As part of the ERAS program, it’s important to do certain things before and after your surgery. Before your surgery, make sure you’re ready by doing the following things:
- Read this guide. It will help you know what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. If you have questions, write them down. You can ask your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or you can call their office.
- Exercise and follow a healthy diet. This will help get your body ready for your surgery.
After your surgery, help yourself recover more quickly by doing the following things:
- Read your recovery pathway. This is a written educational resource your healthcare provider will give you. It has goals for your recovery and will help you know what to do and expect on each day during your recovery.
- Start moving around as soon as you can. The sooner you get out of bed and move, crawl, or walk, the quicker you can get back to your normal activities.
Presurgical testing
You’ll have a presurgical testing (PST) or pediatric presurgical testing (PPST) appointment before your surgery. You’ll get a reminder from your surgeon’s office with the appointment date, time, and location.
You can eat and take your usual medicine(s) the day of your appointment.
It’s helpful to bring these things to your appointment:
- All the medicines you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.
- Results of any medical tests done outside of MSK in the past year, if you have them. Examples include results from a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler study.
- The names and telephone numbers of your healthcare providers.
You’ll meet with advance practice provider (APP) during your appointment. They work closely with your surgical team.
Your APP will review your medical and surgical history with you. You may have tests to plan your care, such as:
- An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart rhythm
- A chest X-ray
- Blood tests
Your APP may recommend that you see other healthcare providers. They’ll also talk with you about which medicine(s) to take the morning of your surgery.
The Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Team (PACT)
The PACT is a team of doctors and APPs. We support children and families facing serious illnesses at MSK Kids.
The goal of palliative care is to help you and your family during your treatment. The PACT can help with physical, mental, social, and spiritual challenges. We can help no matter your age or the stage of your illness. We can also help no matter if you’re getting care in the hospital or as an outpatient. Palliative care is important and helpful for everyone.
The PACT respects your choices, values, and beliefs. We encourage you and your family to be active in making decisions about your goals and plans of care. We’ll work together with all members of your care team. Our goal is to make sure you and your family have the support you need to live as well as possible.
Integrative Medicine
MSK’s Integrative Medicine service offers help with relaxing, easing discomfort, and improving your overall well-being. Our specialists are trained and certified in integrative health practices such as:
- Massage therapy
- Music therapy
- Dance therapy
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mind-body fitness
- Acupuncture
You’ll talk with an Integrative Medicine Specialist during your first Integrative Medicine visit. They’ll tell you about the integrative medicine services available at MSK. They’ll also talk with you about:
- Different types of integrative medicine and holistic techniques.
- How to make use of these therapies during your stay.
- How they can help you and your family before surgery and during recovery.
Help your body get ready for surgery
You can recover faster and easier if you help your body be in its best shape for your surgery. This section has examples of things you can do to get your body ready for surgery. Your care team will help you decide which activities are best for you.
Practice breathing and coughing
Practice taking deep breaths and coughing before your surgery. You can do this by:
- Walking around or playing.
- Blowing bubbles or blowing a tissue in the air.
- Using your incentive spirometer, if your care team gave you one.
Move around and be active
Try to do physical activity every day. Examples include walking, swimming, or biking. MSK also offers free virtual classes for all ages that can help you be active. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.
Practice meditation and mindfulness
Mindful breathing, meditation, yoga, movement practice, massage, and acupressure techniques can support you as you get ready for surgery.
Our Integrative Medicine service videos can help you find the right activities to add to your routines before surgery. Visit www.msk.org/integrative-medicine-multimedia to find the videos. You can also visit www.msk.org/meditation to see guided meditation videos made by our expert mind-body specialists.
Follow a healthy diet
An MSK Kids clinical dietitian nutritionist can talk with you about how to get ready for surgery. You can learn how to make sure your nutrition is the best it can be.
If you’re getting other cancer treatments before your surgery, they can cause taste changes, appetite loss, and trouble digesting food. This can make it hard to eat enough food, which can lead to weight loss. Your outpatient MSK Kids clinical dietitian nutritionist can work with you to make a plan that helps with eating challenges.
