after systems

My father was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006 and had a whipple procedure surgery shortly after, He was in the hospital for 3 weeks after because his body wouldnt wok on its own.is there anyone out there that can help us to figure out what to do about the pain he is in 2 almost 3 years later. He has moments when his legs hurt so bad he can not even stand up ( mostly when he is using the toilet). He is going to the bathroom between 3-6 times a day lasting as long as 30 minutes a time. Also his dr has him taking vitamin D and we arent quite sure what its affects should be. His body isnt absourbing the vitamin from the sun or foods we know that but not sre why, If anyone has had this surgery and have some of the same issues can you please help us to understand what is going on or what we should do about it. we ;ive in southern oregon and we have a great cancer center here but its hard to get in when you are not really sure whats wrong or if it is really wrong......I am very worried about my dad because it also has made him very depressed

Hello Soccer Mom,

It is very unusual for a patient to have Whipple surgery for colon cancer; this surgery is normally done for pancreatic cancer.  Are you certain he had the Whipple?

Is he still being treated for cancer?  If not, has his doctor given you any cause for his pain?  I suggest you have a very frank discussion with his doctor about the reason for his pain and how to deal with it.  He should not have to live with pain..

The bathroom issues are not that unusual for colon cancer patients.  Many of them never get back to their pre-surgery normal but do learn after a while how to live with their new reality.  A different sort of  diet along with Metamucil or Lomotil is often very helpful.  Has your father seen a nutritionist who might be able to give him some help along these lines?  This might be an area to pursue.

Good luck with finding some relief for your fathere.

Joan L 

 

HI,

  We are wondering if your father has nuropathy?  Is there not a pain management team attached to the hospital?  The best medication for cancer pain is  Diladin.. my wife take this and  it helps to control her pain. You really need to see some one as there are good pain meds like the one I mentioned.

Be proactive and keep pushing as you really need to ask the questions and get the  help for your dad.

                           BEST WISHES  Rob and Barb