Side effects of chemo

fainia

Hello. I am a new member of this board. In July I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy for large fibroids. During surgery they found cancer in one of my ovaries. I saw a specialist who recommended 6 rounds of chemo. So in September I started my treatments. I go every 3 weeks and so far have completed three rounds. i am pretty much alone and have no experience with cancer or know anyone personally that has gone through this.I don't know what to expect as far as chemotherapy goes expect the standard stuff the doctor and nurses rattle off to you in the beginning.I lost most of my hair within two weeks. I am very weak and slightly anemic now. But my real question is about intestinal pain. I am experiencing a lot of discomfort with my intestines. I am not sick to my stomach and for the most part can eat normally. I do get constipated right after chemo but it eventually works it's way out. But I feel so sore inside all the time. Some times bowel movements are almost like labor pains. Does anyone else experience this? Will it get worse as my treatments go on? The only thing I take is motrin to alleviate some of the discomfort. Thank you for listening and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Phyllis

saundra

What chemo are you taking? I took taxol and carboplatin (4 rounds before my debulking surgery and 4 rounds after) and my biggest problem was constipation. I had to start a stool softener and laxative the day of the treatment and still had problems sometimes. You will have to learn how to treat you body as everyone is a little different. Fatigue and deep bone pain were my other symptoms short time and now I still have numbness in my feet and hands but hope that will go away. My hair is growing back since I had it shaved in April and in now about 1 inch long though sparce. My discomforts got better as the doses went along because I learned how to deal with them, I think. Welcome to the group and check in often. ((HUGS))

mopar

Phyllis:
Although not the best way to meet, welcome to the board. You'll find lots of hope, help and support here.

As Saundra, I also had carboplatin/taxol - in 2000 after surgery, and in 2006 for a recurrance. I'm assuming they did a complete hysterectomy for you? And what type of treatments? Hair loss is certainly expected, as well as some other side affects. I would attribute the abdominal pain to constipation, a VERY common side affect. Even though you say it eventually works itself out, it can still cause discomfort. I took Senna-S at my doctor's recommendation, on a daily basis during chemo. It's just so difficult to keep up with the intestinal problems. You must drink lots of fluids, and some days that's difficult to do if you have even the slightest nausea, or lots of oral problems as I did. Of course, fresh veges and fibrous fruits help. Apples are great, including the skin. Broccoli is good also. Cabbage can be good, but can sometimes cause gas. I definitely had lots of other side affects, but won't go into that now. If you need more help, come back and visit. We all have lots of 'remedies' for those difficult times.
Until then. . .
Hugs and prayers!
Monika

fainia

mopar said:

Phyllis:
Although not the best way to meet, welcome to the board. You'll find lots of hope, help and support here.

As Saundra, I also had carboplatin/taxol - in 2000 after surgery, and in 2006 for a recurrance. I'm assuming they did a complete hysterectomy for you? And what type of treatments? Hair loss is certainly expected, as well as some other side affects. I would attribute the abdominal pain to constipation, a VERY common side affect. Even though you say it eventually works itself out, it can still cause discomfort. I took Senna-S at my doctor's recommendation, on a daily basis during chemo. It's just so difficult to keep up with the intestinal problems. You must drink lots of fluids, and some days that's difficult to do if you have even the slightest nausea, or lots of oral problems as I did. Of course, fresh veges and fibrous fruits help. Apples are great, including the skin. Broccoli is good also. Cabbage can be good, but can sometimes cause gas. I definitely had lots of other side affects, but won't go into that now. If you need more help, come back and visit. We all have lots of 'remedies' for those difficult times.
Until then. . .
Hugs and prayers!
Monika

Hi Saundra and Monika, Like the two of you I am on the same two drugs. I had a partial hysterectomy. The doctor was only going to remove my uterus but then saw my ovary needed to be removed. So i still have the one. i have been eating well. I have tried to eliminate meat, fried, processed foods from my diet. I'm buying lots more organic.I'm also trying to drink the half gallon of fluids a day.I haven't been taking laxatives and sounds like I should be. So thanks for the suggestion. I value everyones opinions here since you are the experts.

kris43

Welcome Phyllis. I have experience with severe abdominal pain after treatment and I am getting Taxotere IV and Cisplatin IP (abdominal port). My first treatment caused such severe pain that I was sure they had damaged my organs - which they assure me are most likely just inflamed. I had trouble just standing up straight and on top of that the "shaking" I felt in my very core was just unbearable. I was seriously questioning whether I could tolerate more.

This past treatment, my 2nd IV/IP, the doctor gave me Lasix immediately following treatment & it helped so much I cannot even tell you. Just getting rid of the extra fluid was an immense relief.