It’s also helpful to follow these general guidelines:
- Have small, frequent meals. For example, have a half-sized meal every 2 to 3 hours. Aim for 6 to 8 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals.
- Make and follow a meal schedule. Don’t wait to eat until you’re hungry. Put the schedule in a place for everyone to see.
- Keep your favorite go-to foods in your home where you can get to them easily.
- Buy single-serving food items that you can eat easily, such as drinkable yogurt smoothies or cheese sticks.
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Cook in batches so you have leftovers.
- Keep 1 extra serving in your refrigerator for the next day, but not longer.
- Freeze the other extra servings. When you’re ready to use a serving, thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave, not on the kitchen counter. Then reheat it until it’s steaming hot.
- Include many different food groups and food types in your diet, unless your doctor or clinical dietitian nutritionist tells you not to.
- Sometimes drinking is easier than eating. Try getting more calories from liquids than solid foods. For example, have milkshakes or nutritional supplements such as PediaSure® or Carnation Breakfast Essentials®.
- Keep your dining experience enjoyable, with no stress. Try having family mealtimes or group snack times with family.
- Think of your nutrition as being just as important as your medicines.
Remember to choose foods that are high in calories and protein. Talk with your MSK Kids clinical dietitian nutritionist about foods that work best based on what you like or your meal patterns.
Have a carbohydrate drink on the morning of your surgery
One of your healthcare providers will give you a bottle of CF(Preop)® or Ensure® Pre-Surgery to drink the morning of your surgery. These are carbohydrate drinks that make fasting (not eating) before surgery less stressful for your body. This helps you heal and recover better after surgery.
Meet with other healthcare professionals, if needed
MSK has many different healthcare professionals who can help you before, during, and after your cancer treatment.
- Social workers can help you cope with the emotional, social, and physical effects of a cancer diagnosis. Our social workers provide counseling and practical assistance. They help families cope with their child’s disease, improve communication with family and friends, share information on community resources, and help adjust to medical treatment.
- Child life specialists are trained professionals who are experts in human growth and development. If you’re worried or stressed about your procedure, they can help you plan ways to be more comfortable and relaxed. MSK’s child life specialists have a variety of backgrounds and interests, including education, psychology, fine arts, and art therapy. Together, our skills and certifications offer a full range of child life services that educate and empower patients and their families during an illness.
- Counselors and therapists can meet with you and your family members and provide counseling for emotional problems related to coping with cancer. MSK’s counseling center also has support groups that meet regularly.
Your healthcare provider may offer you a referral to these services. You can also ask for a referral if you’re interested.
Talk with your social worker about housing, if needed
The Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing for out-of-town pediatric cancer patients and their families.
MSK also has arrangements with several local hotels and housing facilities that may give you a special lower rate. Your social worker can talk with you about your options and help you make reservations. You can also call 212-639-8315 to talk with the Pediatric Patient Services Coordinator.
Fill out a Health Care Proxy form, if needed
If you’re age 18 or older and have not already filled out a Health Care Proxy form, we recommend you do now. If you already filled one out or have any other advance directives, bring them to your next appointment.
A health care proxy is a legal document. It says who will speak for you if you cannot communicate for yourself. This person is called your health care agent.
- To learn about health care proxies and other advance directives, read Advance Care Planning for People With Cancer and Their Loved Ones.
- To learn about being a health care agent, read How to Be a Health Care Agent.
Talk with a member of your care team if you have questions about filling out a Health Care Proxy form.
7 days before your surgery
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking aspirin
Aspirin can cause bleeding. If you take aspirin or a medicine that has aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it 7 days before your surgery. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do not stop taking aspirin unless they tell you to.
To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil.
Stop taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements
Vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 7 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.
To learn more, read Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment.
Have imaging scans, if needed
You’ll need to have imaging scans to help your healthcare providers plan your surgery. If you have them done somewhere other than MSK, your healthcare provider may ask you to bring the disc with copies of the imaging scans to one of your appointments.
2 days before your surgery
Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil® and Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®), can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 2 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.
To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil.
1 day before your surgery
Note the time of your surgery
A staff member from the Admitting Office will call you after the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, they’ll call you on the Friday before. If you don’t get a call by , call 212-639-7002.
