re: Constipation

musiclover

Does anyone have any advice/comments about constipation as a side effect of radiation and/or chemo (Xeloda)? So much appreciated. My friend has been having chronic constipation from the cancer in general and now from the treatments. Does this side effect go away with shrinkage of the tumor? Thanks again!
Kathryn

HisJoy

Seems like all of us either get diarrhea or constipation during chemo. Has your friend tried stool softeners? Whole grain products? My problem was the opposite, diarrhea, but it ended a couple weeks after I was finished with my chemo.

BB

crazylady

I was constipated the whole time that I was on Xeloda. I took stool softeners and that solved the problem. Have him ask his doctor.
Jamie

taraHK

Is your friend taking anti-nausea medication? These can cause constipation (for me, in a serious way). I am currently on chemo. I take a laxative for the first few days. Each cycle, I have mild constipation followed by mild diarrhea.It is worthwhile discussing this with your friend's docs/nurses. Best wishes.

finner

taraHK said:

Is your friend taking anti-nausea medication? These can cause constipation (for me, in a serious way). I am currently on chemo. I take a laxative for the first few days. Each cycle, I have mild constipation followed by mild diarrhea.It is worthwhile discussing this with your friend's docs/nurses. Best wishes.

I think in particular, zovrax, an anti nausea medication, causes severe constipation. I stopped taking it and had no nausea anyway. Hope doc can help your firend..

Margo

johnom

I recall being told the pain meds were causing constipation. It was terrible I remember that well. Stool softeners may work for you. It's all part of the misery, isnt' it?