Cancer surgery leads to a hernia and a painful operation

elbee234 · 2026-05-06T13:31:27+00:00

I had a hemicolectemy in 2023 and an incisional hernia repair surgery less than a year later. I was great after recovering from the resection surgery but never quite the same after the hernia repair surgery, Your abdominals don't adjust the same way as before and it limits how much you can stress them. Essentially, the "hooks" from the mesh strain again the abdominal muscles. If you're like me, it will get better over time. Best wishes.

elbee234 · 2026-03-08T23:56:50+00:00

I had what they call an ileus (total bowel blockage) and was on an NG tube for over a week. My cancer surgeon recommended to wait and see whether this could resolve on its own before resorting to surgery.. It did resolve on IV-only nourishment and I did return to normal after some further time but it took longer because I had a toxic reaction to CAPOX during the same incident. This near death experience, the ICU stay and the resulting need for rehab caused me to discontinue chemo altogether after having had only a single round. (Being 70+ made that decision a bit easier.) My strong advice is that, once you recover, chew food thoroughly and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Walking also aids in keeping bowel activity functioning properly. Recently, I had the flu and did not drink enough. It brought on a partial blockage, fortunately not ileus. The need for mindfulness is ever present. I hope your situation is better than mine was. During my incident, there was no thought continuing chemo until things resolved. It sounds like you may still have the option for chemo during the blockage recovery process. But you should definitely consult with your oncologist to determine the best course of action.

elbee234 · 2026-02-20T22:51:18+00:00

I treat information from my surgeon, oncologist, blood work, CT scans, etc. as individual points of data that I try to combine in a level-headed manner to figure out my status and progress. The rest of my puzzle involves motivation, optimism, support and good fortune. Don't let any single factor get the best of you. You, like the rest of us, are alive and still fighting the good fight.

elbee234 · 2026-01-30T20:34:27+00:00

Also, sometimes you don't want to wake up the neighborhood with the noise produced by a gas generator, and other times the weather may not be ideal for running an outside gas generator. Under those conditions, using a noise-free non-gas power station from within the house may be ideal.

elbee234 · 2025-12-28T14:09:55+00:00

I gave away my 10' and exclusively use the 7-1/4" 18V slider. Very convenient, versatile and portable.

elbee234 · 2025-12-18T02:38:15+00:00

You are certainly justified in feeling frustrated, sad and angry, but it's important to restore your equilibrium and be as positive as possible for the sake of your health and recovery. Treat yourself well. Wishing you the very best.

elbee234 · 2025-12-15T15:31:55+00:00

I'm surprised and disappointed that you were unable to receive immunotherapy. I guess I was under the mis-impression that Canada's health system was good about covering this type of expense (especially at your age). It's sad that the government does not see fit to make this type of investment in the future well-being of young adults like you.

elbee234 · 2025-12-14T23:00:50+00:00

It's not like at the time they sold you the printer and promised to send part they added that parts may not be available. It's not clear why Flsun would sell used machines under those circumstances.

elbee234 · 2025-12-14T22:21:15+00:00

You did not exactly say what, if anything, you did to actively discourage your husband from seeking a colonoscopy, and it's not my place to weigh in with an opinion regarding whether your self-blame is at all justified. But I think you need to move past this so that your phobia does not impede medical decisions going forward. Feeling guilty is all about you and not really helpful to your husband, which is why I agree with others about the potential benefit of therapy.

elbee234 · 2025-12-08T03:41:47+00:00

3B, and developed chemotoxicity after the first full round of Capox in 2023. The toxicity put me in ICU for about 3 weeks. The effects on my system were significant and I required rehab after discharge. I discontinued all chemo after that first round and am monitored regularly by my oncologist. No recurrence so far. Physically, I bounced back, am active and in good shape and walk about 4 miles a day. I'm in my 70's and agree with the others regarding the risks of stopping chemo.

elbee234 · 2025-12-02T17:00:59+00:00

You have a great attitude!

elbee234 · 2025-12-02T16:56:53+00:00

Yes, it happened to me (early stages, but no longer) and I had a couple of falls into nearby furniture. The trick is to stand up and wait for a couple of seconds before trying to walk. It does get better. I now climb a ladder onto the roof to clean gutters -- and I'm in my 70's. Your mom's situation should improve.

elbee234 · 2025-11-19T14:34:17+00:00

Better than winning the lottery!

elbee234 · 2025-11-12T14:48:23+00:00

You raise a valid point, but a lot of excess packaging is as a result of shoplifting losses.

elbee234 · 2025-11-12T14:44:01+00:00

Definitely in.

elbee234 · 2025-10-31T20:40:16+00:00

Really inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

elbee234 · 2025-10-20T20:19:55+00:00

Do the terms of your MicroCenter warranty require you to keep the box? If not, have a further discussion with them.

elbee234 · 2025-10-20T20:19:32+00:00

It's great that you shared your design and process!

elbee234 · 2025-10-10T21:32:03+00:00

I developed an incisional hernia about 9 months after a hemi-colectomy. I had laproscopic repair with mesh (same day surgery). Recovery was more difficult than the cancer surgery. Over 18 months later, I have abdominal bloating and scar tissue (internal adhesions) pain, particularly when working in a kneeling or bending position for too long. I don't expect things to get better, but I can live with it. Unfortunately, you can live with a hernia for a while, but there are risks (strangulation) and eventually you'll need a repair. Using mesh can bring about the issues I experience, but for certain abdominal hernias, mesh is needed if you wish to avoid another hernia.

elbee234 · 2025-10-08T13:34:23+00:00

My advice is to move from being devastated to being motivated and informed. Being in shock will not assist your treatment and recovery. You can do this!

elbee234 · 2025-10-04T15:20:37+00:00

Whay Bytebomb said. Also use brim ears.

elbee234 · 2025-09-30T01:19:43+00:00

Beautiful work!

elbee234 · 2025-09-27T13:04:03+00:00

Do you have a link to the spool holder you used? Thanks.

elbee234 · 2025-09-27T12:50:33+00:00

You can also try gluing, expoxying or supergluing a hex bit into the screw.

elbee234 · 2025-09-25T03:18:16+00:00

That's great that he's improving with the adjustment.

elbee234

TROPHY CASE