The staff member will tell you what time to arrive at the hospital for your surgery. They’ll also remind you where to go. For information about MSK’s locations, including directions and parking options, visit our Locations Directory.
Shower or bathe with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution antiseptic skin cleanser (such as Hibiclens®)
4% CHG solution is a skin cleanser that kills germs for 24 hours after you use it. Showering or bathing with it before your surgery will help lower your risk of infection after surgery.
Your healthcare provider will give you a bottle of 4% CHG solution during one of your appointments before surgery. You can also buy it at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Shower or bathe with it the night before or morning of your surgery.
- Use your normal shampoo to wash your hair. Rinse your head well.
- Use your normal soap to wash your face and genital area. Rinse your body well with warm water.
- Open the 4% CHG solution bottle. Pour some into your hand or a clean washcloth. Don’t dilute it (mix it with water).
- Move away from the shower stream or stand up in the bathtub. Rub the 4% CHG solution gently over your body from your neck to your feet. Don’t put it on your face or genital area.
- Rinse off the 4% CHG solution with warm water.
After your shower or bath, dry yourself off with a clean towel. Put on clean pajamas or clothes. Don’t put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
Instructions for eating and drinking before your surgery
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Stop eating 8 hours before your arrival time.
- Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop eating earlier. If they do, follow their instructions.
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8 hours before your arrival time, do not eat or drink anything except these clear liquids:
- Water.
- Soda.
- Clear juices, such as lemonade, apple, and cranberry juices. Do not drink orange juice or juices with pulp.
- Black coffee or tea (without any type of milk or creamer).
- Sports drinks, such as Gatorade®.
- ClearFast or Ensure® Pre-Surgery drink.
- Gelatin, such as Jell-O®.
You can keep having these until 2 hours before your arrival time.
The morning of your surgery
Instructions for drinking before your surgery
You can keep drinking formula, breastmilk, and clear liquids after midnight. Follow the instructions in the table below. It’s OK to brush your teeth and take your medications with a small sip of water.
Type of liquid | Amount to drink | When to stop |
---|---|---|
Formula |
| Stop drinking formula 6 hours before your scheduled arrival time. |
Breastmilk |
| Stop drinking breastmilk 4 hours before your scheduled arrival time. |
Clear liquids such as water, fruit juice without pulp, carbonated (fizzy) drinks, tea without milk, and coffee without milk |
| Stop drinking clear liquids 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. |
Instructions for drinking before your surgery
Do not drink anything starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. This includes formula, breastmilk, water, and other clear liquids.
Take your medicines as instructed
A member of your care team will tell you which medicines to take the morning of your surgery. Take only those medicines with a sip of water. Depending on what you usually take, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medicines.
Things to remember
- If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can damage your eyes.
- Don’t wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery can cause burns if they touch metal.
- Don’t wear any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
What to bring
- 1 comfort item (such as a blanket or teddy bear).
- 1 or 2 portable electronic devices (such as a smartphone or tablet) and their charger(s).
- All the medications you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, patches, and creams.
- Your incentive spirometer, if you have one.
- Your Health Care Proxy form and other advance directives, if you completed them.
- This guide. Your care team will use it to teach you how to care for yourself after surgery.
Once you’re in the hospital
When you get to the hospital, take the B elevator to the 6th floor. Check in at the desk in the PSC waiting room.
Many staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and birth date. This is for your safety. People with the same or a similar name may be having surgery on the same day.
When it’s time to change for surgery, you’ll get a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.
Meet with a nurse
You’ll meet with a nurse before surgery. Tell them the dose of any medicines you took after midnight (12 a.m.) and the time you took them. Make sure to include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.
Your nurse may place an intravenous (IV) line in one of your veins, usually in your arm or hand. If your nurse does not place the IV, your anesthesiologist (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jist) will do it in the operating room.
Meet with an anesthesiologist
You’ll also meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery. They will:
- Review your medical history with you.
- Ask if you’ve had any problems with anesthesia in the past. This includes nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up) or pain.
- Talk with you about your comfort and safety during your surgery.
- Talk with you about the kind of anesthesia you’ll get.
