edh's Cancer Blog
July 14, 2010
It’s been some time since I have posted. Mainly dealing with the abscess and a leak at the surgery site My original surgeon has a new job in another city and I now have a new surgeon that I just visited on Tuesday July 13. He’s also very experienced with this type of cancer and I feel very comfortable with him.
Main thing is to stop the leak. Not sure how that happens some say it may stop itself, but there’s no reconnection until the leak is corrected.
The abscess is about gone and I have only a small amount to of pain there. The drain I had was really painful for me. I think it had more to do with the way it was install.
Hope all are doing OK and getting this illness behind you.
Thanks for all your support and prayers…... Ed
Ed,
I’m sorry you’re still fighting with the abscess and leak issues. I hope it heals soon for you. I’m glad you feel comfortable with the new surgeon- that’s always a an added bonus, you know? Are you getting around ok otherwise? How’s your energy level? Sleeping ok?
Have you started chemo yet or have a date set? Hang in there. I know the days go slow when you don’t feel good. Take care, and keep us posted.
Kim
Posted on Ed,
great to hear from you. Sorry you’re dealing with the leak issue, won’t know about mine for another two months. Glad you’re happy with the new surgeon. It’s really important to believe in your dr. and have faith that they are doing the right thing. Also glad to hear your abscess is gone. WHEW! what a pain in the fanny!
Take care of yourself. Get your strength built back up and stay positive!
I’m getting around fairly well. A lot more energy now than a month ago. But I still have a ways to go. That surgery took a lot out of me.
As for chemo, my oncologist said I need a good rest and she does not want to give me chemo for a while. I’ve had a lot of chemo with lymphoma from 1986. Last bout with lymphoma was 2005. So in one way I’m happy with no chemo yet, but I want to get things under control. Main thing now is the leak.
Thanks for all of your comments, thoughts and prayers…,. Ed
Posted on Nice to meet you, sorry it has to be here.
I am proud to be one of your many supporters.
Prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
xoxo,
Debbie
Posted on June 5, 2010
The doctors tell me I have an abscess in my bowel where the surgery was preformed and I now have a drain tube( very uncomfortable). This will delay things for a while
I was not expecting this. Has anyone had such as experience?
Thanks ….. Ed
Dear Ed; so sorry to hear that you are in an uncomfortable state. I haven’t heard of that but since I do not have your type of cancer, I wouldn’t probably know the answer. I’m sure someone will respond. I hope you can tolerate it and that the infrection subsides pdq. I don’t know why these things come to try us but they do.
I am sure this is a very temporary measure and that all will be well next week. Please stay in touch with all of us. Weezie
Posted on Ed
Yes it’s normal I had 2 battles with abscess in that same area. I hated the drain I had it for 1 week its awful. You will heal from that I area.
Rick
Posted on Ed
I am so sorry to hear you have the abscess. I know the drain tube is extremely uncomfortable. I hope you have a speedy recovery and if you are on antibiotics that they work quickly so you can heal.
Melinda
Posted on Hi Ed,
I had the same problem and for most people it works quickly but in my case I had the drain for 9 months. Hopefully you won’t have the drain long enough to get use to it. In my situation I had two leaks but only one drain was needed.
They tried using glue to close the leaks but it didn’t work as one leak was too large. It was looking bleak and the surgeon decided that the last thing he could do (after waiting 7 months for the rectum to heal) was to remove the drain and see if it would heal on its own (without the drain).
Must have had been my lucky day but two months later the abscess healed on its own.
I remembered that when I went in to have a second drain installed (the first drain only reached one leak)the radiologist suggested that I not install the second drain and just let the rectum heal on its own. I decided I would follow my surgeon’s advise to leave the drain in but after it healed on its own (as the radiologist thought it would)maybe it would have been better not to leave the drain in. I am happy that it did heal and don’t regret the surgeon’s procedure choice. Things do work out and I look forward to 2013 when I can declare I am cancer free!
Ben
Posted on Thanks for all your kind support. I hope things are going to heal quickly so you can get rid of the drain. I haven’t been told at all about the possiblity of an abscess. I’ll do my homework on this in case I face the same situation. Thanks for the heads up. I’m sorry you’re uncomfortable- I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim
Thanks for your support - 
