About Your Spine Tumor Surgery at MSK Kids

This guide will help you get ready for your spine tumor surgery at MSK Kids. It will also help you know what to expect as you recover.

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 use it as you learn more about your recovery.

In this resource, the words “you” and “your” refer to you or your child.

About your surgery

About your spine and spinal cord

Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are grouped into sections called your cervical (neck), thoracic (upper to mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) spine. Your vertebrae cover your spinal cord.

Your spinal cord has threadlike nerves that branch out to your entire body. They carry messages to and from your brain. These messages help you:

• Move your arms and legs.
• Balance yourself.
• Feel pain and pressure.
• Tell the difference between hot and cold.
• Have bladder and bowel function.

A spinal cord tumor may affect your ability to do some of these activities.

Spine tumor removal

A laminectomy is a surgery to remove the lamina (back part) of your vertebra and the tumor on your spinal cord. This will relieve any pressure that may be on your spinal cord. It may also help relieve symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by the tumor.

Your surgeon will send the tumor tissue to the Pathology Department. The doctors there will look at it to find out what type of tumor you have. Your treatment options will depend on the type of tumor you have. They will also depend on whether any tumor cells are left in your spinal cord after surgery.

A laminectomy can be done on different areas of the spine such as your cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine (see Figure 1).

What to expect during your surgery

You will be asleep during your laminectomy. You will lie on your belly on the operating table. Your surgeon will make an incision (surgical cut) in your upper, middle, or lower back. They will spread your soft tissue and muscles apart to see your lamina.

Your surgeon will remove your lamina and other parts of the bone around your spinal cord to reach the tumor. Then, they will remove all or part of the tumor and send it to the Pathology Department.

After the tumor is removed, your surgeon will put your muscles and soft tissue back in place. They will close your incision with sutures (stitches).

In most cases, except in very young children, your surgeon will not replace your lamina. This likely will not affect how stable your spine is and how it functions.

If you have a laminectomy on more than 1 vertebrae, you may need to have a spinal fusion to help stabilize your spine. A spinal fusion is when your surgeon connects 2 or more vertebrae with rods and screws. This is done so there is no movement between them.

Your surgeon will talk with you about the plan for your surgery.

Getting ready for your surgery

This section will help you get ready for your surgery. Read it when your surgery is scheduled. Refer to it as your surgery gets closer. It has important information about what to do to get ready.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

Getting ready for surgery

You and your care team will work together to get ready for your surgery. Help us keep you safe by telling us if:

• You take prescription medicine(s), including patches and creams. A prescription medicine is one you can only get with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
• You take over-the-counter medicine(s), including patches and creams. An over-the-counter medicine is one you can buy without a prescription.
• You take dietary supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
• You have any allergies.
• You or a family member had a problem with anesthesia (A-nes-THEE-zhuh) in the past. Anesthesia is medicine to make you sleep during a surgery or procedure.
• You have a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS).
• You have a programmable ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.

You may need to stop taking some of your medicines and supplements before your surgery. Some medicines raise your risk for complications (problems) during surgery. Follow your care team’s instructions.

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.

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.
• 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.

Fill out a Health Care Proxy form

If you 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.

Within 30 days of your spine tumor surgery

Presurgical testing (PST)

You’ll have a PST appointment before your surgery. You’ll get a reminder from your surgeon’s office with the appointment date, time, and location. Visit www.msk.org/parking for parking information and directions to all MSK locations.

You can eat and take your usual medicines the day of your PST appointment.

It’s helpful to bring these things to your appointment:

• A list of 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 an advance practice provider (APP) during your PST appointment. They work closely with MSK’s anesthesiology (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jee) staff. These are doctors with special training in using anesthesia during a surgery or procedure.

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 you see other healthcare providers. They’ll also talk with you about which medicine(s) to take the morning of your 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.

Tell us if you’re sick

If you get sick before your surgery, call the healthcare provider who scheduled your surgery. This includes a fever, cold, sore throat, or the flu.

