Hernia repair advice

[Robbo16]

Hi hoping you lovely ladies can advise/tell me your experience please.

I was diagnosed May 2020 HGS Ovarian Cancer I had 5 x chemo followed by debaulking surgery and 3 more chemo. Was NED Jan 2021. Reoccurrence in pelvic lymph nodes for which I had further debaulking surgery and removal of 10 lymph nodes in April 2022. I’ve been NED since then.

My issue is that I have a huge incisional hernia with my bowel protruding massively through my abdominal wall. I feel totally hideous. My Oncologist referred me to a General Surgeon but he said it was a big operation to repair the hernia and he wouldn’t do it unless my Oncologist could guarantee no more chemo in the future, which of course he couldn’t. Reason being he said that chemo could weaken the abdominal wall again.

I’m wondering if it’s worth getting a 2nd opinion

I would really appreciate your advice/experience on this please. Thank you.

[Ruebacelle]

First so sorry second yes get a second opinion

[Robbo16 in reply to Ruebacelle]

Thank you

[Kjpip]

I would definitely get a second opinion. I have a less problematic incisional hernia and the consultant I saw is leaving it alone for now, but at no point has he said I could only have it fixed if I wouldn't be receiving any more chemo. Of course things might happen in the future that are less than ideal, but if you take this to its extreme, why bother trying to fix any medical issues at all when we might be run over by a bus tomorrow?!! Good luck getting a sensible second opinion🤞 xx

[Robbo16 in reply to Kjpip]

Thank you-good point

[Robbo16 in reply to Robbo16]

Thank you

[StyleK]

Hi, Robbo16, l had complete debulking 2018, later obstructions, led to op & stoma fitted late 2019. 2 years later stoma reversal with incisional hernia repair at same time. Another incisional hernia appeared, large, Nov 2022 repaired. Operation site started bleeding 2 weeks later, small op to drain site & restitch. All ok. Now poss reoccurrence of cancer, consultant considering chemo. No time was hernia repair & future chemo mentioned as not possible. So yes definitely get a second opinion. I've recovered well from the hernia repair but always will need to be careful not to lift too much & gentle excercise (walking), no twisting, v gentle stretching, advised no yoga which l miss, l still do a little. So yes, definitely seek second opinion. Best wishes, do hope you get positive answers. Let us know how you get on. x

[Robbo16 in reply to StyleK]

Thank you that’s helpful to know. I’ll let you know

[Jholly4]

Definitely seek a second opinion. Being able to predict what the future holds is not possible and many with OC want to get on with living life not sitting waiting for it to kick us back down so if the impact from the hernia is holding you back from living life to the full now ask again then you can consider the pros and cons as we would all do pre surgery and decide the best way forward for you. Good luckJholly

[Robbo16 in reply to Jholly4]

Thank you

[JacciJones]

Hi Not really got any thing to ad just wanted to say good look and you are a warrior x

[Robbo16 in reply to JacciJones]

Thank you x

[Summergold2]

definitely get second and if need be third opinion so that you are comfortable with the decision!

[Robbo16 in reply to Summergold2]

Thank you

[Alice77]

I am in a similar position and sympathise. Most of the clothes I used to wear are now with Oxfam and I have reluctantly had to get used to a new shape. The hernia has also made it difficult if not impossible for further surgery as my surgeon has said it makes it very problematic to close the wound and control infection . I was also told that if I did have surgery I would not be able to have chemotherapy in the event of a recurrence. In the end I didn't get as far as seeking yet another opinion as I am now having chemo for a recurrence and the extreme bloating has rendered the hernia bulge irrelevant for the time being. I am sorry not to have any encouraging answers for you but I know that others on the site have had more positive experiences and I hope that they can help. Best wishes

[Robbo16]

Thank you for your reply. At least I’m not alone. Hope your chemo treatment works well for you x

[Maggiemo19]

I’ve just seen a general surgeon privately as been waiting since last October to see nhs surgeon. I have very large and visible hernia since my debulking surgery in 2017 for ovarian cancer. I was very unlucky to get bowel cancer, unrelated, in 2019. The surgeon then could have repaired it but said the bowel surgery was a dirty operation and didn’t want to risk getting infected. Anyway the surgeon I saw last week wants me to wait as it’s such a major operation. Incision would be from just between my breasts all the way down the stomach. I now have lots of scar tissue which won’t help. He said most surgeons would be reluctant to operate as he doesn’t feel that it would strangulate. I just have to wear clothes to try and disguise the appearance. Good luck if you get a second opinion. Xx Sorry for long post xx

[Robbo16 in reply to Maggiemo19]

Thank you. I think the scar tissue is the other concern for me due to the 2 debaulking surgeries and open heart surgery years ago.

[riverside]

Hi.

As a result of my debulking surgery I had 66 staples and ended up like you with a large hernia which I have now had for 12 years. My onc told me a few years ago told me that if anyone ever told me that it could be fixed I should disregard the advice. Its not great and like you I have had to reorganise they way I dress but am currently trying to lose weight to see if that helps. I cheer myself up by remembering that science is coming up with new solutions all the time so maybe in a couple of years ..... fingers crossed!

[Robbo16 in reply to riverside]

Thank you. I’m also trying to lose weight in the hope it will help. Good luck with your weight loss and hope it helps x

[organicinna]

Hi. I have the same like you. And my GP said this operation to remove hideous hernia will make to very weak and no good for imune system...so i decided to keep it...😊

[Robbo16 in reply to organicinna]

Thank you