Right Hemi Colectomy operation but now pain in left side of tummy.

Hi Just a wee update as its 2 weeks since my Liver resection and gall bladder removal. Still some wound pain but feel the operation was successful. Gall Bladder was in 'not good shape' according to surgeon. Havn't heard yet about analysis or what was taken out or word on next stage. Should hear soon. No pains as before so that is positive. Pre Op doc said a tablet chemo was likely after to make sure all cancer was eradicated. Any experiences of this type of Chemo anyone?

Hi Scotty

So pleased to hear that you are doing well after your op.

Talk to your oncologist prior to starting chemo, if Capecitabine is recommended ask him/her if you can be tested for a DPD deficiency.  Some hospitals are doing this routinely, but if not ask -  as if you do have a deficiency your treatment can be adjusted to prevent side effects.  

Research has been found that DPD helps our bodies to break down Capecitabine.  It is very rare to have no DPD but between 2 to 8% of us do have a partial DPD deficiency.

Hopefully this test will be available very soon to everyone whose recommended treatment is 5-FU or Capecitabine.

Take care and keep safe,

VickiLynne 

Thanks VickiLynne. Sounds like really good advice. TY

Fantastic news . So pleased to hear you are safely through surgery . You sound as though you have made a great recovery and encouraging news that the previous pain has subsided.

My mum had the oral chemo and to be honest she managed well when she got into a routine of when to take them . I did accidentally hoover one up ! Wonder how much that cost !! Her main problem was colic but they gave her meds to help with it .

One more big step forward for you .

Take care ,

Court 

Hi again. Its now been 4 weeks since my Liver resection and Gall bladder removal. Everything was ticking along nicely in terms of recovery. I presume the usual wound pain but also had a pain bottom right of stomach which was aggravated everytime I moved (especially getting out of bed). As a result I was putting this down to muscular. Up to 2 days ago I was starting to walk every day. Last 2 days however the pain has got worse and now extends the length of the wound. Do you think this is a case of overdoing it or does anyone else have a similar experience of getting sorer many weeks after the op? Have not been contacted for follow up (Chemo) still but contacted surgeon secretary today about recent pains. Hope to hear back soon but any advice would be appreciated.  

Hi ,

Sorry to hear you are sore . You have done the right thing running it by the surgeon . My mum did have pain . Not sure if it was adhesions or part of the healing process and it eventually settled . However you are right to check there is no infection etc . You have been very wise . My mum described hers as a pulling pain ! Not sure if that’s any help to you at all . It is a big operation and to be honest my mum was just heading round the house and not too much more at that stage so it sounds as though you are recovering really well on the whole .

Hope you hear some from the surgeon.

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Scotty

So glad to hear that things are going along nicely following your surgery, but I'm sorry to hear that you are in a lot of pain.  It's a big op and it will take time for your body to fully heal inside. it could be you need a few more painkillers now that you are getting more exercise.

I hope your surgeon gets back to your soon, but don't overdo it, your body is probably telling you that you need to take a but more rest, plenty of time for walking when you feel a bit stronger.  Having said that I think we all want to get up and going as soon as we can.  

It's only a few weeks after your op, and they will want you to give your body time to recover before they talk to you about chemo.  

Take care,

VickiLynne

Hi Been a while since I posted on this thread. A few months down the line now with my follow up chemo. I get an infusion followed by tablets every 3-4 weeks. Am in cycle 3 of potentially 8. Get same symptoms each time. Tingling hands and feet and Jaw pain on first mouthful when eating. Also days 4/5 after infusion are exhausting. I do however have a question about coldness in feet. My infusion was reduced by 20% this time to reduce pins and needles but in this cycle have had cold sensation in feet for days now. Effecting sleep. When I feel my feet they appear normal (not cold at all?). Any advice or solution?

Hi  

Sounds as though you are getting through the cycles not too badly . 

I actually don’t know about the coldness but I do remember my mum wearing a lot of layers on her feet so I will ask her . She had her chemo during the terrible winters of 2009 and 2010 when we were up to her knees in snow .

I will give her a call to see if she remembers anything .

take care ,

 Court 

Thanks court. After 3 cycles know what to expect now and yes getting through ok. Surviving on hot water bottles at my feet all the time. Think doc said that pins and needles, sensitivity can sometimes never go away even after treatment/cycles are over (think he said only about 5%) but would love a solution now that would help the coldness. Thanks for the reply.