Rectal Itching

GoJolene
GoJolene Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
My sister is currently going through chemo for stage IIIC colon cancer. She has just completed chemo 7 of 12. Unfortunately, she is experiencing extreme inching in her rectum area, outside and inside. The doctors have tried steroid creams (proctofoam) and treating her for a bacterial infection. I think she has tried six prescription creams in all, and nothing has worked. She has also tried over the counter products such as tux. The itching began following chemo #4 after experiencing a great deal of diarrhea. They have also ruled out Pin Worm. The only thing that brings any relieve is a hot bath or a sits-bath. She sometimes has to sit in the bath for up to two hours before the itching will subside enough to go with daily activities. The doctors and nurses are at a loss, they really don’t have any additional ideas or suggestions for her to try. If anyone has any ideas, we would be so incredibly thankful.

Comments

  • dee42
    dee42 Member Posts: 23
    my mom is going through chemo for colon cancer stage IIIC colon cancer too. She just had her first treatment last week. What drugs is your sister taking? What other side effects has she had. When was she dx'ed? The only noteable side effect so far is the inside of her mouth is extremely sore, mild nausea and she's real tired. I heard something about a miracle rinse? Anyone know anything about this? I'm worried because she can barely stand to eat. Somebody please HELP!!!!
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    dee42 said:

    my mom is going through chemo for colon cancer stage IIIC colon cancer too. She just had her first treatment last week. What drugs is your sister taking? What other side effects has she had. When was she dx'ed? The only noteable side effect so far is the inside of her mouth is extremely sore, mild nausea and she's real tired. I heard something about a miracle rinse? Anyone know anything about this? I'm worried because she can barely stand to eat. Somebody please HELP!!!!

    Dee,

    I am sorry for what your mother is going through. I suggest that you contact the oncologist about your mother problems. They usually advise people to call them if side effects get severe.

    Also, you might want to post your message as a separate thread because it is difficult to find it under this one. This thread is for different subject. You will get more responses if you post it separately as your own post.

    I wish all the best to you mother and you.

    Eleonora
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    Hi,
    Does she have a rash around the rectum? If she had alot of diarrhea and has been on antibiotics then it may be caused by a fungal infection. Have they considered that? If it is that she would likely need to take an oral med for that like Diflucan.

    ****
  • GoJolene
    GoJolene Member Posts: 2
    vinny3 said:

    Hi,
    Does she have a rash around the rectum? If she had alot of diarrhea and has been on antibiotics then it may be caused by a fungal infection. Have they considered that? If it is that she would likely need to take an oral med for that like Diflucan.

    ****

    She doesn't really have much of a rash. More of an iritaion from where she has scratched. I'm not sure if they have treated her for a fungal infection or not. They did treat her for a bacterial infection, but I'm not sure if that is the same thing. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions, I will definitely ask the doctor in our next appointment.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Ok, this is going to sound WIERD, but....harmless at the worst....
    Have sis try eating some active culture (this is the normal kind) yogurt. I 'fixed' a slightly different problem with this, and will remain a fan forever. Someone told me that it returns the natural balance to the area....
    ALSO check into to fungal issue. I used to sit in baths for hours, and...well...I was cautioned about this particular thing.
    Also, I used (PLEASE, I'm almost done!) cornstarch, applied librally to the exterior area...kept it VERY dry....

    Ok, I'm done with my 'wild hair' real life sucesses....

    Hugs, Kathi
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    GoJolene said:

    She doesn't really have much of a rash. More of an iritaion from where she has scratched. I'm not sure if they have treated her for a fungal infection or not. They did treat her for a bacterial infection, but I'm not sure if that is the same thing. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions, I will definitely ask the doctor in our next appointment.

    The bacterial infection is not the same as a fungal infection. Taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection can promote more funga growth if it was present.