- Answer questions you have about anesthesia.
Get ready for your surgery
When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll either walk into the operating room or a staff member will bring you there on a stretcher. A member of the operating room team will help you onto the operating bed.
Once you’re comfortable, your anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia and you’ll fall asleep. You’ll also get fluids through your implanted port, CVC, or IV line during and after your surgery.
During your surgery
After you’re fully asleep, a breathing tube will be placed into your airway to help you breathe. You’ll also have a urinary (Foley) catheter placed to drain urine (pee) from your bladder.
Once your surgery is finished, your incision(s) will be closed with sutures (stitches), Dermabond® (surgical glue), or Steri-Strips™ (thin pieces of surgical tape). They’ll also be covered with a dressing.
After your thoracoabdominal surgery
The information in this section will tell you what to expect after your surgery, both during your hospital stay and after you leave the hospital. You’ll learn how to safely recover from your surgery.
As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
When you wake up after your surgery, you’ll be in the PICU or PACU. If you’re in the PACU, a staff member will bring you to the PICU as soon as a bed is ready.
A nurse will be keeping track of your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You may still have a breathing tube. If you don’t, you may get oxygen through a thin tube that rests below your nose or a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Pain medicine
Right after your surgery, you’ll get IV pain medicine through your implanted port, CVC, or IV line. You may get extra pain medicine through an epidural catheter or peripheral nerve catheter (nerve block). Tell one of your healthcare providers if your pain isn’t managed.
You’ll be able to control your pain medicine using a button called a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. For more information, read the resource Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA).
Tubes and drains
You’ll have 1 or more of the following tubes and drains after your surgery. Your care team will tell you what to expect.
- A chest tube. This will help drain air and liquid from the space around your lung.
- Abdominal drains. These will drain liquid from your abdomen. They’ll come out of your incision and be stitched in place.
- A feeding tube. This will be used to give you nutrients.
- A breathing tube. This will help you breathe.
- An arterial line. This will keep track of your blood pressure.
- A urinary catheter. This will drain urine from your bladder. This helps your care team keep track of how much urine you’re making.
Your healthcare providers will care for your tubes and drains while you’re in the hospital. Most people don’t have any tubes or drains by the time they’re ready to leave the hospital. If you will have a tube or drain when you leave, your healthcare providers will teach you how to care for it at home. They’ll also make sure you have the supplies you need.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy
If you need help moving, crawling, walking, playing, or doing self-care tasks after your surgery, a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or both may visit you.
- Your PT can help you move and function better after surgery. They’ll help you get back the strength, balance, and coordination you need to do things like crawling, walking, climbing stairs, playing, or doing sports.
- Your OT can help you improve the skills you need to do important everyday activities. They’ll help you if you have trouble with self-care tasks (such as getting dressed and brushing your teeth), play activities, or skills you need for school or work.
Your PT and OT will talk with you about how often you’ll have physical therapy, occupational therapy, or both. For more information, read the resource Staying Active Before and After Surgery for Pediatric Patients.
Moving to your hospital room
How long you stay in the PICU depends on how you’re recovering. Most people stay for 1 to 2 days. You’ll stay in the PICU until:
- Your breathing tube and arterial line are removed, if you had them.
- You’re able to get out of bed and move around.
- You’re able to do breathing exercises (such as using your incentive spirometer or pinwheel).
- Your vital signs are in an acceptable range.
Once you’re ready, a staff member will take you to your inpatient hospital room.
In your hospital room
The length of time you’re in the hospital after your surgery depends on your recovery and your individual treatment plan. Your care team will tell you what to expect.
When you’re taken to your hospital room, you’ll meet one of the nurses who will care for you while you’re in the hospital. While you’re in the hospital, your healthcare providers will teach you how to care for yourself while you’re recovering from your surgery.
You can help yourself recover more quickly by doing the following things:
- Read your recovery pathway. Your healthcare provider will give you a pathway with goals for your recovery if you don’t already have one. It will help you know what to do and expect on each day during your recovery.
- Start moving around as soon as you can. The sooner you get out of bed and move, crawl, or walk, the quicker you can get back to your normal activities.
