What Causes A Double Hernia?

My finance was just told he had two hernias one baseball size rt. l.abd. the other below sternum at the base of a previous stomach surgery. Larger than a golf ball in size. He also wears a C Pap at night but I have noticed when I lay my hand on his back I can feel the rattling in his lower lungs. He also sweats profusely. Is having dizzy and weakness spells. He saw a Dr. today who wants a chest x ray and a breathing test. I am very concerned, my father had pancreatic cancer and my uncle had lung cancer, both lived short period, so I have seen these symptoms before, however, he does not have cancer in his family history. I need to remain positive. I do know the knots are hernias, he has apt with surgeon next week but very concerned with the other symptoms. Can you ease my mind...............