Stomach Pains/ Consipation on A/C

stef58

Stomach Pains/ Consipation on A/C

stef58

I was wondering if anybody has consipation that the docs seem to think are causing the stomach pains. I was very consipated after #2 treatment. They told me to take colace before I start #3 which is on the 29th. I have had stomach pains with this treatment also. Take any suggestions on how to bet this so I feel better the next treatment? Asl is day  3 -5 draining and all you can do is sleep. I hate this and want to feel better the next treatment on A/C Hugs and strength Dianne

NatureGrrl

I didn't have stomach pains or constipation during a/c, just since I've started Taxol... lovely fun either way, huh!

I was told stomach pains are probably a direct result of chemo -- it attacks rapidly dividing cells, like hair and nails -- and your stomach lining.  Don't know if that's true but that's what I was told, and was told it can cause pain.  Gentle foods help it most -- water, applesauce, organic yogurt, you know, bland-ish things.  Banana.  Things that hurt: caffeine (which I don't do much, but gosh durn I miss my once-a-week latte!) and any thing acidic.  In other words, all the luscious summer fruits and homegrown tomatoes that are around now!

I think what helped me most with constipation was that I was told  to drink TONS of water during a/c and I did -- usually 96 ounces a day. I drank at least a quart during my infusion.  I especially made sure of the 96 oz. the day before and 3 or so days after (then I would go through a few days where even water was hard to swallow and I know I didn't drink as much). 

 I haven't been doing that the last few weeks on Taxol and it shows, I think.

I also tried to eat foods that would move well, but sometimes you just have to eat what your body can tolerate.  I swear cream of wheat and applesauce saved me.

I don't know if that's what prevented constipation during the a/c or not, just my experience. 

I take generic senecot-S (spelling?) for the constipation now -- a half dose every other day has made a world of difference. Gentle but works.

Hopefully others will have better suggestions.  Hugs and best of luck!  A/C can be rough but we're all here for you, and you can do it... hang in there!

Laurie09

I had a lot of trouble with constipation, too.

What worked for me was stool softeners, prunes (I would eat 2-3 prunes 2-3 times a day), eating fiber the few days before each subsequent treatment, and drinking lots of water.

I also walked a lot during chemo and I think that helped some, too.