Abdominal pain with chemo and radiation

dancininrain
dancininrain Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi. As many of you have also stated, I have been lurking around this sight for a few weeks, but this is my first post. My mom was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer about two months ago, and has just finished six weeks of oral chemotherapy (xeloda)and radiation. The last few weeks of chemo and radiation were rather rough with increasing abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. While she is thrilled to be done with this first phase of treatment (she will be having surgery to remove the cancer in about a month followed by 8 cycles of Folfox), she is ready to be feeling better and is a bit frustrated by the continuing abdominal pain and fatigue. I was wondering if any of you who have undergone a similar treatment have experienced this abdominal pain, and how long after chemo and radiation it took for you to feel "better". I was also wondering (for those of you who may have gone through the Folfox treatment) how it compared to the initial chemo and radiation. My mom is concerned about the pump used with the Folfox treatment, and being able to take a shower while it is infusing. She will have a PICC inserted for the duration of this treatment. Any experiences there?
I read about so many strengths in so many of you on this sight, and am warmed by the support and compassion you share with so many. My mom is a brave soul with a fighting spirit as well. Thank you for any answers you are able to provide, and my heart goes out to each and every one of you involved in this battle. Stay strong, and for those of you going through stormy times, may you learn to enjoy dancin' in the rain :).

Comments

  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    I had the FLOFX Chemo Regime which consisted of the 5FU pump for 46/48 hours and during the time I wore I pump, I used the wash wipes that you can buy in the baby section of the stores. The same area they sell the baby wipes, at least the Wal-Mart I go to. They work pretty well and you can also warm them in the microwave if needed.
  • rmap59
    rmap59 Member Posts: 266
    Hi,
    I also had stage 3 rectal cancer and went throught radiation/xeloda treatments. I had a lot of abdominal pain also. Some things that helped were pepto bismol, lots of water, walking and eating small frequent meals. It took about 10 days to 2 weeks to feel better. After that I had the Folfox but used xeloda instead of the 5FU pump. The oxaliplatin was rough on my body but I am sooo glad I did it. I received accupunture treatments while I was doing the Folfox and it helped. Also a lot of soft music and relaxing thoughts, also read my bible, helped me through it. Good Luck to your Mom and prayers to you both.
    Robin
  • pamness
    pamness Member Posts: 524 Member
    I didn't do the xeloda - I did surgery followed for folfox. The 5FU I did with a pump and just took a bath instead of a shower. The oxaliplatin was hard for me, but I made it through. I did radiation with 5F
    U five days a week for 6 weeks, it wasn't so bad. The tiredness lasts for a long time, but it goes away.
  • renee2u
    renee2u Member Posts: 27
    My last 5FU was also on the pump at home. I was instructed to not take showers but to use wipes.
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    I had the initial chemo with the pump continuously for 5-6 weeks and later the Folfox with the pump for two days. I have a port in- right upper chest. I took showers by taping saran wrap over the port area and was able to use an IV pole to hang the bag on outside of the shower. Wasn't easy but doable and did not have any problem with infection of the port site.

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