Anyone else had gallstone problems after chemo?

[Alibee2]

Hi, I haven’t posted since I recovered from my chemo last year. I’m pleased to say I’m still NED and have managed to take early retirement on the grounds of ill health (not cancer related - to do with my disability) which was great as I was made redundant while on chemo and would have found it extremely difficult to get another job after being off ill for 10 months (I worked with children and could not attend work whilst on chemo). Has anyone else has problems with developing gallstones after chemo? My gallstones were found soon after chemo (carboplatin) ended (coincidence?) and, despite a good, healthy diet, have progressed to the point where I am in a lot of pain most days and reliant on Tramadol for relief. I’m hoping for surgery soon as it’s the pits to be laid low while I should be doing all those things I had planned to while clear of cancer ... ho hum! Love to all you lovely ladies who supported me in 2016/17

[devotedtolife55]

Hi,

I had ovarian cancer along with another unrelated cancer, and the treatment for my other cancer has given me gallstones. I have been told by Oncology that, as they are not bothering me, they will be left alone until such time as they do. I think they can blast them with lasers nowadays and they disintegrate. I did not have gallstones before treatment.

I hope that they get you comfortable soon.

[Alibee2 in reply to devotedtolife55]

Thanks ...I’m hoping it’s soon too - the pain and sickness leaves me feeling worse than chemo! No-one has mentioned laser treatment - will ask my consultant when I see her next.

[Maus123]

Hi Alibee. Can you not have them removed soon via keyhole surgery? I know the pain caused by rampant gall stones can be debilitating.

I got lucky myself as the stones and whole gall bladder were removed in a free of charge 2-for-1 deal during my original debulking surgery. Didn't ask for it. The surgeon just said 'Oh by the way, we found a problematic gall bladder and stones, and removed it. You're welcome.' .

All the best. Maus

[Alibee2 in reply to Maus123]

What a bonus! They’ve told me the extensive scarring due to my extensive cancer surgery means no keyhole as they can’t safely inflate my abdomen with air ....so it’s gonna be another large scar for me! Becos of this the wait list is longer as requires more theatre time and more days in a hospital bed ...but fingers crossed ... hopefully soon!