I did have problems with being weak, shaky, etc and found out that it does have to do with constipation. I did not know before that it could cause such nausea & pain as I had never experienced it before. The doctors have now told me I need to start on the constipation problem a couple days before treatment - stool softeners for a couple of days and if I have problems then go to the milk of mag, etc.

Also - I never had a real problem with eating except with the extreme nausea this past week - otherwise, eating didn't "cause" new pain.

I hope some of this helps and look forward to seeing your name on the board. Ask away - these women know a lot and have been very helpful. Take good care - I am thinking of you. Kris

lindachris

fainia said:

Hi Saundra and Monika, Like the two of you I am on the same two drugs. I had a partial hysterectomy. The doctor was only going to remove my uterus but then saw my ovary needed to be removed. So i still have the one. i have been eating well. I have tried to eliminate meat, fried, processed foods from my diet. I'm buying lots more organic.I'm also trying to drink the half gallon of fluids a day.I haven't been taking laxatives and sounds like I should be. So thanks for the suggestion. I value everyones opinions here since you are the experts.

I'm going to comment on a different issue since the ladies are covering the digestive issues. You mention that you are pretty much alone on this and I think you came to the right place for support. I would suggest putting questions up to the group even the day you have issues, so that people can help guide and support you, because you can feel pretty alone even when you're surrounded by people when you have cancer. But talking to others who are going through or have gone through similar experiences is enormously helpful. I might even suggest trying to find someone here willing to speak directly to you through messaging. That has been helpful at times too. I'm a caregiver for my wife and I've gotten much help, insight and perspective from this group. God Bless and good luck.

fainia

kris43 said:

Welcome Phyllis. I have experience with severe abdominal pain after treatment and I am getting Taxotere IV and Cisplatin IP (abdominal port). My first treatment caused such severe pain that I was sure they had damaged my organs - which they assure me are most likely just inflamed. I had trouble just standing up straight and on top of that the "shaking" I felt in my very core was just unbearable. I was seriously questioning whether I could tolerate more.

This past treatment, my 2nd IV/IP, the doctor gave me Lasix immediately following treatment & it helped so much I cannot even tell you. Just getting rid of the extra fluid was an immense relief.

I did have problems with being weak, shaky, etc and found out that it does have to do with constipation. I did not know before that it could cause such nausea & pain as I had never experienced it before. The doctors have now told me I need to start on the constipation problem a couple days before treatment - stool softeners for a couple of days and if I have problems then go to the milk of mag, etc.

Also - I never had a real problem with eating except with the extreme nausea this past week - otherwise, eating didn't "cause" new pain.

I hope some of this helps and look forward to seeing your name on the board. Ask away - these women know a lot and have been very helpful. Take good care - I am thinking of you. Kris

With the exception of my doctor or nurse I have no one to talk to to. I tried a local support group but was diappointed in the very low turn out. So I thought who better to help then those with first hand experience.
I tried the laxative and boy it almost did me in. I was up all night doubled over in pain with cramps. I must be extra sensitive. So I am scheduled this Tuesday for my forth treatment. I don't know if i should postpone another week or forge ahead. Going to talk to the doctor and see what he says. Right now I have a constant stabbing pain to the left of my belly button that never goes away. It's so frustrating. I feel so bad all the time and want to throw in the towel. But know in the back of my mind I can't.

kris43

fainia said:

With the exception of my doctor or nurse I have no one to talk to to. I tried a local support group but was diappointed in the very low turn out. So I thought who better to help then those with first hand experience.
I tried the laxative and boy it almost did me in. I was up all night doubled over in pain with cramps. I must be extra sensitive. So I am scheduled this Tuesday for my forth treatment. I don't know if i should postpone another week or forge ahead. Going to talk to the doctor and see what he says. Right now I have a constant stabbing pain to the left of my belly button that never goes away. It's so frustrating. I feel so bad all the time and want to throw in the towel. But know in the back of my mind I can't.

Phyllis - I was just in the ER this past Wednesday with horrible, stabbing pains in my abdomen and was told that my bowel - although I feel as if I am back to my "normal" - was "full" and I need to get it taken care of. I have heard, that under no circumstances, should we be taking anything like Ex-Lax. Stool softeners like Colace or Dulcolax, milk of magnesia, or as they have had me do twice in the past week 1/3 bottle of Magnesium Citrate is what my doctor prefers and suggests. It tastes horrible!! But it finally worked and my pain, nausea, etc has now subsided.

I would call the doctor and get some guidance because you don't want to postpone treatments unless absolutely necessary. HANG IN THERE!

