Radiation Enteritis

alihamilton

I have just joined this group as, reading the messages, there seems to be alot of wonderful support for survivors and caregivers. Just what I need! My husband was diagnosed with rectal cancer last July and has had such a rough time, with complications too numerous to mention. Now he has finished radiotherapy and is about 2/3 of the way through his chemotherapy. Because of his present condition, his chemo has to be delayed a little. One of his problems now is a pain in his intestine, usually coming on late in the evening and not apparently related to food or bowel movement. There is no tumour but there is some narrowing of the bowel due to radiotherapy probably. Has anyone experienced this and do you have any suggestions on how to manage the pain?

As a caregiver and wife of 37 years, I try to always be upbeat and positive but it is hard and, reading some of the other posts, I realize I am not alone!

KrisS

I am sorry to hear that your husband has had such troubles.

Did your husband just recently complete radiation therapy? If so things might settle down on their own soon.

I had radiation therapy along with 5-FU and 4 treatments with CPT-11 to shrink my rectal carcinoma prior to surgery. Unfortunately, I developed a stricture, which gave me cramps and was severe enough that it caused a partial obstruction and vomiting. Lorazapam (Ativan) helped reduce the cramping and discomfort some, although my changes were severe enough that they removed that segment of intestine along with my rectal tumor.

You did not mention what chemotherapy your husband is on. I had a lot of cramping and lots of diarrhea with CPT-11 also.

Here is hoping that things get better soon.

Kris

alihamilton

KrisS said:

I am sorry to hear that your husband has had such troubles.

Did your husband just recently complete radiation therapy? If so things might settle down on their own soon.

I had radiation therapy along with 5-FU and 4 treatments with CPT-11 to shrink my rectal carcinoma prior to surgery. Unfortunately, I developed a stricture, which gave me cramps and was severe enough that it caused a partial obstruction and vomiting. Lorazapam (Ativan) helped reduce the cramping and discomfort some, although my changes were severe enough that they removed that segment of intestine along with my rectal tumor.

You did not mention what chemotherapy your husband is on. I had a lot of cramping and lots of diarrhea with CPT-11 also.

Here is hoping that things get better soon.

Kris

Thanks for that quick reply! Yes, he has recently completed his radiotherapy and I am hoping that the symptoms will go away as time passes. My husband also had a blockage but luckily it resolved itself, as they were reluctant to operate again. He was on 5FU and leukovorin but he will not start again for another week or so. He has to build up some strength.

How are you doing now? And at what stage of your treatment are you? I wish you well.

KrisS

alihamilton said:

Thanks for that quick reply! Yes, he has recently completed his radiotherapy and I am hoping that the symptoms will go away as time passes. My husband also had a blockage but luckily it resolved itself, as they were reluctant to operate again. He was on 5FU and leukovorin but he will not start again for another week or so. He has to build up some strength.

How are you doing now? And at what stage of your treatment are you? I wish you well.

Although, unfortunately they found peritoneal metastasis when I had my surgery, 9/02, I am currently doing well. I have been on oxaliplatin/Xeloda and have been since 6/03.

Best wishes to you and your husband.

Kris