7 days before your spine tumor 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 will 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 spine tumor 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 spine tumor surgery

Note the time of your surgery

A pediatric surgical coordinator will call you after 2 p.m. the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, they’ll call you the Friday before. If you do not get a call by 4 p.m., call 212-639-7056.

The surgical coordinator will tell you what time to get to the hospital for your surgery. They’ll also remind you where to go.

This will be one of these locations:

• The Presurgical Center (PSC) at Memorial Hospital
  1275 York Ave. (between East 67th and East 68th streets)
  New York, NY 10065
  Take the B elevator to the 6th floor.
• The Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center (PACC) at Memorial Hospital
  1275 York Ave. (between East 67th and East 68th streets)
  New York, NY 10065
  Take the B elevator to the 9th floor.

Shower

Unless your care team gives you other instructions, you can shower and wash your hair the night before surgery. Do not put on any hair products, such as hair spray or hair gel.

Instructions for eating and drinking before your surgery

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Do not eat or drink anything after a certain time on the night before your surgery. This exact time is based on your age and any other medical problems you have. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about what you can and cannot eat before surgery. If you do not follow the instructions your care team gives you, your surgery may be cancelled.

The morning of your spine tumor surgery

Do not eat or drink anything the morning of your surgery. This includes water, hard candy, and gum. If you do not follow the instructions you are given, your surgery may be cancelled.

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.

Starting 2 hours before your surgery, do not take any medicines.

Things to remember

• Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting.
• If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can damage your eyes.
• Do not wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery can cause burns if they touch metal.
• Do not wear any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
• Do not wear any hair products, such as hair spray or hair gel.
• Leave valuable items at home.

What to bring

• Pajamas with a loose-fitting or button-down shirt that will go over your head easily.
• 1 comfort item, such as a blanket or teddy bear.
• 1 or 2 portable electronic devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, and their chargers.
• All the medicine you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicine, supplements, patches, and creams.
• Your Health Care Proxy form and other advance directives, if you filled them out.
• A case for your personal items, if you have any. Examples of personal items include eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wigs, and religious articles.
• This guide. You’ll use it when you learn 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 6^th floor (the PSC) or the 9^th floor (the PACC). Check in at the desk in the 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.

For caregivers, family, and friends

‌  Read Information for Family and Friends for the Day of Surgery to help you know what to expect on the day of your loved one’s surgery.

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 surgery

When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll need to take off your eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wig, and religious articles.

You’ll either walk into the operating room or a staff member will bring you there on a stretcher. Babies and young children may be carried into the operating room. 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, your care team will place a breathing tube through your mouth into your airway. It will help you breathe. They’ll also place a urinary (Foley) catheter in your bladder. It will drain your urine (pee) during your surgery.

Once they finish your surgery, your surgeon will close your incision with staples or stitches. They may also place Steri-Strips^™ (thin pieces of surgical tape) or Dermabond^® (surgical glue) over your incisions. They’ll cover your incision with a bandage.

Your breathing tube is usually taken out while you’re still in the operating room.

Recovering after your surgery

This section will help you know what to expect after your surgery. You’ll learn how to safely recover from your surgery both in the hospital and at home.

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 will get IV pain medicine through your implanted port, CVC, or IV line. Tell one of your healthcare providers if your pain isn’t managed.

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 will have physical therapy, occupational therapy, or both. To learn more, read Staying Active Before and After Surgery for Pediatric Patients.

Tubes and drains

You may have the following tubes and drains. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about what to expect.

• A urinary (Foley) catheter: This is a tube that drains urine from your bladder. Your care team will keep track of how much urine you’re making while you’re in the hospital.
• An IV: You will get fluids and medication through your IV after surgery.
• A Jackson Pratt® drain or other drain: This is a drain used to collect extra fluid or blood that may build up at the surgical site. This will help decrease your risk for infection and help your body heal.

Moving to your hospital room

Once you’re fully awake, a staff member will bring you to your hospital room. Your room will be in one of these places:

• The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• The Neurology Advanced Care Unit (NACU)
• The Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

The place your room is depends on your age and condition.

In your hospital room

The length of time you’re in the hospital after your surgery depends on your recovery. Most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights.