My thoughts are with you. Kris

mopar

fainia said:

With the exception of my doctor or nurse I have no one to talk to to. I tried a local support group but was diappointed in the very low turn out. So I thought who better to help then those with first hand experience.
I tried the laxative and boy it almost did me in. I was up all night doubled over in pain with cramps. I must be extra sensitive. So I am scheduled this Tuesday for my forth treatment. I don't know if i should postpone another week or forge ahead. Going to talk to the doctor and see what he says. Right now I have a constant stabbing pain to the left of my belly button that never goes away. It's so frustrating. I feel so bad all the time and want to throw in the towel. But know in the back of my mind I can't.

Phyllis:
The pain you experienced could have been because you didn't drink enough water. When you take anything - laxative, stool softener, etc., you MUST drink lots of water WITH IT. I recommended the Senna-S because that's what my doctor suggested - it is a laxative PLUS softener and is used specifically for those with drug-induced constipation.
Please drink lots of water with it. Getting backed up can put you at risk for an intestinal blockage. My husband had that and it is not fun.
I'm sorry you have no one to talk to - no family? But Chris is right - you can personally send a message to anyone here - just click on the envelope. We're all here for you. By the way - did your doctor give a stage to your cancer? DON'T GIVE UP. I know it's so hard at times. I think most of us have been at a point of saying, 'I can't do this anymore'. But it's worth the fight and you don't need to go through it alone.
Luv & Hugs,
Monika

BonnieR

Hi Phyllis ~ welcome to the board. You have already so many wonderful responses from the women here. I do suffer with constipation from chemo and it can cause terrible pain. I have been in the hospital from bowel blockages adn they are worse than being in labor.

My doc has me on daily citrocel - this doesn't cause gas - and also a couple days before chemo I take senna+ and take it for a couple days after.

Hope the pain is already better and you find what works right for you.

Hugs N Prayers BonnieRose

floridajo

Fainia,
Welcome to the group,I know you'll find lots of information,love and understanding on this board. About the abd. pains, some could be due to scar tissue,but as everyone has said it's probably your bowels. My Onc prescibed a med called Glycolax. I put a capfull in my coffee every morning. It doesn't change the taste or consistency, and it works gently...no bad pains like you are having. Call your Dr. and ask for some. You can also buy it over the counter under the name of Miralax. It's pricey, but works just the same as Glycolax,I figured I'd give you the RX name, because it's alot cheaper that way. Good luck and again welcome...(((((Hugz)))..Joanne

fainia

BonnieR said:

Hi Phyllis ~ welcome to the board. You have already so many wonderful responses from the women here. I do suffer with constipation from chemo and it can cause terrible pain. I have been in the hospital from bowel blockages adn they are worse than being in labor.

My doc has me on daily citrocel - this doesn't cause gas - and also a couple days before chemo I take senna+ and take it for a couple days after.

Hope the pain is already better and you find what works right for you.

Hugs N Prayers BonnieRose

Thank you eveyone for your responses. I'm open to any suggestions. The first several treatments i didn't take anything and was constipated for days after my treatment. My doctor did tell me to take a laxative but stupid me only took the Colase. It eventually worked. But my problem has been the second and third week after treatment that I thought one is supposed to feel better. I just feel lousy all the time. Which makes me really depressed. I am now forcing myself to drink the 8 glasses of liquid they recommend. It's hard since I'm not a drinker but I am going to do my best to get them all down. In fact, I'm drinking right now.
Tomorrow is my fourth treatment. So I can sit down and talk to the doctor again.
Thank you again for listening and your suggestions. I hope I can be there for one of you next time. phyllis

Susan523

saundra said:

What chemo are you taking? I took taxol and carboplatin (4 rounds before my debulking surgery and 4 rounds after) and my biggest problem was constipation. I had to start a stool softener and laxative the day of the treatment and still had problems sometimes. You will have to learn how to treat you body as everyone is a little different. Fatigue and deep bone pain were my other symptoms short time and now I still have numbness in my feet and hands but hope that will go away. My hair is growing back since I had it shaved in April and in now about 1 inch long though sparce. My discomforts got better as the doses went along because I learned how to deal with them, I think. Welcome to the group and check in often. ((HUGS))

Hi Saundra & everyone! Regarding HAIR GROWTH:
I finished my chemo last December, but found in a cancer magazine that if you take the following 5 supplements, it helps your hair to grow in FASTER. I think it REALLY DOES! You can get them at Wal-Mart, and I go by the doses on the labels.
1)Biotin
2)Vitamin A
3)Vitamin B6
4)Vitamin B Complex
5)Flaxseed Oil
~Hope this helps you all. I think it's helped me, and it certainly can't hurt.
(((hugs)))
~Susan

paula57

When I was on Carboplatin and Taxol, I was told that I could use Sennokot-S only. If you like onions, onion soup does wonders. I cut up an onion and cook it in beef bouillon. It will clean you out. Best of Luck! Paula