My mom

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themis01
themis01 Member Posts: 167
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well my mom did her 2nd treatment of Folfiri and she has had a lot of diarrhea. Her blood counts are low even with the procrit and neulasta shot. She is being admitted into the hospital for a blood transfusion and to regain strength so she can continue chemo next week. Any advice or similiar experience. Could this be a sign that she will not be able to continue chemo or just a bump in the road because the diarrhea got out of hand? Thanks
Erika

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  • deneenb
    deneenb Member Posts: 130
    #2
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    Erika,

    My Dad is receiving Irinotecan and Erbitux right now. I believe Irinotecan is what causes the diarrhea because my Dad had it terrible after the 1st treatment. He felt absolutely awful and was debating whether or not to even continue. He did not follow the ultra-bland diet suggested by the Dr. during that bout of treatment. For example he was still eating his regular diet which can be greasy, fried, spicy, etc. He got his 2nd treatment this past Monday and on Sunday he started the bland diet and has stuck to it strictly this time and he has not had a bit of diarrhea and feels much better than he did the 1st time. Is your mom eating strictly bland food beginning the day before treatment and continuing for at least a few days? If not have her try that approach. Did the Dr. give her a book describing the do's and don't of diet while on Irinotecan? Ask for some information if they didn't. The difference my Dad has seen between the 1st and 2nd treatments is amazing. It sounds like your Mom is getting the treatment every week. My Dad gets Erbitux weekly but Irinotecan only once every 3 weeks. His blood counts drop to almost nothing following treatment but have so far bounced back nicely before the next treatment is due.

    Best Wishes,
    Deneen
  • rthornton
    rthornton Member Posts: 346 Member
    #3
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    Hi Erika.

    I was supposed to do chemo this Weds - Fri (I have to be admitted as a patient to get my 44 hour infusion of 5FU + Oxaliplatin + Avastin), but I have had terrible diarrhea and the doctor gave me a week to recover. Then, if I am better, I will start treatments again. I have had seven of twelve treatments. Yesterday I got a prescription for Pargoric, which has helped a lot. But yeah, the diarrhea from chemo can be pretty bad.

    Anyway, I just wanted to let you know your mother isn't alone. I'm gong through the same thing right now, although I did not have a blood transfusion (but I had an infusion of saline and potasium). I wish you and your mother the best.

    Rodney
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #4
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    Hi Erika,

    Hopefully your mother's counts will respond quickly to the blood transfusion and she will be able to resume her chemo treatments soon. I think most of us have had to postpone a treatment or two due to various issues, so I wouldn't worry too much right now. I hope your mother feels better soon.

    Kay
  • chynabear
    chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member
    #5
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    Kanort said:

    Hi Erika,

    Hopefully your mother's counts will respond quickly to the blood transfusion and she will be able to resume her chemo treatments soon. I think most of us have had to postpone a treatment or two due to various issues, so I wouldn't worry too much right now. I hope your mother feels better soon.

    Kay

    Erika,

    Please try not to give up hope yet. I know this is scary and you are worried. The diarrhea can be pretty intense with chemo, as you have heard. My Onc suggested I take Immodium the very FIRST time I showed a loose stool. I would also go with a recommendation for a diet change. Nutrition plays such a huge roll in how our bodies fight illness and disease (yes, even cancer) and prevention. Excercise also plays an important roll in our well being.

    My blood counts were never low enough to make me a candidate for a transfusion but they were low enough to have a shot after chemo a few times. I remember the first time they were low. I was devistated and worried that I would not make it through chemo. I know this is minor compared to what you (and mom) are going through but the same general concept. I noticed that my counts got better when I had a more nutritious week and when I was able to excercise more. Even being outside with the fresh air and taking small walks made an improvement. Coincidence or correlation? I made my diet changes months after I finished treatment and really wish I would have made them sooner (shoot, before I even got cancer but that's another story).

    Anyway, don't feel despair. Everyone acts differently to treatment and can even act differently with each treatment they receive.

    I pray that following treatments leave her counts high and that she feels better soon.

    You are a great person for your concern and willingness to reach out for help for her. She is lucky to have you.

    Take care,

    Patricia

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