Surgery for radiation to small intestine

Hello everyone,

          I had rectal cancer back in 1988 and went through chemo, radiation and surgery. I had a foot of my intestines remove and they reconstructed my rectum. During my chemo treats I found out that when I  had my radiation done, it had burnt my pelvic bone and some of my intestines therefore not allowing me to finish my chemo treatments  because a  bone marrow test showed that my bone marrow was almost nil.  I have been cancer free for almost 21 years and feel very blessed!  The problem that I am having is chronic partial bowel obstructions. I have had about 25 of them since my surgery/radiation/chemo.  I found a new doctor about a month ago that is willing to do exploratory surgery to remove the radiation damage in my small intestine if there isn't a large amount of damage. This would stop my bowel obstructions, but I am just afraid of the after-effects of the surgery and that I might come out with a different problem.  Is there anyone out there that has experienced going through radiation damage removal of the small intestine?  If so could you give me your thoughts or share your story with me, it would be greatly appreciated. Also if their is any Healthcare person etc, that has any ideas please let me know. Thank you!

                                            Pauline

 

On 3/2/2009 angel2be wrote:

Hello everyone,

          I had rectal cancer back in 1988 and went through chemo, radiation and surgery. I had a foot of my intestines remove and they reconstructed my rectum. During my chemo treats I found out that when I  had my radiation done, it had burnt my pelvic bone and some of my intestines therefore not allowing me to finish my chemo treatments  because a  bone marrow test showed that my bone marrow was almost nil.  I have been cancer free for almost 21 years and feel very blessed!  The problem that I am having is chronic partial bowel obstructions. I have had about 25 of them since my surgery/radiation/chemo.  I found a new doctor about a month ago that is willing to do exploratory surgery to remove the radiation damage in my small intestine if there isn't a large amount of damage. This would stop my bowel obstructions, but I am just afraid of the after-effects of the surgery and that I might come out with a different problem.  Is there anyone out there that has experienced going through radiation damage removal of the small intestine?  If so could you give me your thoughts or share your story with me, it would be greatly appreciated. Also if their is any Healthcare person etc, that has any ideas please let me know. Thank you!

                                            Pauline

 

I had endometerial cancer in 2006 and was left with bowel damage that causes me to vomit violently about every 3-4 months. I am also considering bowel surgery and also nervious about being left with more challenges. I will keep you in my thoughts and let me know if you find someone that has successfully been through the surgery.

Peg

Dear Pauline, I have been trying to find someone who understands. I had cervical cancer , surg, chemo and raditaion. I knew when I was going through it my intestines where damage but had to to kill the cancer. It had been 7 month since all of that and I have had 3 severe bouts with my small intestines one of which landed me back in the hospital for a week. Now I am having vomiting and crazy diar. they did a scope and found my smaill intestines have hardened and narrowed so they want to take them out. I am very concern and deserate to save them , but I know they are damage to no repair.. I has issues absorbing nutrients , so my concern now is how will I live without my small int. I know this is not an answer but God Bless You and if you find one please let me know as well.  Thanks so much for posting.