- Exercise your lungs. Use your incentive spirometer or pinwheel to help your lungs expand fully. This helps prevent pneumonia (lung infections).
- Exercise your body. Your physical and occupational therapists will teach you activities and exercises to help you get stronger.
You can use your MyMSK Goals to Discharge Checklist to track your progress during your recovery. For more information, read the resource Frequently Asked Questions About the MyMSK Goals to Discharge Checklist.
Your care team will keep track of the amount of liquid draining from your chest tube and abdominal drain. Once the amount is low enough, they’ll remove the tube or drain.
Managing your pain
You’ll have some pain after your surgery. Your healthcare providers will create a pain plan for you so you’re as comfortable as possible.
- You’ll get opioid (also called narcotic) pain medicine for a little while to treat the pain from your surgery. You’ll get the lowest dose and take them for the shortest amount of time needed.
- You’ll get a few other types of pain medicine to make sure you’re comfortable and so you can take less of the opioid medicine.
- You may get an epidural or nerve block.
The Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Team and your anesthesiologist will talk with you about your pain plan and answer your questions.
Your healthcare providers will visit you every day to make sure your pain is as well controlled as possible. If you have pain, tell one of your healthcare providers. It’s important to control your pain so you can do your breathing exercises and move around. Controlling your pain will help you recover better.
You’ll get a prescription for oral pain medicine (pain medicine you swallow) before you leave the hospital. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible side effects and when to start switching to over-the-counter pain medicine. Bring your prescription pain medicine with you to your follow-up visit in clinic.
Managing pain through integrative medicine
Our Integrative Medicine specialists can support you if you’re having pain after surgery. We can help you practice mindfulness and meditation through breathing exercises, mindful movement, and use of guided imagery. Massage techniques and music therapy may provide comfort. Playfulness through dancing can shift your mood and take your focus off your pain. If you’re interested in managing pain through integrative medicine, ask a member of your care team for an Integrative Medicine consult.
Moving around and walking
Moving around and walking will help lower your risk for blood clots and pneumonia. It will also help you start passing gas and having bowel movements (pooping) again. You’ll need to have a bowel movement before you’re discharged from the hospital.
You can move around by walking to the sink or bathroom or around the unit. Your nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist will help you move around, if needed. Mindful movement therapies, such as dance therapy, tai chi, and yoga, are also available. If you’re interested in mindful movement therapy, ask a member of your care team for an Integrative Medicine consult.
Exercising your lungs
It’s important to exercise your lungs so they expand fully. This helps prevent pneumonia.
- Use your incentive spirometer or pinwheel 10 times every hour you’re awake. For more information, read How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer.
- Do coughing and deep breathing exercises. A member of your care team will teach you how. It’s best to do these exercises soon after taking your pain medication. Holding your pillow across your incision while you do them can also help.
One of MSK’s Integrative Medicine providers can also help you exercise your lungs by guiding you through breathing techniques or medicine.
Eating and drinking
You will not be able to eat or drink anything for at least 3 days after surgery. You’ll get all your nutrition from liquid formula through your feeding tube. The formula is easy for your body to digest (break down) and absorb. It has all the nutrients your body needs.
Tube feeds after surgery
Your tube feeding rate is the amount of formula you get through your feeding tube every hour. It’s measured in milliliters (mL) per hour.
Your goal feeding schedule is the tube feeding rate and number of hours that gives you the right amount of calories, protein, and fluids.
Your inpatient MSK Kids dietitian will calculate your goal feeding schedule based on your height and weight. At first, you’ll have a low tube feeding rate. Your tube feeding rate will slowly be increased to your goal rate or schedule.
You may still be getting some nutrition from tube feedings when you’re discharged from the hospital. If you are, your inpatient MSK Kids dietitian nutritionist will tell your case manager which formula and supplies you’ll need at home. Your case manager will work with a home care company to have your tube feeding formula and supplies sent to your home.
If you’ll have tube feedings after discharge, you’ll learn how to use your tube feeding pump while you’re in the hospital. Make sure you’re comfortable using it before you’re discharged.
