Diarrhea

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Cbingh23
Cbingh23 Member Posts: 1
edited December 2016 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

This topic is not for me but for my mom. Last year my mom went through 4 rounds of chemo some radiation and then a double mastectomy. She had 3 types of cancer one was CLL which she has treatments for once a month. She constantly has diarrhea now so much so that she won't eat anything all day until she gets off of work so she won't have any accidents. I know she has talked to her doctor and he didn't seem concerned. As a family we just don't know if this is normal and we are just worried about her body being able to handle this long term. Had anybody experienced this and found a way to make it better? Is this normal?

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

    Hi Cbingh23, It sounds like your mom really needs to have this checked out, and that it is not related to the cancer treatments. There are may different things that could lead to her condition, and we really hope that she finds a doctor who will run some tests for her. That is no way to live! So sorry to hear what she is going through! And what a good daughter to help her figure things out!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited October 2016

    Call the doc again and have someone go in with her to make very clear that they need to address it. If they won't, ask for a referral to a GI doc who will be able to address it. It is not ok,And it is not ok for them to say it's fine.

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  • warriorprincess1
    warriorprincess1 Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2016

    Hi Folks,

    I begin neoadjuvent chemotherapy this Thursday, December 22, 2016 to as part of a plan to treat Stage II, IDC, Grade 2, Triple positive, 1/5Nodes, 3.41cm. breast cancer. I teach highschool and early college English. My oncologist is concerned about the severe diarrhea I may experience with taking Herceptin/Cycloposphamide/Docetaxel/Pertuzumab once every three weeks for 16weeks, followed by lumpectomy and radiation.

    My question--Does anyone work while going through chemotherapy? If so, any tips for diarrhea and fatigue?

    Thank you for your support,

    Warrior Princess

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

    Hi!

    I teach at a university and I worked through chemo. Imodium was my friend and was all that was needed for my diarrhea. Typically, the "action" would start on Day 3, which for you is a Saturday. I also always made sure I knew where a ladies' room was, either at local grocery stores or in buildings where I taught.

    For fatigue, I went to bed right after my youngest went to bed. (My husband stayed up with the older kids.) If I didn't fall asleep right away, I would just lie down and watch a movie or show on my laptop. It helped to carve out some "me time" where no one could disturb me.

    ((Hugs)) and feel free to drop by the Triple Positive Board anytime!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2016

    Cbingh - I agree, this may not be cancer treatment related. But your Mom definitely needs to insist that tests are fun to determine the cause. Insist on a referral to a gasterointestinal doc.

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  • warriorprincess1
    warriorprincess1 Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2016

    Dear Elaine Therese,

    Thank you SO much for getting back with me and providing the tips! I need to work for the insurance and mental health:) Another question, were you sore in your shoulder areas after SLNB and Chemo Port insertion? Everything appears to be healing well, but very sore--like I've been yanked around. Also, did you lose your hair with this chemotherapy?

    Have a good day,

    Warrior Princess

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

    Hi!

    I did feel sore after ALND (I also had a drain, which was a PIA). (I had my port inserted months before ALND.) My soreness dissipated after I went back to the pool, where I did my stretches and post-op exercises.

    Yes, I lost my hair during chemo. I actually had it buzzed short before my second chemo infusion so I didn't have to watch my hair fall out in big clumps. I had bought a wig ahead of time, and used it while teaching. Everyone in the office knew I was doing chemo, so it wasn't about fooling them. It was more about the students; I wanted them to pay attention to what I was saying, not to my bald head. Hope your soreness dissipates and that your first infusion goes well!

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited December 2016

    I had near-constant diarrhea during chemo and for 8 months after. Like your mom, I didn't want to eat anything, and especially not salads or anything fried. I mean I was going up to 7 times a day, hot water with bits; I never even had to engage my abdominal muscles (I know, TMI, but that's how bad it was.) Imodium was useless against it. There were many times that I didn't think I'd make it to a bathroom and, indeed, twice I DIDN'T make it. Thankfully, I was at home at the time. Shocked

    I finally went to see a GI doctor who said it was a micro-colitis caused by chemo. He prescribed Welchol, an old cholesterol drug not used much anymore because it's very common side effect is constipation. Constipation! I haven't been constipated a day in my life. Welchol has done the trick. I am not constipated, but my stools have returned to normal. If I forget to take the Welchol, sure enough, I'll start up the diarrhea again.

    Perhaps you or your mother can ask about Welchol. There's no need for diarrhea to be debilitating.

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