worried

steelerfan · October 2006

Hi Everyone,
I posted for the first time in August when I was still having numerous bowel movements daily. I had rectal cancer diagnosed in 9/04, 6 weeks of chemo-radiation, surgery 1/05, 6 months chemo. I was taking Lomotil daily and I ran out for a few days and started feeling better. I didn't seem to be going as much and the urgency didn't seem as bad either. I haven't taken the Lomotil since then (I do use Imodium) but now I am experiencing some days where I only go once or twice and I am forcing then. Some days I don't go at all. Some days I am still going 10 or more times a day. My stomach hurts sometimes also--mostly on the days when I don't go as much. I am also noticing hair loss. For the year before my cancer diagnosis, my bowel habits changed and I was losing my hair (worse than it is now). Both my doctor and I blaimed it on the fact that I was diagnosed with diabetes. We figured that it was due to diet change and medication. Now that it is happening again I'm a little scared. I could just be over-reacting but the doctors want to move my colonoscopy up from February 2007 to now. I just had a CT scan done 3 weeks ago and it was NED. I don't know whether to be happy or worried when I am not going so much!!!

AuthorUnknown · October 2006

I think it is a good idea that they are moving colonoscopy to now. Sometimes what they can see in colonoscopy, they can not see in CT scan. But I say that until you get results, try your best not to worry, maybe it is nothing. Easier said, than done, but ....

markatger · October 2006

Hi! We were dx'ed about 4 months apart. I also had ileostomy as well, not sure if you did. I didnt get it reversed until this year in May. I still am having many bowel movements, especially if I eat lots of stuff that is good for me!! Very frustrating. Seems like stuff like pizza that is bad for me, doesn't cause me much problem.

So glad to hear they are moving up your colonoscopy so they can see what is going on.

I know about the worry, but I hope you can relax some before and after the testing. It sounds like you got great CT results! Congrats

I hope it is just a little bump in the road.

-Maria

KathiM · October 2006

....about 2 months 'behind' you....sorry....

I still have some moments that I feel like I'm back in the surgery days. Seems to follow a 'eating naughty' session. But, I keep up my water, and I am fine. If I slack, well, I have the urge almost constant, with not much to show for it.
I can't say enough about the TRUE miracle elixer...WATER!

Hugs, Kathi

Moesimo · October 2006

I don't think any of us are the same after what we have been through. I ended up with a colostomy because I was spending way too much time in the loo. I also had to have a scope too soon. I have radiation proctitis and i don't even use that area. Go figure.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Maureen

pink05 · October 2006

Hi,

I know how difficult it is not to worry, but try to take some comfort in the fact that the CAT scan was clear. I think it is a good idea to do the colonoscopy now rather than waiting until Feb. At least it will give you peace of mind. Hang in there. You are in my prayers.

-Lee-

chynabear · October 2006

I pray that you find good results.

I don't believe that any of us are the same (emotionally or BM-wise) as we were pre-surgery, pre-chemo, and/or pre-radiation.

I just turned 29 a week ago and I sound like an old lady trying to remember to drink her prune juice so everything comes out at the end of the day. Seriously, after I had surgery and while on chemo I didn't think I would ever get out of the potty. Now, if I don't make sure that I eat enough fruits and veggies or drink enough good juice I feel like I have to constantly go and then afterwards I say, all of that effort and that's it?! On the other hand, if I eat anything too rich I know I need a potty on hand about 30 minutes later.

The only thing that really seems to help is lot's of water and lot's of fruits and veggies or juicing.

But, it's good to follow through and know through testing that it is nothing serious. Or, if it is something that you get it taken care of ASAP.

lfondots63 · October 2006

Hi,

I want to say I agree with the others. It is good you are getting tested just to settle your nerves. I also get nervous when not going for a day. Start worrying if something is wrong when my colonoscopy showed not even one polyp in August. Now to the hair loss. Could it be stress??? Of course. Could it be hormones?? That too. I know after I had my kids, I started "shedding" quite a bit. Wish it was more in other spots then my head if I could pick. LOL. I would say take some deep breaths and wait for the results. I know that is a pain but (and no pun intended) I'm sending good vibes that it is nothing. HUGS.

Lisa F.

Patrusha · October 2006

Hey, Steelerfan, just a thought: has your doctor checked your thyroid levels lately? I am hypothyroid and lose hair when my thyroid levels are out of whack!!! Might be worth a look-see.

pugsy · October 2006

Moesimo said:
I don't think any of us are the same after what we have been through. I ended up with a colostomy because I was spending way too much time in the loo. I also had to have a scope too soon. I have radiation proctitis and i don't even use that area. Go figure.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Maureen

I also have a radiation proctitis I noticed you have a colostomy, is that temporary, the MD has put me on tpn trying to rest my bowel, I have needed transfusions because of bleeding, do you have any add'l information about this condition?

worried

Comments

Discussion Boards