Cancer Survivors Network

You might want to talk to a dietitian there, but mine told me that taking some types of fiber can help with both diarrhea and constipation. She told me to take benefiber. I had a lot of diarrhea with taxol, not every week but off and on.

Just had my first chemo treatment on Friday, November 6th and I have had diarrhea for a week as well. I also tried the immodium and a prescription med. Called the Oncologist today and she had me take the anti-diarrhea med. once every hour for four hours. It worked. I have not had diarrhea since. The Taxotere I am taking for chemo is known to cause diarrhea.

So sorry Donna. Be sure and let your oncologist know about this. Hopefully, he can help you. And, drink LOTS of water.

Probiotics. If the chemo is killing the "good" bacteria in your intestinal tract it can cause diarrhea. Probiotics can help restore it. This often included in yogurt but if you're avoiding dairy, you can check out the health food stores. Some specialty drinks now contain probiotics, sorry can't remember the name of any of these. A web search for probiotics can give you more information.

Hope this helps, its worth a try.

P.S. Probiotics also help to improve your immune system.

i also have this problem diahrea constipation.now i have a rather lack of motility, just called the Gi doc said to increase the benefiber.I am already on a low residue, lactose free diet, he said i could slowly start to increase. He said your intestine is irritated from the meds you are on. I was thinking of the probiotics they sell them in small pearls in health food stores and now in CVS. I usually take them when on antibiotics. benefiber you can take if you have c or D I find it all confusing. I f you figure out anything else let me know and I will as well.

there are some good books that discuss recipes for diahrea/constipation/ etc,, may help, I will post when I get downstairs, but currently am having your problem so cant leave my room. I know they suggest room temp fluids, flat soda. I'm sure you have tried all that. I had cultures twice which were negative. even tested for hepatitis twice -negative. Please be careful hydrate. i ended up in the hospital with low potassium, dehydrated, even my liver function tests went up. I'm still having trouble catching up ( and this was on AC). now on taxol.

I found the book its called Eating Well through Cancer by Holly Clegg and Gerald Miletello MD
it has diabetic exchanges, tips, capters on neutropeniaconstipation,high calorie high protein,diahrea. I am on a restricted diet but will use this soon. I found the worse thing was being confused on what to eat , etc.... hope you are better!!!!

And keep drinking those liquids. As you know, it can be hard to replace them. I wish you luck on your upcoming chemo, and a peaceful Thanksgiving with your family.

Mimi

I am dealing with that beast a bit now. more frequent going, talked to an onc dietician, said eat 5 small snacks, soluable fiber, benefiber or oatmeal , rice but in small amts so you dont go the other way. small amts fluids frequently to kee p hydrated. Are you on AC because they keep telling me diahrea is an unusual side effect of AC. now I am on taxol. Does your hospital have an onc dietician? they have tons of knowledge.

also said if boost or ensure makes you go also, to cut it down to 3 ounces. I was drinking low calorie gatorade because of the sugar but she told me to go with reg and things like gingerale.which I do but prefer it flat.

I am on TCH, Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. Taxotere, I have heard the big "D" is a side effect. They put me on the "BRAT" diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast)for about 4 days. No dairy and drank only gatorade and water. When I starting eating real food is when the "D" eased up. My system is still not right but is better than it was.

I am also a diabetic and only eat frequent small meals but no sugar.

Donna

they put me on low residue and lactose free and I dont see a difference. I give people credit who have to manage diabetes and chemo because it is so hard with intolerances and bowel problems etc...