Upper digestive issues - please help! (TMI)

Hope this helps!
Here are some suggestions and a link (from Chemocare):

Chemo Induced Abdominal Issues (from Chemocare)

"Things you can do and cancer treatment-induced abdominal pain:
◦Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 quarts every 24 hours), unless you have been told to restrict your fluids.
◦Take your medication with food unless you are specifically to take it on an empty stomach.
◦Avoid aspirin or products containing aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, unless your doctor specifically prescribes them.
◦Avoid narcotic pain medications if they are not needed. Do not use for abdominal pain.
◦Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes; both can be irritating to your stomach.
◦If you are experience cramping, you may try to relax and breath deeply to assist in relief.
◦Eat bland foods in small amounts: Similar to managing nausea and/or diarrhea.
Nausea/Vomiting
Foods to avoid:

◦Hot, spicy foods (i.e. hot pepper, curry, Cajun spice mix).
◦Fatty, greasy or fried foods.
◦Very sweet, sugary foods.
◦Large meals.
◦Foods with strong smells (foods that are warm tend to smell stronger).
◦Eating or drinking quickly.
◦Drinking beverages with meals.
◦Lying down after a meal.
Tips for avoiding lower abdominal pain and flatulence while undergoing cancer treatments:

◦Small meals throughout the day.
◦Refrigerated or room temperature entrees.
◦Rinse mouth with lemon water after eating.
◦Suck on ice cubes, mints, or hard candies.
◦Distractions such as TV, music, or reading may be helpful while eating."

Maalox Advanced has Calcium
Maalox Advanced has Calcium Carbonate for heartburn PLUS Simethicone for gas. I LOVE this stuff. The simethicone makes a big difference! You can get just simethicone by itself, also. I can't say if it will work with your meds, but your pharmacist would be helpful.

Good luck! Let us know how you're doing!

Cinkal said:

My oncologist said I could
My oncologist said I could take any over the counter med for heartburn and indigestion. Prilosec works for me. I take it the day I get home from treatment and for about 3 days after. My stomach issues have went away.
I haven't had a problem with eating. In fact , I feel better if I eat often. I don't know how I haven't gained any weight yet.
Hope you feel better soon.

Hi Cin!!
I haven't seen you
Hi Cin!!

I haven't seen you in a long time! How are you doing? How was your visit with Kat?

Take care!!
xoxo
Julie

JuJuBeez said:

Hi Cin!!
I haven't seen you
Hi Cin!!

I haven't seen you in a long time! How are you doing? How was your visit with Kat?

Take care!!
xoxo
Julie

Hi Julie! My visit with Kat
Hi Julie! My visit with Kat was good. I finished my 3rd A/C treatment on Thursday. One more to go and then on to four Taxol. Side effects not as bad as anticipated. I have been able to keep up with most of my daily routine with some help from family and friends.

Cindy

One of the serious SE of
One of the serious SE of Taxotere is ulceration of the digestive tract. I got ulceration of my stomach and intestines immediately following my first treatment. The pain was unbearable the first 4 days. Then my intestine was so damaged, I got severe diarrhea. I also get ulcers in my vagina that have bled every time. My 3rd chemo, I got sores in my throat and mouth a little bit.

To combat these SE, my Onc manipulates the amount of Taxotere that she gives me. It works. This 4th infusion, due to 2 weeks of hives, she added allergy meds that usually are given to Taxol patients. They are working so far and I had Chemo yesterday afternoon.

To help with my painful stomach/ intestines, I ate Club crackers with peanut butter and drank chicken broth with no MSG and fat free. Maybe 2 at a time and then graze again after those 2 crackers left my stomach. I also ate cottage cheese with jelly for high protein.

My worst pain occurred the 3rd night and then 4th day. The 5th, I had diarrhea for 10 days. Don't put up with it if you get it. Call your ONC and get some medicine. I dehydrated and had to go in for fluids 2 or 3 times. You heal a lot slower when your intestines expel all your fluids.

I hope you are doing better today. Some hours/ days are worse than others, but the good hours/ days return. My family got used to the gas explosions that shoot out of me from both ends. Tums helped my tummy for 10 minutes.

Call your Onc. and report your symptoms. Also go to a Taxotere web site and look up side effects.

I had an ulcerated throat

I had an ulcerated throat and stomach. Then the stomach acid from the heartburn, burnt and scarred the bottom of my oesophagus. It was painful to swallow and I always felt I had food sitting at the top of my eosophagus. I also had enormous amounts of gas. Amazingly all of this cleared up a week after finishing chemo and all I am left with right now is a stomach ulcer which is mild in comparison.

I had days where I could not swallow and sipped water or juice at room temp. through a straw and also did herbal teas. I also did smoothies and juiced cucumber, dandelion and apple as well as watermelon. I took small bites and tried to chew well. I found foods at room temp didn't impact my stomach as much. I stayed away from citrus and spicy food. Actually the food I ate was very plain. Reducing caffeine intake helped too. Walking helped the gas in my stomach (or rather daily exercise did).

The onc. suggested over the counter anti-acids - Mylanta etc and gave me some stomach acid blockers, actually two, one that had to be taken every day and another as needed. I went with the as needed.

Good luck and hang in there. You will get through this hopefully with no lingering side effects.