This surgery is used for bone or soft tissue sarcomas affecting a limb.
Sometimes doctors advise that the whole limb is removed. This is called amputation. It's only ever done if it is really unavoidable, usually because the cancer has spread from the bone and has grown around nearby blood vessels. These need to be removed along with the cancer.
before the op
Your doctor will talk things through with you so that you fully understand what is involved. Losing a limb can feel very scary and you might want to talk to a specialist nurse or a counsellor about your feelings. It might also help to talk to someone who has had an amputation. It's really important to get support at this tough time. Ask your nurse or doctor to arrange this.
after the op
After the operation, you'll notice that the affected site is covered with special bandages that shape the area. This is so that an artificial limb can be fitted later. There will be a tube or 'drain' from the wound to remove any excess fluid that builds up. This is in place for 3-4 days. A 'drip' will give fluids into a vein in your arm until you can eat and drink properly again.
It's likely that you'll experience some pain and discomfort after your surgery. This is usually worse for the first 2-4 days and you'll be given strong painkillers (as an injection at first) to help with this. You must let the nurses know if you need extra pain relief. Some people feel sensations that seem to come from the limb that has been removed. These are known as 'phantom sensations'. They can be uncomfortable or painful sometimes, but they usually fade away gradually. If these are a problem, there are treatments that can help and your medical team can arrange these.
A physiotherapist will see you 2 or 3 days after surgery to help you begin to stand up and move around. You'll be given exercises to keep your muscles strong and supple so that an artificial limb can be fitted if you decide that you want this.
what will I be able to do?
What you will be able to do depends on the kind of amputation you have had. Artificial limbs - prosthesis - are now very effective. People can walk, run and even play sport. You might be fitted with a temporary prosthesis until your permanent one is made, which can take a few weeks. You'll be able to go home about 2 weeks after your operation. It can take a long while to get used to things after this kind of major surgery.
how will I feel?
You might feel lots of different emotions. You might be tearful, angry, fed up or depressed at times. You might think you've lost all your confidence and that you'll never be able to live a normal life, get a partner and stuff like that. This is really normal and it's important that you get support to help you cope. You can talk to close family or friends, speak to a counsellor (the nurses can arrange this) or contact a support group. Things will be tough as you get used to living with an amputation, but help is always there.
Other people's reactions can be hard to cope with too. You might be worried about what your mates think or how they're going to treat you. The thought of going back into the 'normal' world like school or college can be really scary. Even people in your family who you are close to might not know what to say or do. Others might say things that sound stupid or seem hurtful. It's a very tough time and there will be good days and bad days. Try to have a couple of really close friends or relatives who you can call on when things get you down. Most people find it really helps to talk about stuff. You might also find it useful to talk to someone outside your close circle, like a counsellor.