In your hospital room, you will meet one of the nurses who will care for you during your stay.

Your healthcare providers will teach you how to care for yourself while you’re healing from your surgery. They will ask you to move your arms, fingers, toes, and legs often. They will have you grip your hands and shrug your shoulders. Your healthcare providers may also ask you if you feel different pressure such as a soft touch or a harder touch.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may start to work with a physical therapist. Over the next couple of days, you will increase your activity until you’re ready to go home.

Imaging scans after surgery

You may need an MRI or CT scan before you’re discharged. This will show your healthcare provider if you have any tumor left after your surgery. It will also show how much swelling you have in the area. Your healthcare provider will give you more information.

Managing your pain

You may have some pain after your surgery. At first, you’ll get your pain medication through your IV line. Once you’re able to eat, you’ll get oral pain medication (medication you swallow).

Your healthcare providers will ask you about your pain often and give you medicine as needed. If your pain is not relieved, tell one of your healthcare providers. It’s important to control your pain so you can use your incentive spirometer and move around. Controlling your pain can help you recover faster.

You’ll get a prescription for pain medicine before you leave the hospital. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible side effects. Ask them when to start switching to over-the-counter pain medicine.

You may feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache after your surgery. You will get medicine to help with these symptoms.

You may have a sore throat after your surgery. This is because of the breathing tube you had during surgery. Lozenges and cool liquids can make you more comfortable.

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 (lung infection). It will also help you start passing gas and having bowel movements (pooping) again. Your nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist will help you move around, if needed.

Read Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery to learn more about how walking can help you recover.

Read Call! Don't Fall! for Pediatric Patients to learn what you can do to stay safe and keep from falling while you’re in the hospital.

Eating and drinking

You will most likely be able to drink liquids a few hours after your surgery. After that, you will slowly go back to your normal diet. If you have questions about your diet, ask to see an MSK Kids clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Leaving the hospital

Before you leave, look at your incision with one of your healthcare providers. Knowing what it looks like will help you notice any changes later.

Your healthcare provider will write your discharge order and prescriptions. You’ll also get written discharge instructions. One of your healthcare providers will review them with you before you leave.

At home

Read What You Can Do to Avoid Falling to learn what you can do to keep from falling at home and during your appointments at MSK.

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 6 months or longer. This does not mean something is wrong.

Follow these guidelines to help manage your pain at home.

• Take your medicine(s) as directed and as needed.
• Call your healthcare provider if the medicine prescribed for you does not help your pain.
• Do not drive or drink alcohol while you’re taking prescription pain medicine. Some prescription pain medicines can make you drowsy (very sleepy). Alcohol can make the drowsiness worse.
• As your incision heals, you will have less pain and need less pain medicine. An over-the-counter pain reliever will help with aches and discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) are examples of over-the-counter pain relievers. Call your healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®).
  • Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for stopping your prescription pain medicine.
  • Do not take too much of any medicine. Follow the instructions on the label or from your healthcare provider.
  • Read the labels on all the medicines you’re taking. This is very important if you’re taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Taking too much can harm your liver. Do not take more than one medicine that has acetaminophen without talking with a member of your care team.
• Pain medicine should help you get back to your usual 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 medicines, such as opioids, may cause constipation. Constipation is when you poop less often than usual, have a harder time pooping, or both.

Medicines after surgery

Your healthcare provider may give you any of these medicines after your surgery:

• Pain medication for headaches and pain relief.
• Steroids to lower the swelling in your spine.
• An antacid to protect your stomach while you’re taking steroids.
• A stool softener to help prevent constipation.
• Antibiotics to prevent infection.
• If you were taking antiseizure medicine before your surgery, keep taking it unless your care team gives you other instructions.

You can take your usual medicine right away after your surgery, but don’t take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen). Your surgeon will tell you when it’s OK to take these medicines.

For more information, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil.

Back brace or cervical collar

Most people do not need a back brace or cervical collar after surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you more information if you do.

Caring for your incision

Take a shower every day

Take a shower every day to clean your incision. Follow the instructions in the “Showering” section.