Eating after surgery
Your surgery team will tell when you can start eating and drinking. This is usually a few days after surgery. At first, you’ll only drink liquids. After that, you’ll slowly start eating solid food as you’re able to take more in.
Your inpatient MSK Kids dietitian will meet with you to talk about foods to include in your diet after surgery. It’s best to choose foods high in protein so your body has the nutrients it needs to best recover after surgery. Once you start eating more solid food, your inpatient MSK Kids dietitian will talk with you. You’ll set intake goals and discuss how many calories to eat in order to decrease your tube feeds.
Managing bowel changes
Some people have diarrhea (loose or watery bowel movements) while they’re in the hospital after surgery. If you do, your care team will help you manage it.
Showering
Wash your face, brush your teeth, and change your pajamas every day. Ask one of your healthcare providers for help if you need it.
You’ll be able to shower with help 48 hours (2 days) after your last tube or drain is removed.
Getting chemotherapy
If you’re getting chemotherapy as part of your cancer treatment, you may have a chemotherapy treatment while you’re in the hospital. Your care team will talk with you about what to expect. If your care team closer to home manages your chemotherapy, your MSK care team will work with them to plan and manage your treatment.
Leaving the hospital
By the time you’re ready to leave the hospital, your incision will have started to heal. Before you leave, look at your incision with your caregiver and one of your healthcare providers. Knowing what it looks like will help you notice any changes later.
Before you’re discharged, your healthcare provider will write your discharge order and prescriptions. You’ll also get written discharge instructions. One of your healthcare providers will review these instructions with you before you leave.
At home
Filling out your Recovery Tracker
We want to know how you’re feeling after you leave the hospital. To help us care for you, we’ll send questions to your MyMSK account. We’ll send them every day for 10 days after you’re discharged. These questions are known as your Recovery Tracker.
Fill out your Recovery Tracker every day before midnight (12 a.m.). It only takes 2 to 3 minutes to complete. Your answers to these questions will help us understand how you’re feeling and what you need.
Based on your answers, we may reach out to you for more information. Sometimes, we may ask you to call your surgeon’s office. You can always contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions.
To learn more, read Common Questions About MSK's Recovery Tracker.
Managing your pain
People have pain or discomfort for different lengths of time. You may still have some pain when you go home and will probably be taking pain medicine. Some people have soreness, tightness, or muscle aches around their incision for a month or two. This doesn’t mean something is wrong.
Follow the guidelines below to help manage your pain at home.
- Take your medicine as directed and as needed.
- Call your healthcare provider if the medicine prescribed for you doesn’t ease your pain.
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As your incision heals, you’ll have less pain and need less pain medication. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) will ease aches and discomfort.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for stopping your prescription pain medicine.
- Don’t take more of any medicine than the amount directed on the label or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Read the labels on all the medicine you’re taking, especially if you’re taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. But, taking too much can harm your liver. Do not take more than 1 medicine that contains acetaminophen without talking with a member of your healthcare team.
- Pain medicine should help you resume your normal activities. Take enough medicine to do your activities and exercises comfortably. It’s normal for your pain to increase a little as you start to be more active.
- Keep track of when you take your pain medicine. It works best 30 to 45 minutes after you take it. Taking it when you first have pain is better than waiting for the pain to get worse.
Some prescription pain medicine (such as opioids) may cause constipation (having fewer bowel movements than usual).
Preventing and managing constipation
Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prevent and manage constipation. You can also follow the guidelines below.
- Go to the bathroom at the same time every day. Your body will get used to going at that time. If you feel like you need to go, though, don’t put it off.
- Try to use the bathroom 5 to 15 minutes after meals. After breakfast is a good time to go. That’s when the reflexes in your colon are strongest.
- Be physically active, if you can.
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Talk with your clinical dietitian nutritionist about the amount of liquid you should drink each day. Aim to drink that much every day, if you can.
- Choose liquids such as water, juices (such as prune, grape, or pear juice), soups, and ice cream shakes.
- Avoid liquids with caffeine (such as coffee and soda). Caffeine can pull fluid out of your body.
