Non-operative PC - severe abdominal bloating

Ponk · New User Joined: 04 Feb 2010 Posts: 1 Location: UK

Hello to U all - this is my first post on the forum, and I hope someone can help.

My mother is 72 and was diagnosed with PC Decemeber 2008. The surgeons tried to remove it, (it's in the head of the pancreas) but it was wrapped round the portal vein and too dangerous to remove. They did however do a bile duct bypass from her stomach to her small intestine.

Since then, she has had several treatments of Gemcitabine, which she tolerated very well and it has stopped the cancer spreading so far. She has suffered anemia due to the chemo, and has had 3 transfusions.

The main problem is that she gets very severe abdominal bloating, (she is taking 1 or 2 enzyme pills per meal), and discomfort and pain in this area.

This is resulting in her not eating much food at all, and has recently become anemic again. The trapped gas and pain is making her very depressed and uncomfortable, and we don't know what to do.

The doctor thought it was fluid in her stomach, until that was found not to be the case after and ultra-sound scan. It was found that it was all trapped gas and no fluid.

Could anyone give any advice on this, as she is in a very bad way with her tummy and it's bringing her down.

Would appreciate any thoughts on this,

Ponk x

SusanH

I do not know much about pancreatic cancer
but - depending on how athletic you mum is - laid on her back - legs in the air, held towards her body swaying from side to side - helps with trapped wind, as do peppermint (in cordial form or as capsules) and charcoal capsules may also help.

Have you an understanding nurse practioner in the practice who could perhaps help a bit more and spend more time explaining what to do.

I hope your mum can overcome her discomfort and pain.

cari · Experienced user Joined: 29 Jan 2010 Posts: 53

My husband pass away Dec. 10/2009 from pancriatic cancer. He had the exact same problem your mom is having. A friend of mine told me to boil STAR ANISE and give it to him. My husband didn't believe much in home remedies, but I begged him to try it and he did, and after that he was asking me to make it for him all the time. Sweetened it with honey, it tastes very good.

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