Remove your bandage

If you have a bandage over your incision, your surgeon will take it off 1 to 2 days after your surgery. After that, you can leave the incision uncovered. Once your incision is healed, it does not need to be covered.

Do not put anything on your incision

As your incision heals, it may burn, itch, or feel numb. Do not put on any creams, sunscreens, or ointments on your incision until it is completely healed. This may take about 6 weeks.

It’s common for the skin below your incision to feel numb. This happens because some of your nerves were cut during your surgery. The numbness will go away over time.

Remove your stitches or staples

If you go home with stiches or staples in your incision, your healthcare provider will take them out during your first appointment after surgery. It’s OK to get them wet.

If you have Steri-Strips or Dermabond on your incision, they’ll loosen and fall or peel off on their own. This usually happens within 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Call your healthcare provider’s office if:

• The skin around your incision is very red or getting more red.
• The skin around your incision is warmer than usual.
• The area around your incision is swollen or getting more swollen.
• You see drainage that looks like pus (thick and milky).
• Your incision smells bad.

Showering

You can shower 5 days after surgery. Take a shower every day to clean your incision. This helps loosen up any crusting on your incision. It will also help your healthcare provider remove your staples or sutures. If you have staples or stitches in your incision, it’s OK to get them wet.

After you shower, pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Do not let your incision soak in water. Do not take a bath until your incision is healed. This is usually 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Sleeping

After surgery, you can sleep in any position that you find comfortable. In general, it is best to sleep on your back or side. Try not to sleep on your stomach because it can strain your neck or back.

If you sleep on your back, you may find it comfortable to bend your knees and place a pillow underneath them.

If you sleep on your side, you may find it comfortable to bend your knees and place a pillow in between your legs.

Sleep on a firm mattress.

Eating and drinking

You can eat all the foods you did before your surgery unless your healthcare provider gives you other instructions. Eating a balanced diet with lots of calories and protein will help you heal after surgery. Try to eat a good protein source (such as meat, cheese, tofu, fish, or eggs) at each meal. You should also try to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

For tips on adding more calories and protein in your diet, read Helping Your Child Eat During Treatment.

If you have questions about your diet, ask to see an MSK Kids clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Physical activity and exercise

When you leave the hospital, your incision may look like it’s healed on the outside. It will not be healed on the inside. For the first 6 weeks after your surgery:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). This includes a large purse or bag, or backpack. It may be helpful to use a wheeled backpack for heavy textbooks.
• Do not bend, stretch, flex, or twist your body. Squat with your knees bent when lift or pick things up from the floor.
• Do not sit for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Sitting for long periods may put too much pressure on your incision. Sit in chairs that are firm and have a straight back.
• Do not wear high-heeled shoes. Wear flat-heeled shoes with closed backs.
• Climb stairs as you feel comfortable. Avoid climbing too many stairs at once.

Your healthcare providers will give you instructions on what exercises and movement you can do while your incision is healing.

It’s common to have less energy than usual after surgery. Recovery time is different for everyone. Try to do a little more each day, if you can. Always balance activity periods with rest periods. Rest is an important part of your recovery.

Going back to the gym

Ask your healthcare provider when you can go back to the gym.

Going back to school or work

You can go back to school when you feel ready. If you carry heavy textbooks, use a wheeled backpack.

You cannot participate in gym class for at least 6 weeks after your surgery. It will take at least 6 weeks for your skull to heal.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your job. They’ll tell you when it may be safe for you to start working again based on what you do. If you move around a lot or lift heavy objects, you may need to stay out a little longer. If you sit at a desk, you may be able to go back sooner.

Driving

Ask your healthcare provider when you can drive. Most people can start driving again 2 to 4 weeks after surgery but do not start until your healthcare provider says it is OK. Do not drive while you’re taking pain medication that may make you drowsy.

If you’re taking antiseizure medicine, do not drive until your healthcare provider tells you it’s OK.

You can ride in a car as a passenger at any time after you leave the hospital.

For 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time. Sitting increases the pressure on your incision. While riding in a car, you should stop often so that you can stretch your legs.

