Triple Positive ILC - Had First Treatment - Diarrhea

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cjs9473
cjs9473 Member Posts: 37
edited December 2016 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hello! I have been battling diarrhea since having my first HER2 targeted therapy a week ago. I also had a neulasta shot on Monday. I am wiped out and can't seem to get it to stop! My doctor prescribed lomotril, I have been drinking a ton of water and sports drinks, and have been following the BRAT diet. Has anyone else had this experience?

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited November 2016

    Yes, Taxotere can do that to you. Have you updated your doctor about that fact that the lomotril doesn't seem to be doing the trick? You may need extra fluids, and they can be delivered intravenously. I am so sorry that you're having these side effects! I had diarrhea with Taxol (Taxotere's supposedly gentler cousin), but it stopped with Imodium.

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  • cjs9473
    cjs9473 Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2016

    I just got the lomotril yesterday so I'm hoping it will start to work soon. They told me to go to the emergency room for fluids this weekend if I start getting lightheaded or dizzy so I will take that advice seriously. I hope I can get this under control soon so that I can get some energy! Thanks for the response. It helps to know there are people I can reach out to!



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  • Karey59
    Karey59 Member Posts: 68
    edited November 2016

    hi cjs943. Ive been on the same chemo as you minus the perjeta and finished 6 and final yesterday. I get terrible diarrhea but it usually starts about day 5 and subsides around day 11. I can hardly leave the house for those days. Every cycle was a little different but eventually it stopped. They told me to keep taking the immodium. Last time i took pepto bismal too and that helped a little. I think everyone seems to gets it on this chemo. If it doesnt get better soon call the Dr back. Hope you feel better soon

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2016

    Hi Cjs,

    We're also so sorry to hear you're dealing with this uncomfortable side effect. As you can see, you're not alone in this experience. We're sure you'll hear from many others soon who can help!

    In the meantime, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Diarrhea for some tips to help manage this effect.

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2016

    I had 6 TCH and had 10 days of the Big D with each of the first 5 infusions, none on the last one. I usually did not get far from home for at least the first week, but did not have so intractable a situation that I took steps beyond extra hydration. This is a really common side effect, but it can be debilitating and needs to be managed so you can successfully complete treatment. My D continued when I ended the chemo portion, and just had Herceptin only. Once my white count normalized one of the onc nurses suggested starting a probiotic - did the trick.

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  • cjs9473
    cjs9473 Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2016

    Thanks for the info. I'm glad to see that I'm not an unusual case for having this go on so long. I'm also glad I took extra days off for the holiday because the idea of going to work in this condition does not appeal to me! I'm to go back on Tuesday and I'm praying I feel up to it by then. I guess I will be using some sick days after my treatments if this seems to be how I'm going to react.





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  • Kattis894
    Kattis894 Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2016

    I am at the end of my neo adjuvant treatment so just finished my last round of taxol and have battled diarrhea from the moment I started taxol...it seems a lot of woman are...one lady at my clinic told me she wore adult dipers..:) I received some pills that helped but did not like taking them if I was not doing something special where a bathroom was not closed by...the effect of the pills lasted for 12 hours and worked well. Basically, if I eat I know a short time after I need to go...:) it is the explosive kind so there is no waiting possible so to speak...


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  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited December 2016

    I battled diarrhea as well. Immodium helped. After the first treatment I learned to eat lightly for a few days before and after treatment. You might also have need for a travel bidet. It's easier on the skin down there If you rinse with warm water rather than scrub with toilet paper. You can find them on Amazon. Watch for hemorrhoids as well, especially if you have the explosive kind so to speak.

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  • cjs9473
    cjs9473 Member Posts: 37
    edited December 2016

    Thanks for all of the great information! Now that I know what to expect I will definitely make some changes to my diet.

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