Any guidance on having chemo as a ulcerative colitis sufferer?

[daffodils85]

Hi

I have been offered adjuvant chemo following a lower left lobectomy to remove a 42 mm adenocarcinoma. The histology showed no spread to the adjacent lymph nodes. I have a T2b staging.

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about a decade ago and, through careful management and medical support, have kept stable with it. Many of the possible chemo side effects appear to resemble UC flare symptoms eg fatigue, digestive issues, mouth ulcers etc.

I would be grateful to hear of experiences of anyone with a UC diagnosis having chemo. Was it an issue? Any measures to recommend tolerance both of the treatment and the condition?

With thanks.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Daffoldils85

Welcome to the forum, I believe we have been in touch with your query, and I do hope you hear from others in the forum who have had a similar experience.

The Gastroenterologist may work with the oncologist to help manage your ulcerative colitis and hope your treatment goes well.

As you have our booklet on chemotherapy already, you may wish to look at the information from Cancer Research UK: cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss anything, you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team