re: Constipation

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musiclover
musiclover Member Posts: 242
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Does anyone have any advice/comments about constipation as a side effect of radiation and/or chemo (Xeloda)? So much appreciated. My friend has been having chronic constipation from the cancer in general and now from the treatments. Does this side effect go away with shrinkage of the tumor? Thanks again!
Kathryn

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  • HisJoy
    HisJoy Member Posts: 113
    #2
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    Seems like all of us either get diarrhea or constipation during chemo. Has your friend tried stool softeners? Whole grain products? My problem was the opposite, diarrhea, but it ended a couple weeks after I was finished with my chemo.

    BB
  • crazylady
    crazylady Member Posts: 543 Member
    #3
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    I was constipated the whole time that I was on Xeloda. I took stool softeners and that solved the problem. Have him ask his doctor.
    Jamie
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #4
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    Is your friend taking anti-nausea medication? These can cause constipation (for me, in a serious way). I am currently on chemo. I take a laxative for the first few days. Each cycle, I have mild constipation followed by mild diarrhea.It is worthwhile discussing this with your friend's docs/nurses. Best wishes.
  • finner
    finner Member Posts: 230 Member
    #5
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    taraHK said:

    Is your friend taking anti-nausea medication? These can cause constipation (for me, in a serious way). I am currently on chemo. I take a laxative for the first few days. Each cycle, I have mild constipation followed by mild diarrhea.It is worthwhile discussing this with your friend's docs/nurses. Best wishes.

    I think in particular, zovrax, an anti nausea medication, causes severe constipation. I stopped taking it and had no nausea anyway. Hope doc can help your firend..

    Margo
  • johnom
    johnom Member Posts: 86 Member
    #6
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    I recall being told the pain meds were causing constipation. It was terrible I remember that well. Stool softeners may work for you. It's all part of the misery, isnt' it?

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