If you had neck surgery:

Do not drive if you need to wear a cervical collar. Do not drive if you cannot comfortably turn your head from side to side.

Swimming

Do not swim in a pool or hot tub for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. If your incisions need more time to heal, you may need to wait longer. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it’s OK to swim at your first follow-up appointment after your surgery.

Starting other treatments

If you will be starting or continuing other treatments after surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation, talk with your healthcare provider. They will tell you how soon after surgery you can start. This depends on how you’re healing and is different for everyone.

Follow-up appointment

You will have your first follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider 10 to 14 days after your surgery. Call your surgeon’s office to schedule the appointment before you leave the hospital.

Depending on how you’re healing, your healthcare provider will take out some or all your stitches or staples during this appointment.

Managing your feelings

You may have new and upsetting feelings after a surgery for a serious illness. Many people say they felt weepy, sad, worried, nervous, irritable, or angry at one time or another. You may find that you cannot control some of these feelings. If this happens, it’s a good idea to seek emotional support. Your healthcare provider can refer you to MSK’s Counseling Center. You can also reach them by calling 646-888-0200.

The first step in coping is to talk about how you feel. Family and friends can help. We can also reassure, support, and guide you. It’s always a good idea to let us know how you, your family, and your friends are feeling emotionally. Many resources are available to you and your family. We’re here to help you and your family and friends handle the emotional aspects of your illness. We can help no matter if you’re in the hospital or at home.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
• You have any drainage from your incision. Your incision should be dry.
• Your incision smells bad.
• You have chills.
• You have seizures (uncontrollable shaking).
• You have no feeling or numbness in your arms or legs.
• You have increasing weakness in your arms or legs
• You have swelling or pain in your legs.
• You have pain in your calf.
• You have severe pain.
• You have nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up.
• You are vomiting (throwing up).
• You don’t have control of your bowels or bladder.
• The skin around your incision is very red or getting more red.
• The skin around your incision is warmer than usual.
• The area around your incision is starting to swell or getting more swollen.

Contact information

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call your healthcare provider’s office. After 5 p.m., 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

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
332-699-7968
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.

Caregivers Clinic
www.msk.org/caregivers
Our Caregivers Clinic provides support for caregivers who are having a hard time coping with the demands of being a caregiver. Call 646-888-0200 to learn more.

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 medicine to help if you feel anxious or depressed. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.

Food Pantry Program
646-888-8055
We give food to people in need during their cancer treatment. Talk with a member of your care team or call the number above to learn more.

Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care. For example, we offer music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. Call 646-449-1010 to make an appointment for these services.

You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They’ll work with you to make a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. Call 646-608-8550 to make an appointment for a consultation.

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.

Nutrition Services
www.msk.org/nutrition
212-639-7312
Our Nutrition Service offers nutritional counseling with one of our clinical dietitian nutritionists. Your clinical dietitian nutritionist will talk with you about your eating habits. They can also give advice on what to eat during and after treatment. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.

Patient and Community Education
www.msk.org/pe
Visit our patient and community 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 to learn more.

Rehabilitation Services
www.msk.org/rehabilitation
Cancers and cancer treatments can make your body feel weak, stiff, or tight. Some can cause lymphedema (swelling). Our physiatrists (rehabilitation medicine doctors), occupational therapists (OTs), and physical therapists (PTs) can help you get back to your usual activities.

• Rehabilitation medicine doctors diagnose and treat problems that affect how you move and do activities. They can design and help coordinate your rehabilitation therapy program, either at MSK or somewhere closer to home. Call Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiatry) at 646-888-1929 to learn more.
• An OT can help if you’re having trouble doing usual daily activities. For example, they can recommend tools to help make daily tasks easier. A PT can teach you exercises to help build strength and flexibility. Call Rehabilitation Therapy at 646-888-1900 to learn more.

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. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, they also have information about financial resources. Call the number above to learn more.

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
We 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 to learn more 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 25^th & 26^th 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.

• Call! Don't Fall! for Pediatric Patients
• Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery
• Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
• How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil
• How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
• How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
• Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
• Staying Active Before and After Surgery for Pediatric Patients