radiation for crc...is blood in stool normal

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haarberg
haarberg Member Posts: 17 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I am post op from oct. 25,2007 for crc after 6 week recovery I had 8 weeks of chemo (5fu, leucovorin sp.,and oxiliplatin) one treatment every 2 weeks. Now I have completed 15 of 28 radition treatments in conjunction with f5u...5 days a week for the last 3 weeks. My question is...Is it normal to have blood in your stool at this point? I have had a lot of trouble with diarrea with no real good solutions at this point. Also my treatment varies in that my radiation was post-op rather than pre-op.This is the first blood that I have noticed in my stool since my resection surgery.I would appreciate any comments.thx,haar

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  • changing
    changing Member Posts: 134
    #2
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    First sorry you're going through this....acting word"through"! I too am about to start radiation post-op and had consult yesterday. I do know that whenever you have blood in your stool, you should report it. Most times it's just the constant diarrhea etc that iritates an area but it's best to know for sure, so you won't drive yourself crazy....hang in there. I'm praying for you,keep us posted !
  • valley
    valley Member Posts: 94
    #3
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    My husbands radiation and 5fu was pre-op followed by lower resection surgery. Six weeks after surgery 12 weeks of the 5fu, leucovorin and oxiliplatin. He had frequent urgent bowel movements sometimes with diarrhea and blood. These symtoms stopped a few weeks after treatment ended. It has been 2 years in May since his surgery. He's doing great still has frequent bowel movements some days. Diagnosed Jan. 06 stage 3 crc.
  • Fergus2007
    Fergus2007 Member Posts: 109
    #4
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    My guess is that the blood is from a very upset colon and not from the tumor itself.

    The colon will need some time to regenerate after all the chemo and radiation. (it would be the same as if you had used very harsh drying soaps on your skin)

    My father was diagnosed with colitis as a result of the chemo. (he too never had bleeding prior) Colitis causes ulcerations that beed in the colon - and I believe unlike a bleeding tumor the blood is NOT dark in color but rather light as it is passed out with the diarrhea.
    Basically the skin is shedding.

    (I did a google search just now for "blood in stool after chemo" and an article did come up discussing colitis after chemo.)
  • Faith4Cure
    Faith4Cure Member Posts: 405 Member
    #5
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    Good question. My husband has been having problems with blood in the stool since his ileostomy reversal last June.(CRC stage 3) We have reported it and he did have a scope done(not a colonoscopy) but nothing showed up. We will be going to the mayo at the end of the month and WILL get some answers as to why this is happening. He will be having his first colonoscopy since diagnosis and will also be having a CT scan and blood work. We have been told that this can be caused by radiation, but we will feel much better when everything is checked out again. Hopefully we will have good news to share and some answers as to why this is happening. Be sure to share your concerns with your doctor so that you can put your mind at ease. Good luck as you finish your treatments!

    Faith

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