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Slowly increase the fiber in your diet. Talk with your clinical dietitian nutritionist about how much fiber to eat each day. If you have an ostomy or have had recent bowel surgery, check with your healthcare provider before making any changes in your diet.Foods high in fiber include:
- Bran or other whole wheat crackers or snacks
- Whole-grain cereals and breads
- Unpeeled fruits and vegetables
- Salad greens
- Dried apricots, figs, and raisins
- Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available to treat constipation. Check with your healthcare provider before taking any medicine for constipation, especially if you have an ostomy or have had bowel surgery.
Caring for your incision
Your incision will be covered with a surgical glue called Dermabond®. Don’t touch or peel the Dermabond. It will fall off on its own.
If your drain was removed just before you were discharged from the hospital, you may have a dressing (bandage) over the area. You can take off the bandage after 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days). Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Call your healthcare provider’s office if:
- The skin around your incision is very red.
- The skin around your incision is getting more red.
- You see drainage that looks like pus (thick and milky).
- Your incision smells bad.
Showering or bathing
You can follow your usual shower routine, unless you were discharged with a drain in place. If you have a drain, don’t shower until it’s removed.
Don’t submerge your incision under water (such as in a bathtub or pool) for 14 days after your surgery.
Eating and drinking
Your outpatient MSK Kids dietitian will help you manage your diet and nutrition after you’re discharged from the hospital. They’ll talk with you about foods to include in your diet to help you heal after surgery, gain weight, or both. If you’re getting tube feeds at home, they’ll talk with you about your tube feeding schedule and rate.
Call your healthcare provider if your appetite isn’t back to normal after a few days or if you start vomiting (throwing up).
Physical activity and exercise
You can go back to doing most of your usual activities once you’re home. Avoid contact sports and roughhousing for about 6 weeks after surgery. It takes about that long for your incision to heal.
Going back to school
You can go back to school as soon as you feel ready.
Traveling
Most people don’t need to follow any special guidelines for traveling. It’s OK to travel on a plane.
Follow-up appointment
Your surgeon’s office may schedule your follow-up appointment before you’re discharged from the hospital. Or, they may call you to schedule it once you’re home. Your follow-up appointment can be done either in-person or by telemedicine.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if:
- Your incision is starting to look red.
- Redness around your incision is getting worse.
- There’s liquid draining from your incision.
- The area around your incision is starting to swell.
- Swelling around your incision is getting worse.
- You have appetite loss (don’t feel a desire to eat).
- You’re vomiting (throwing up).
- You have any questions or concerns.
Contact information
Monday through Friday from to , call your healthcare provider’s office.
After , during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000. Ask to speak to the person on call for your healthcare provider.
Support services
This section has a list of support services. They may help you as you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.
As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
MSK support services
Visit the cancer types section of MSK’s website at www.msk.org/types for more information.
Admitting Office
212-639-7606
Call if you have questions about your hospital admission, such as asking for a private room.
Anesthesia
212-639-6840
Call if you have questions about anesthesia.
Blood Donor Room
212-639-7643
Call for information if you’re interested in donating blood or platelets.
Bobst International Center
888-675-7722
We welcome patients from around the world and offer many services to help. If you’re an international patient, call for help arranging your care.
Counseling Center
www.msk.org/counseling
646-888-0200
Many people find that counseling helps them. Our counseling center offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We can also prescribe medications to help if you feel anxious or depressed. To make an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call the number above.
Food Pantry Program
646-888-8055
We give food to people in need during their cancer treatment. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider or call the number above.
Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care, including music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. To schedule an appointment for these services, call 646-449-1010.
You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They will work with you to come up with a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. To make an appointment, call 646-608-8550.
MSK Library
library.mskcc.org
212-639-7439
You can visit our library website or call to talk with the library reference staff. They can help you find more information about a type of cancer. You can also visit the library’s Patient and Health Care Consumer Education Guide.
Patient and Caregiver Education
www.msk.org/pe
Visit our Patient and Caregiver Education website to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.
Patient Billing
646-227-3378
Call if you have questions about preauthorization with your insurance company. This is also called preapproval.
Patient Representative Office
212-639-7202
Call if you have questions about the Health Care Proxy form or concerns about your care.
Perioperative Nurse Liaison
212-639-5935
Call if you have questions about MSK releasing any information while you’re having surgery.
