Peritoneal Cancer

[southmaple]

Hello,

My mother has peritoneal cancer. Her stomach pain and bowel obstruction subsided with chemo, but now that chemo has ended these problems have resurfaced. The oncologist is moving on to another treatment, but he does not offer much about how to deal with these problems of this awful cancer. Her diagnosis is terminal so even if this new treatment helps, the problem of bowel obstruction is likely to return in the end. No one seems to be telling her what she can do, and I know she is really worried. Does anyone know of resources you can share on this particular problem? Thank you.

[Lyndy]

Hi southmaple Has anyone suggested a low residue diet? I suggest you and she ask again for more guidance or to see if a referral to a dietitian might help xx

[southmaple in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you. I will investigate.

[Tillymint61 in reply to southmaple]

This happened to me. Turned out all the usual advice re 'hi fibre diet keeps the bowels going etc' was the opposite to what I needed and so I was making the pain and discomfort worse. The low residual diet and small more regular meals seemed to really improve. Also a good laxative regime. I'd stayed on my 'treatment' regime which wasn't helping as it turned out. After speaking at length to my nurse specialist on the team and detailing sumtons etc I asked her to email me a summary of what I should be doing. Quality of life is so important and we can only get this with the right information. Have also learnt not to think it will be offered! You have to be pro active and seek it out. Good luck . Hope things improve. Xx

[southmaple in reply to Tillymint61]

I am sending this to my mother. Thank you.

[Horsesrock]

Your poor mum. Maybe you can speak to her cancer nurses? They should be able to explain in detail what’s happening / will happen and how best to manage it. As Lyndy said she should try the sabo diet. All the best x

[Redlawsy]

Hi Lyndy, I try always to consume a diet full of fruit and veg until this happens on occasion to me. As mentioned a low residue diet has benefitted me. Basically processed food, the logic is that the food has already been processed therefore your body hasn’t have to do it resulting in less work for the digestive system.

It’s not ideal in terms of nutrition however it’s far better than having no food.

I do still steer away from any bread products as I believe I have an intolerance and it can make me bloated at the best of times but the other processed goods e.g processed meats, waffles etc, tinned soup, fish fingers all the good stuff you would enjoy as I kid 😁Good luck to your mum and love to you all x

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Dear southmaple

Thank you for your post. I’m really sorry to hear about the problems that have resurfaced for your mother following her chemotherapy treatment. Does your mother have a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) she may be able to discuss her worries with?

I wanted to share Ovacome’s information booklet on diet for a blocked bowel, which I hope may be helpful: ovacome.org.uk/blocked-bowe... - Please do bear in mind that the information provided here is general and your mother’s clinical team will be able to offer personalised advice considering her individual circumstances.

We’re here to support anyone affected by ovarian cancer, including family. If you would like to talk through anything with a member of our support team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our support line is available on 0800 008 7054 and we’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome support

[southmaple]

This is so helpful. Really glad I found your site. Started with a search on Facebook. Someone had mentioned it.