Chemo's got me down today

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ittapp
ittapp Member Posts: 383 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all, had round two of chemo and was feeling pretty good until the bag came off, I went to shower and felt weak, drained and sooo tired. Had to sit down and regain myself. I am personally having trouble with bowels still. I go from constipated to cramping with loose stools... is this normal for about 46 days out of surgery? I want to feel normal with my bowels and I think that would help me with my appetite.Just don't know what to do. Thanks, Patti

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  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #2
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    Hi, Patti
    I'm still online for a few before we break for the holiday.

    After my rectum resection, I suffered "horribly" for over 2 years to the point where I was wondering if living was worth it. I began to understand why they did colostomies, but I had fought against it very hard. I had 25 radiation treatments in the rectum and surrounding area and the doctors told me my insides were like fried bacon. No wonder I was having problems.

    It has literally taken me a full 5-years for my new bowel to become what it is today. I still have "issues" from time to time but not like I used to, but it's still bad enough when it happens. And it can still strike anywhere, anytime, and with anybody, in any situation.

    I dont' have any other choice but to deal with it. The radiation wrecked me and the rectum resection was difficult and was hard to overcome.

    I think the thing to keep in mind is "time." It just takes time - as I said above. At least you know of somebody else that has experienced it and still does. It's just a matter of degrees for me now, as when I'm sick, I'm sick.

    But you know they messed with the plumbing and the colon does not like that.

    I'm sorry to be blunt, but I like to be honest since we're looking for answers. And this is just my experience but wanted to share with you as we have in the past.

    Keep resting, I find that helps "settle and soothe" things to be able to lay down and let the storm pass.

    Try and have a peaceful w/end and I'm thinking about ya'.

    -Craig
  • lesvanb
    lesvanb Member Posts: 905
    #3
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    Hiya Patti
    Hang in there, and it is a tough road.

    Regarding chemo: I always felt worse on the third and then the fourth day of the infusions as treatments went on (had 10 FOLFOX after surgeries). Taking naps and sitting looking out on the world outdoors was helpful.

    Regarding bowels: After all the radiation and surgeries and then the chemo, my bowels were very confused –still are at times but significantly better after nearly 2 months from my last chemo. The chemo drugs and others would make me more constipated the first couple days of the infusions, which frankly was a great relief from the multiple loose stools that came later. Taking a fiber supplement helped a lot in combination with the immodiium and lomotil. Also used slippery elm powder too. I've noticed since ending chemo that fasting a day when I've been having multiple loose stools seems to help calm things down for a bit (lots of water and electrolytes though!)

    all the best, Leslie
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    #4
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    Patti
    Yes, it is normal to be so tired. Just follow your body's demands and REST as much as possible. My worst days were the 3 days after chemo ended. I was usually bed-bound and so sick those days.

    I am 5 months (tomorrow) out from surgery, and 2 weeks from my last chemo treatment. I am having a terrible time with diarrhea - last month it was constipation. My docs told me it would be months before I settled into any sort of 'new normal' routine. Use the drugs...Immodium and Lomotil. It's the only way i can get through the day. If I skip the meds, I am in the bathroom 20-30 times a day, no exaggeration.

    Hang in there sweetie. This whole process sucks, but is so necessary.

    Many hugs, Vicki
  • lizzydavis
    lizzydavis Member Posts: 893
    #5
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    It will get better! Keep Positive Thoughts!
    Hi Patti,

    Please keep telling yourself "This will get better". I truly believe it will. We just have to give it time.

    My Nurse Practitioner gave me some good advice which has helped. Please try Metamucil. I use the orange flavored powder and 1/2 tsp with 8 oz of warm water. It bulks the stools and helps tremendously. I must drink with everything I eat or I get constipated. I drink a lot of Arizona Green Tea in the jug. They have diet and regular. It is delicious. I love animal crackers but need to drink with every bite. Toast with jelly is good for loose stools and fresh fruit and veggies are good for constipation. I love fresh watermelon, steamed squash with onions, broiled Zucchini, cucumbers with vinegar, etc. Hope I have given you some info which will help. Hang in there. Better Days are ahead!
  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #6
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    Cut yourself some slack
    Patti, you are really doing well. The fatigue and weakness are normal. Cut yourself some slack. No one expects you to be superwoman and feel great during this time. Try to visualize the last treatment. You are done with two! Come here early, come here often. We understand how you're feeling. I didn't have too many problems with my bowels, except that I did the wrong thing and got dehydrated during chemo, since even water tasted horrible. Keep up your water and nutrition to the best of your ability. If you stay properly hydrated and keep the correct "bulk" in your diet, your stools should normalize. Emily (juicer maven) can probably help you with some great tips for nutrition/hydration during this time.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Kirsten

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