Private Duty Nurses and Companions
917-862-6373
You can request private nurses or companions to care for you in the hospital and at home. Call for more information.
Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
646-888-8106
At MSK, care does not end after your treatment. The RLAC Program is for patients and their families who have finished treatment.
This program has many services. We offer seminars, workshops, support groups, and counseling on life after treatment. We can also help with insurance and employment issues.
Social Work
www.msk.org/socialwork
212-639-7020
Social workers help patients, families, and friends deal with common issues for people who have cancer. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout your treatment. They can help you communicate with children and other family members.
Our social workers can also help refer you to community agencies and programs. They also have information about financial resources, if you’re having trouble paying your bills.
Spiritual Care
212-639-5982
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, help support family members, and pray. They can contact community clergy or faith groups, or simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can ask for spiritual support. You do not have to have a religious affiliation (connection to a religion).
MSK’s interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital’s main lobby. It’s open 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the chaplain on call.
Virtual Programs
www.msk.org/vp
Our Virtual Programs offer online education and support for patients and caregivers. These are live sessions where you can talk or just listen. You can learn about your diagnosis, what to expect during treatment, and how to prepare for your cancer care.
Sessions are private, free, and led by experts. Visit our website for more information about Virtual Programs or to register.
External support services
Access-A-Ride
web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
In New York City, the MTA offers a shared ride, door-to-door service for people with disabilities who can’t take the public bus or subway.
Air Charity Network
www.aircharitynetwork.org
877-621-7177
Provides travel to treatment centers.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers a variety of information and services, including Hope Lodge, a free place for patients and caregivers to stay during cancer treatment.
Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
646-929-8032
A resource for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.
CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Avenue (Between West 25th & 26th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance.
Cancer Support Community
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support and education to people affected by cancer.
Caregiver Action Network
www.caregiveraction.org
800-896-3650
Provides education and support for people who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.
Corporate Angel Network
www.corpangelnetwork.org
866-328-1313
Offers free travel to treatment across the country using empty seats on corporate jets.
Good Days
www.mygooddays.org
877-968-7233
Offers financial assistance to pay for copayments during treatment. Patients must have medical insurance, meet the income criteria, and be prescribed medicine that’s part of the Good Days formulary.
HealthWell Foundation
www.healthwellfoundation.org
800-675-8416
Provides financial assistance to cover copayments, health care premiums, and deductibles for certain medicines and therapies.
Joe’s House
www.joeshouse.org
877-563-7468
Provides a list of places to stay near treatment centers for people with cancer and their families.
LGBT Cancer Project
www.lgbtcancer.com
Provides support and advocacy for the LGBT community, including online support groups and a database of LGBT-friendly clinical trials.
LIVESTRONG Fertility
www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services
855-744-7777
Provides reproductive information and support to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments have risks associated with infertility.
Look Good Feel Better Program
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK (800-395-5665)
This program offers workshops to learn things you can do to help you feel better about your appearance. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, call the number above or visit the program’s website.
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)
National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education, training, and advocacy for LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk.
Needy Meds
www.needymeds.org
Lists Patient Assistance Programs for brand and generic name medicines.
NYRx
www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/pharmacy.htm
Provides prescription benefits to eligible employees and retirees of public sector employers in New York State.
Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Gives help with copayments for patients with insurance.
Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Provides access to care, financial assistance, insurance assistance, job retention assistance, and access to the national underinsured resource directory.
Professional Prescription Advice
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get free or low-cost medicines.
Red Door Community (formerly known as Gilda’s Club)
www.reddoorcommunity.org
212-647-9700
A place where people living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.
RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to help people get medicines they have trouble affording.
Triage Cancer
www.triagecancer.org
Provides legal, medical, and financial information and resources for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Educational resources
This section lists the educational resources mentioned in this guide. They will help you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.
As you read these resources, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
- Advance Care Planning for People With Cancer and Their Loved Ones
- How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil
- Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
- How to Be a Health Care Agent
- How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
- How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
- Frequently Asked Questions About the MyMSK Goals to Discharge Checklist
- Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
- Staying Active Before and After Surgery for Pediatric Patients