Hernia during chemo

[Nanc257]

Hi Angles, Had my 2nd Chemo Monday 18th.  Have been in a terrible depression, so I have been unable to even post.
It appears that i herniated while getting chemo. Ate hole in the wall and intestine poped through. So upset over this. Bad enough dealing with being sick and the rest with chemo and now this.  Next Chemo is the 8th of june.  They can not do anything until I am finished with the chemo and it was suggested that I live with the hernia.:(  Upset me so bad!
Why would I want to live with a hernia.:( Has this happen to anyone else?  

[jane65]

Hi Nanc,
I completely understand what you've written about your hernia, I was frightened about my 2 hernias and their appearance, until my oncologist assured me that as long as they don't create a problem, I shouldn't be overly concerned.

If your oncologist feels that 6 rounds of chemo will work best, that's the way to view it and just be positive that the chemo drugs will kill every last cancer cell in your body.

You've peeked my curiosity, what are you going to buy yourself? it's not at all ridiculous and you've earned a special treat to make yourself happy, so what is it?

Finally, my oncologist thinks everyone with cancer could benefit from something to take the edge off the depression we all feel. And a sleeping aid is wonderful, we need our sleep, and to shut off our racing minds at the end of the day.
He's prescribed both for me, too.

I'm so glad you're posting more often, and if you want to, please feel free to send me a note, or private message.
Jane

[Nanc257]

Dear Angels,  The hernia is not painful, but it is not a little looking Hernia as I have seen in my lifetime.  I Look 7 months pregnant. Looking down at me one would have a skie jump after they hit the waist.  Front view the belly looks like you could stick it and have a pan ready because all the intestines  will explode and you will need to catch them. Upset isn't the word for it. I think it is a very large hole.  First it was 3 Chemos and now it is 6.  Wnt to my family doctor and was given meds to handle my depression and something to help me sleep.   My chemo this time was kinder to me then the first treatment.  I feel pretty good today and am going to buy myself something that I always wanted but never would purchase.  Something ridiculous thats wrapped with happiness.
TTYL.

[crecco]

Nanc,
  I have learned that developing a hernia after surgery is not an uncommon issue. I too developed one and my Dr has told me that unless it starts giving me problems, then he is not going to do anything about it. He does not want to do any unnecessary surgery as he wants me to keep my strength up for chemo. I do have to admit that when I first noticed it, that it scared the **** out of me. All I could think of was that it was a new tumor. Being told that it was just a hernia was a big relief. As for who wants to live with a hernia? Having mine has made no difference in my life what so ever. But like Jane, mine also made weird gurgling noises and when I pushed on it, well I cannot even think of a word to describe the noise it made. It kind of squished. (pretty gross sounding) Thankfuly it does not protrude unless I cough.
I do not mean to make light of it as you sound very upset. But compared to the cancer, a hernia is pretty mild. So try not to get yourself too worked up over it.
   Chris

[worldtraveler23]

Hi Nanc~

I've been following your posts since you came on this Board as your cancer seemed very similar to mine and I believe we are both 1c's. I know it is very difficult right now (I have depression also), but I want to continue to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hoe many rounds of chemo will you have? I was scheduled for 4-6 and luckily, only had to do the 4. Stay strong and if you want to send me a note, I'll be happy to respond.......I am just now really feeling like I am emotionally and physically healing.

Love to you~

Mary

[jane65]

Hi Nanc,
Guess what? I beat you, I have 2 hernias!

One is an umbilical hernia and has given me quite a pronounced golf ball sized "outie", and the other is just below my middle, on the left side of the navel. Funny thing with that one is, that I can hear gas bubbles rumbling through it, and if I put my hand on it it can feel activity. I have absolutely no pain from either and never had any.

My oncologist won't clear me for surgery because we can't stop chemo for surgery and recovery time. He said the only time I'd have to have surgery, is if it twists and becomes a very serious situation. It's been about 6 months, and no problems.

I just live with it for now, that's all we can do, I guess we won't be wearing bikinis this summer.

Please try to keep in your mind, that the chemo is killing the cancer in your body, and just accept that cr*p happens, and it's not fair but we have to deal with things as they come along. Just another layer on the onion.

You've been on my mind, you're having a really tough time with the cancer and treatment and I wish you'd post more often, so that you can get the support from the ladies who totally understand your sadness, and want to help you.

I see that you're next chemo is June 8th, that's my 66th birthday! Read Dian's post to you a couple of times, she really nailed it.

Take care, and remember..... it's one step at a time.
Jane

[dian07]

Hey there girl.  You are having a terrible time of it right now.I have never had a hernia before but I don't want one.  Is it painful all the time or is it just very upsetting ?  I know when I was going through chemo it seemed like one thing just led to another..... if it wasn't one thing it was another.  It  just never seemed to end and it was difficult to always be positive about everything.   One thing.....after your chemo appt on June 8th you will have met your "half way" point.....you will be half way finished and that was very positive for me......but I played "head games" with myself just to get through it.  I know all things seem horrible right now but you have come this far.....diagnosis, surgery, getting a port, chemo and now this........you are one hell of a strong woman!  You will get through this, and we are here to help in any way we can.
Hang in there and stay in touch.  I will watch for your posts.
Peace.
dian