Bowels!

[27-359]

Hi. My last post said that my cancer is back, but due to the present situation, I made no decision about treatment until I see my onc next June.

I have now noticed a big change in my bowel habits, and wonder if any of the other ladies recognise these symptoms.

I m now having frequent small movements, sometimes up to five times a day. It is as though only a small amount of faeces can evacuate at a time. Also, I have extreme wind, which is unusual. Having suffered from a blocked bowel before, I am terrified this could happen again, although I didn't have these effects before. - one day I was fine, and the next I wasn't.

I do hope someone has experienced something similar and can advise.

Jenny

[Hidden]

Sounds like constipation. A blockage usually causes watery/liquid stools as that is all that can pass the blockage. I use laxido and dulcosate every bed time which seems to keep me regular. Do speak to your team who can advise you professionally, as we are all different. Good Luck x

[27-359 in reply to Hidden]

Somehow I don't think it is constipation. I am afraid that the cancer is causing a narrowing of the bowel, so that only a small amount of faeces gets through. What I pass is still formed, but that is only a guess.

Jenny

[Bowler70]

Like you I was told by phone the cancer was back after a base line scan I had on the 19 th February. On the 18 th December I had a second operation this year to remove a couple of nodules that hadn’t responded to the chemo fully. My consultant said I had 3 more had appeared and when I asked where she said “ same place as your op”

I was devastated to have such a short remission but at the time of the call I was feeling pretty well and we decided to watch and wait with another video call in 4 weeks.

2 weeks later I began to suffer alternate constipation and diarrhoea. The worst thing is having get up five and six times a night and it is only clear stuff but the need to go is urgent. The gurgling noises are quite spectacular. I also feel very full after eating half a meal and have little appetite. I carried on until the video call last week , I wish I had phoned sooner!

My oncologist diagnosed sub acute bowel obstruction from these symptoms and put me on a low residue diet and I start more chemo today. Dose dense carbo / taxol 3 weeks on one week off. My advice dont delay call today.

[27-359 in reply to Bowler70]

Thanks for that. I have called my CMS today, it the answer phone said that they were working with reduced staff due to Covid. Hopefully somebody will get back to me on Monday.

Jenny

[jenny8c]

I'm afraid I can't be of much help other than to say I often have frequent small bowel movements then just as I am beginning to get concerned I have a normal one. Then I can go 2 days with nothing. I also get very full quickly and can never eat a pudding straight after a main course - I have to wait up to a couple of hours. Goodness knows what is going on inside but I have been like this for quite a while and previous CT scans haven't shown anything untoward but I wonder what my next one will show.

I would certainly talk to your nurse or oncologist if you are worried. It is always best to talk about these things as I bet it is nothing they haven't encountered before. Good luck xxxx

[27-359 in reply to jenny8c]

Thanks. I am waiting to hear from my CNS. I always like to go into these conversations after talking to my forum friends. Forewarned is forearmed!

Jenny

[tutti]

I have just had a phone appointment with a colorectal surgeon who thinks my current problems are due to adhesions in my bowel, I have been suffering since start of lockdown.

He doesn’t want any patient at the hospital so has advised me to take laxido every day and stick rigidly to low residue diet until he can arrange a transit test whatever that entails.

I have had a lot of pain but it isn’t a blockage and I’ve had spectacular wind.

Viv xx

[27-359]

Hi. Yes, likewise the wind! When I had my blockage and was admitted, I was asked daily if I could pass wind. Apparently this would have been a positive thing. After nil by mouth, and no passing of wind for five days, they finally operated. It was blockage due to adhesions.

Jenny

[Lindaura]

Dear Jenny,

I am so glad you at least tried to call your CNS.

It might be best for you to call the 24 hour Chemo Emergency line.

With your cancer progressing, this IS most likely being stirred up by your disease.

Your local Oncology Ward can treat you with subtle meds, and this might be something you actually need.

Rethink starting treatment sooner rather than later.

Best wishes,

Laura

[Shorty864 in reply to Lindaura]

Agree with Laura - contact your Chemo Emergence Line - the Line here in Cornwall goes through to the cancer ward (Lowen Ward) in the hospital and they are brilliant - they have sorted me out and it has been difficult - lovely people. So difficult to know if one is constipated or if it is diarrhoea!!! Anne XXX

[27-359 in reply to Shorty864]

Hi Anne. Thanks for your advice. I will keep everyone advised as to how things turn out.

Jenny

[27-359]

Thanks Laura. Yes, it could be that you were right about getting treatment sooner rather than later. I am not sure that I have access to 24hr phone line. I will check. I so want to be able to forget about this rotten disease, but it's just not possible, is it?

Jenny

[Queta]

Hi Jenny

I was suffering 4 years ago with block bowels ,it was so painful ,the last one was admitted in the hospital for 4 days almost in surgery,after that i tried this sauerkraut in juice ,is natural probiotic ,like 4 onz every day ,until your stomach feels better ,until today i don't have any more problems with my bowels, also doing this juicin with vegetables every day ,a lot better specially with i have chemo ,spinach,kale,green pepper,carrot,beat,green apple,broccoli and more green stuff if you want it

That's help me a lot!!!

I hope this tip help you with your stomach

Warm hugs

Queta

[27-359]

Thank you Queta, I am vegetarian, and take a probiotic every day, so don't think that can be the problem. In fact, I know that if there is a possibility of a bowel blockage, the advice is to eat a soft, low fibre diet.

Jenny