I’m new here. My cancer has returned I only found out last week. What can I do for the bloating and feeling of constipation and nausea.

[JustKBO]

I was diagnosed with stage 3 high grade ovarian cancer in 2017. I had full hysterectomy plus other bits and bobs and did 6 cycles of chemo. Up until May this year my CA125 was down to 13. In August it was 25 and I was experiencing discomfort. September a CT scan shown three highly suspicious areas and last week a PET Scan confirmed disease was progressing and CA125 is up to 47.

I’m having an operation on October 16th so not long to wait, and then 6 more cycles of chemo. Today things seem to have escalated I am so bloated and feel very sick. I did go to the loo this morning but I feel absolutely awful it’s as if I haven’t been to the loo for a week.

Any advice? Do I just put up with it ? Go to A and E? Take a laxative? The thing is I think it is more likely to be the cancer causing it not constipation.

[sticky3006]

Hello JustKBO. I’m really not sure what you should do. Do you feel generally unwell? If you do then I’d probably go to A and E. If, apart from feeling bloated you are well then perhaps wait until Monday and call your CNS. I suppose another option would be to call the cancer ward of your hospital and ask a nurse for some advice? Please let us know how you get on and I really hope you feel better soon, sticky3006 x

[JustKBO in reply to sticky3006]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply I may well try the ward tomorrow because the CNS are not there until Monday. Nite nite.

[Lindaura]

So sorry, K,

It is a terrible feeling when you know the cancer has returned AND it has brought you the dreaded Ascites- which is the awful fluid bloating you now.

You actually can get some relief.

Call your specialist nurse.

You may need to have the fluid drained.

Take just one docusate sodium before bed tonight to help with the constipation.

And call your CNS on Monday.

Best wishes,

Laura

[JustKBO in reply to Lindaura]

Thank you. It’s such a nuisance that it’s Sunday tomorrow. I may have exploded by Monday!!!

[Tesla_7US]

Just, in addition to ascites you might also be getting a bowel obstruction. If you cannot poo, call your doctor!

[Hidden]

Drink plenty of water and reassess what you are eating. I still have to follow a low residue diet as after my op which was a year ago, my bowels never returned to my "normal" and I struggle digesting high fibre food. thh.nhs.uk/documents/_Patie...

Good Luck with your op and treatment. x

[Eriksendi]

Trylaxatives - do not let your bowel block. Try laxido or sodium ducosate. You can buy lactulose from the chemist if you haven’t got anything. If you get pain or vomiting or a raised temperature go straight to a and e. I left mine and kept thinking it will be ok tomorrow and it wasn’t my bowel perforated. I’m not trying to be alarmist as I was unlucky but just be aware. I wish you all the best with your op. Please keep us updated on how you get on.

[Shorty864]

Agree with Laura - sounds like the dreaded ascites, but a drain brings much relief - 3 weeks ago I had a drain and feel a new woman now. All the very best Anne

[JustKBO in reply to Shorty864]

Thank you. Do you think they’d do it before my op? It’s scheduled for October 16th. Is it complicated? Is it a long procedure?

[Shorty864 in reply to JustKBO]

No it is not complicated, talk to your oncologist he should get it organized so you don't end up in A and E - which is a waste of time. You shouldn't wait around to do it - it is so uncomfortable and in the end you get problems breathing. Anne

[JustKBO in reply to Shorty864]

👍🏻 Will get into it tomorrow. Thank you.

[Maxjor]

I have suffered with constipation since April when my cancer returned---and very bad constipation at that. One thing all doctors I have seen have said was safe and effective is Mirilax. Doesn't work as the others do and not based on being high fiber. Hard to want to drink water when you feel so bloated but I think that would help you too. The bloating is such a bad feeling. You are close to Monday now so you can speak to the appropriate party for advice and wishing you luck and relief! oxxoxo Judy

[Iwillbeatit]

Poor you. I have opposite constant diarrhoea and this forum told me to ring my CNS which I did she spoke to consultant emergency appointment and scans arranged great advice. So I advise you the same good advice I got. Ring tomorrow morning good luck.

[JustKBO]

Poor you too! I can’t work out whIch is worse. This blxxxy disease is so vile. 😕

[Ag-ku]

Did you try coffee enemas? My sister, oc 3c high grade, does it everyday, it's the only thing that helps her.

Check out Fenbendazone and ovarian cancer.

Courage and good luck,

[Mptelesca]

Hi, So sorry to hear this beast has returned, but, you will kick it to the curb. If you're feeling that kind of discomfort, then, you should call your onc. I'm not a medical person, but, it almost sounds like ascites? That liquid builds up fast and you may need to be drained. I was also diagnosed Stage 3 High grade serous in 2015. The ascites was more uncomfortable than anything else.

Wishing you the very best. Take care of yourself and stay strong!

XOX

Marisa

[JustKBO in reply to Mptelesca]

Thank you. Hearing you had it in 2015 has given me huge courage. Mine was 2017. It does show that it can be battered into submission !!! KBO

[Mptelesca in reply to JustKBO]

Depending on your center's protocol....most go on a PARP inhibitor after 1st recurrence. There are so many new options and combinations out there that have been having major success rates. It's all so encouraging. Keep the faith!

XOX

Marisa

[Rlenesue]

Sorry to hear of the returning cancer. If you're bloated you might want to see if draining fluid will help constipation. Otherwise, I'd go with a laxative and try to eat foods to enhance a bowel movement. Good luck