Side effects

Caregiver2580

Hi All,

 

im a care giver to my mother who was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Stage 3. She underwent an 11 hour surgery on January 31 where they removed organs and cut the pancreatic tail. Since then she has had diarehha everyday and it's caused her to get dehydrated pretty regularl. We've needed to take her back into the hospital several times because of it. Weve been maki sure she's drinking water and eating white rice, applesauce, and bananas. Is there anything else we can do to try and keep her hydrated? She's just her third round of chemo and is currently in the hospital again for dehydration. Any tips tricks foods to try and or avoid would be greatly appreciated

NoTimeForCancer

Caregiver, I would suggest

Caregiver, I would suggest talking to the doctors about the dehydration.  Do you know if she is drinking?  Maybe you can try some Gatorade or other drink enhanced with electrolites, etc...most of us experience constipation from chemo but there is another women here had diarrhea and maybe she will chime in with some advice.  Again, please talk to her doctor to see what can be done to avoid this going forward.  Please let us know how your mother is doing and know that none of us could make it without the love and support of family and friends.

Caregiver2580

NoTimeForCancer said:

Caregiver, I would suggest

Caregiver, I would suggest talking to the doctors about the dehydration.  Do you know if she is drinking?  Maybe you can try some Gatorade or other drink enhanced with electrolites, etc...most of us experience constipation from chemo but there is another women here had diarrhea and maybe she will chime in with some advice.  Again, please talk to her doctor to see what can be done to avoid this going forward.  Please let us know how your mother is doing and know that none of us could make it without the love and support of family and friends.

Thank you for your reply. We

Thank you for your reply. We have spoken with the doctors many times and at first they blamed it on medication then told us that the diarehha comes from the pancreas. They have her on medication and she takes Imodium. We have been giving her water which she is drinking and we give her pedialyte. I will try and get her some Gatorade when she comes home it's just so frustrating and we both feel so helpless like what else can we do?! Ugh well thank you for the suggestions and for listening. 

MaryVig

You might ask her if any

You might ask her if any foods back her up As that might counter the diarrhea.  I know that I have to avoid eggs, cheese, and banana when I am constipated, as those foods bind me. So if she has food that affect her that way she might eat more. Just a thought.

Parisdeb

What chemo protocol is she

What chemo protocol is she following? Mine (gemzar+xeloda) definitely causes diahrea. I was given childrens imodium to take baby doses, so as not to end up constipated. Does she have any herbal teas she likes? Anything with mint might be nice for her to sip. Also have they checked to see if she actually has pancreas insufficiencies? Taking Creon or other drugs that replace pancreas functions might be needed. I hope she gets some relief! Great that she has you to help!

Debbie

Leialoha

I have that problem too

My PCP helps me to regulate the craziness chemo does to the body. I had so much night sweats that caused me to become dehydrated and leg/foot cramps. My Pcp and I went over my medications. She removed one of my blood pressure meds, my blood pressure was still normal and the night sweats improved. She suggested I took 250mg of Magnesium 2x's a day and  hold off on days if I have diarrhea. This was to relax my muscles.  I take Potassium CL ER 20MEQ tablets 2x's a day perscribed by my Oncologist to bring up my Potassium. I drink ensure, boost etc with 4g sugar as a supplement at least once a day to get back the vitamins and minerals lost through chemo and dehydration. I keep powerade or gatorade at my bedside to drink during the night. During the day I drink 6-8 oz of cool water not ice water every 1-2 hours to flush out the toxins from the chemo and keep me hydrated during the day.

My PCP do want me to have bowel movements after every meal. Says cancer cells and toxins comes out from urination and stool.

Eating potatoes or sweet potatoes are good potassium and help diarrhea.

May God Bless you with wisdom and inspiration to help you find the right solutions for your mom.