camptosar, diarrhea and diet

goldfinch
goldfinch Member Posts: 735
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
So...how to eat healthy when dealing with SEVERE diarrhea from camptosar. I only had whole grain pasta, whole grain bread, vegies and some chicken and fish in the house, but this last dose of chemo practically killed me. I think all that wholesome stuff is too hard on a GI tract that is dealing with diarrhea from chemo. I had to give in and buy white rice, white bread and i'm only eating cooked carrots for vegies so far. I soooo miss my fruit, but just the thought of it can start the diarrhea.
Any ideas of healthier alternatives that my poor intestines can handle?
Diarrhea lasts 4-5 days out of 7.
Mary

Comments

  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #2
    Hi Mary,

    I'm really into naturopath right now so am always quick to ask the mundane question if you are seeing one. I consulted many times with mine over the phone a couple times and she was able to give me great suggestions in times of digestive trouble. Healthy stuff to eat that can be naturally slow things down as well a some natural "medicines". Does even applesause, pear and banana not work, those as you may know are supposed to help. My mind is going blank...for more, sorry.

    I also like this site - Whole Health MD" Here is the link to their resource on diarrhea.

    http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=289953EC31774581A350521638E25DDF&nm=Healing+Centers&type=AWHN_HealingCenters&mod=Home&tier=2&id=3234D2CEF133464786410028DBCB8424

    ugh ...sorry it's so long, but if you paste it into your browser it should work. It has a few suggestions of supplements that might help.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    markatger said:

    Hi Mary,

    I'm really into naturopath right now so am always quick to ask the mundane question if you are seeing one. I consulted many times with mine over the phone a couple times and she was able to give me great suggestions in times of digestive trouble. Healthy stuff to eat that can be naturally slow things down as well a some natural "medicines". Does even applesause, pear and banana not work, those as you may know are supposed to help. My mind is going blank...for more, sorry.

    I also like this site - Whole Health MD" Here is the link to their resource on diarrhea.

    http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=289953EC31774581A350521638E25DDF&nm=Healing+Centers&type=AWHN_HealingCenters&mod=Home&tier=2&id=3234D2CEF133464786410028DBCB8424

    ugh ...sorry it's so long, but if you paste it into your browser it should work. It has a few suggestions of supplements that might help.

    Bananas work for me....but please, Mary, try to keep hydrated as well....water, big slugs of it!!! (We don't want you dehydrated, on top of everything else....)
    Also (the greatest sin....) dark chocolate...
    Hugs, Kathi
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #4
    Hi Mary,

    I feel for you. I have the same problems right after I get my chemo. Like someone said, try the BRAT diet if you can (Bananas, Rice, apples, toast) I know it is not as healthy but you need to stop the direaha so you don't get dehydrated. If it gets too bad I give up and take an Immodium. I hate to do that because sometimes it takes me to the other end. UGH. Like Kathy said, drink lots. Water is good but anything without sugar will help. Also call your onc and tell them. They might have some other ideas and they should know if it is uncontrollable. HUGS!!!

    Lisa
  • cherriann
    cherriann Member Posts: 155 Member
    #5
    i know how you feel.they are trying to get me to gain weight and the suggested diet is everything you were told not to eat. i know the brat diet as mentioned before does a great job for some.also my onc. said that some fruits are ok if you make sure and peel them. good luck and hope you are feeling better soon.
    cherri
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #6
    Mary,

    My heart goes out to you. I assume you have tried lomotil and immodium. I had been on Sandostatin sc and when that did not work, I had TPN and bowel rest and was NPO. I was on TPN for 3 weeks, that gave my GI tract and my bottom a chance to heal.

    You remain in my prayers.

    Maureen
  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #7
    I've used the brat diet (though not applesauce, that seems to react differently in me). I was hoping there was something a bit healthier than white rice and white bread. I also take 8 imodium and 3 doses of sandostatin a day and still have severe diarrhea. My onc didn't think lomotil would be any more effective than imodium, but I finally decided it was time to try it. Took some a couple of days ago and haven't had any diarrhea since. It could just be that things have run their course, but I'm definitely going to start with the lomotil next time. It makes sense to me that it works since it has atropine in it, and when they give me atropine IV to prevent the immediate effects of camptosar it gives me constipation for 2 days. I have seen a naturopath once, but when i called with some questions she was gone on a family emergency. I just haven't gotten around to calling her. I'll be trying again soon.
    Thanks for all your help!
    Mary

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