Intestinal obstruction

ivens
ivens Member Posts: 2
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Hi everybody.

My aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the end of 2013. Since then she started chemo with a drug named Carbo / Taxol.

However, her belly has increased in size tremendously due to a fluid and she had to drain it once.

In addition, on the latest days, she hasn't been eating enough, she has been spending most of her time on bed.

Today, a doctor said that she has complete obstruction of her intestine, he canceled his chemo and he also said that there isn't much things to do on her treatment.

 

I would like to know if any of you know any idea to investigate and perhaps solve that problem and help my aunt in this awful situation :/

Any help is really much appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

Ivens

Comments

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #2
    Welcome to CSN Ivens

    Sorry about your aunt not feeling well. Ascites (malignant abdominal fluid) and bowel obstructions are very unpleasant but common symptoms of late stage ovarian cancer. Draining ascites is a temporary measure to relieve pressure and make the patient more comfortable. If your aunt continues chemo, most likely it will resolve the cause of ascites and fluid will disappear.

    Bowel obstruction is caused by the tumor or adhesions preventing bowels from moving and preventing gas and fecal matter from passing through. While low-fiber diet could help resolve partial obstructions, if your aunt is having a complete obstruction she needs to be urgently treated at the hospital with IV fluids, NG (nasogastric) tube and dry fasting. Sometimes enemas and stents are used to open up the blockage. Surgery is almost always needed when the intestine is completely blocked or when the blood supply is cut off. She may need a colostomy or an ileostomy after surgery that could be reversible.

    In any case get her to the hospital asap with all her medical records (CT scan, ultrasound, doctor's notes, etc.)

    Good luck to you and your family.

  • ivens
    ivens Member Posts: 2
    #3
    Alexandra said:

    Welcome to CSN Ivens

    Sorry about your aunt not feeling well. Ascites (malignant abdominal fluid) and bowel obstructions are very unpleasant but common symptoms of late stage ovarian cancer. Draining ascites is a temporary measure to relieve pressure and make the patient more comfortable. If your aunt continues chemo, most likely it will resolve the cause of ascites and fluid will disappear.

    Bowel obstruction is caused by the tumor or adhesions preventing bowels from moving and preventing gas and fecal matter from passing through. While low-fiber diet could help resolve partial obstructions, if your aunt is having a complete obstruction she needs to be urgently treated at the hospital with IV fluids, NG (nasogastric) tube and dry fasting. Sometimes enemas and stents are used to open up the blockage. Surgery is almost always needed when the intestine is completely blocked or when the blood supply is cut off. She may need a colostomy or an ileostomy after surgery that could be reversible.

    In any case get her to the hospital asap with all her medical records (CT scan, ultrasound, doctor's notes, etc.)

    Good luck to you and your family.

    Alexandra,
    I really

    Alexandra,

    I really appreciate your quick response.

    Until now, any doctor has told us anything about blood supply being cut off. In addition, she is in a hospital right now and has been transfered to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

    I will try to research more about the treatments you told me (i had no idea of how to start) and disscuss them with her doctor.

    A second doctor, who is also a surgeon, will come tomorrow to see my aunt. I hope he give us some hope.

    I would like to thank you again for that attention.

     

    Sincerely,

    Ivens

  • lovesanimals
    lovesanimals Member Posts: 1,366 Member
    #4
    ivens said:

    Alexandra,
    I really

    Alexandra,

    I really appreciate your quick response.

    Until now, any doctor has told us anything about blood supply being cut off. In addition, she is in a hospital right now and has been transfered to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

    I will try to research more about the treatments you told me (i had no idea of how to start) and disscuss them with her doctor.

    A second doctor, who is also a surgeon, will come tomorrow to see my aunt. I hope he give us some hope.

    I would like to thank you again for that attention.

     

    Sincerely,

    Ivens

    Hi Ivens

    Being in the ICU is the best place for your aunt right now.  Hopefully, once the intestinal obstruction is dealt with, she can resume her chemo.  Your aunt is lucky to have you by her side and supporting her.  Please keep us posted when you can.

    Kelly

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