Indigestion???

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AmyLB
AmyLB Member Posts: 24
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I've had two treatments so far in my first round of chemo.  Every other week, so 5 weeks in right now.  Yesterday I started experiencing what I think in indigestion.  There is no heartburn...no pain so to speak.  The only way I can explain it is like there is something in my esophogus and every time I swallow food I can feel it.  When I eat, I immediately start hiccuping or burping.  It is more annoying than anything.

 My questions are 1. does this sound like indigestion?  It isn't like anything I've felt before.  2. does anyone else have it...as in, is it chemo related?  3. do I need to call the doctor about it?  4.  what can I do about it?

 Any help is greatly appreciated!

Amy

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited December 2011

    I went through quite a bit of Gas-X and Pepcid during chemo. It's quite possible that you're  having some indigestion issues.

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited December 2011

    I remember burping a LOT during chemo. Also ended up taking Prilosec daily because of indigestion type problems. I was ok sitting up, but felt bad lying down - felt like acid coming up my esophogus (sp?). Prilosec took care of it. Check with your onc or nurse about taking something.

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  • cycle-path
    cycle-path Member Posts: 1,502
    edited December 2011

    I don't know whether it's chemo related, but what you're describing is called GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Check this out: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/heartburn.jsp

    If I were you I believe I'd call the MO to let him/her know I was experiencing GERD-like symptoms, and I suspect s/he will advise you to try an OTC medication as the ladies who posted above have done. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2011

    yes, yes yes. I've never had heartburn or indigestion for that matter till chemo. Now after chemo I hiccup, burp, etc. No burn, just the burping hiccuping thing. My onc. told me it's a side effect and to buy a bottle of OTC prevacid and take a double dose, which is the prescription dose.  I do that, and eventually after a few days the indigestion is gone.

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  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited December 2011

    I used to get pretty severe indigestion while on one of my chemos.  (I can't remember for sure which one it was, but I believe it was when I was on Taxol.)  I used to use Zantac and that helped a lot.  (I had never had indigestion before that or since so I know it was the chemo.)

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