I am very scared. I have just gone through my first dose of chemo (carbo/paxil) on Tuesday for my recurrence to the peritoneum (I was in remission for 6 yeaers). I am having some very uncomfortable belly pains from the top of my stomach to the bottom. They took out fluids (4.8L) a week ago yesterday. My weight was down to 91.4 pounds when I took the first dose of chemo on Tuesday. I was told that I needed to gain weight and my husband has been making me meals with more calories. My normal weight has been about 97 pounds of so since about 2019. The top of my stomach is very uncomfortable after I eat as well. The pain also goes down to my groin at times.
The treatment and the anti-nausea medication makes me completely constipated as well as the steroid that they gave me. I did take many things to try to help and go as I cannot go with the what they just recommend.
I have to drink more water as well and that makes it also very uncomfortable. I would like to know what is normal or not. It's in the middle of the night here and I cannot sleep. I am so discouraged and don't feel understood. The top of my stomach pulsates and it hurts under my belly button as well. It is worse after I eat as well. I know that you are a UK site and I am in Canada but I find that you are so kind.
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Chanterelle
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It’s not unusual for chemo to cause pain and tummy discomfort. I think you may have identified at least part of the problem is probably constipation. Contact your team and get some laxido or similar drinks that you take regularly throughout the day to soften and push everything through. Steroids and anti sickness meds are absolute devils for bunging you up.
Once that is sorted you should feel more comfortable but don’t forget the chemo is working throughout your system and the cells that line your gut will be taking the hit alongside the cancer.
You seem very anxious and as a fellow sufferer I just wonder if you can access any support locally? Do you have Macmillan or a similar patient support programme? Finding others who have been through chemo can help you to feel reassured that what you are feeling isn’t just you. xx
Hello Chanterelle Yes I agree with Lyndy. I had really terrible constipation with my second recurrence which have me awful discomfort in my stomach. I did clear this with advice from my chemo nurses using the maximum doses of laxidol and hot drinks. Try to do this each day to try to.keep on top of it. Difficult to say but do try not to worry and if there is specialist support for you do seek it out. If I have learned anything through this experience it is that support is very important to get you through the challenging times. Keep positive we can do this. BB.
Hi Chanterelle I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. I found the oncology helpline really supportive during chemo and would advise calling your equivalent for advice too I definitely found I had pain around sites of surgery in tummy during chemo and other people spoke of same experience I wonder if that is partly what you are feeling only it is sites of peritoneal irritation The constipation is also brutal with anti sickness meds I contacted my team at the time and got meds for constipation heartburn etc That period from Day 3 to day 7 post chemo was always a physical challenge for me and you are still processing emotional shock of the recurrence too Thinking of you Hoping it improves soon
I would repeat what lively Lundy said. Local psychological support is so helpful. Also useful for gut function is slippery elm. Sending you a big hug, F x
I have just finished chemo after 1st being diagnosed and can relate to some of what you said. When I had 3.5 litres of fluid drained from my lung after being diagnosed it really took it out of me and my weight dropped. Maybe some of what you are feeling is your body recovering from carrying that amount of fluid and the draining. When I started Chemo I had the uncomfortable stomach feeling when I ate and my family kept saying to drink more water but it felt like there was nowhere for it to go!
I would say as the chemo started to work and I got stronger things settled and I could eat and drink more.
I did take Senna at times for constipation alongside the anti-sickness tabs and steroids.
I would say be gentle with yourself, ask for advice from your oncologist if needed and see what happens over the next few weeks.
I had the same discomfort in my stomach and recently visited my oncologist who has told me I have a incisional hernia from the hysterectomy I had done two years ago. It is always a worry when we get pains as we are always thinking of the worst, try not to worry and talk to your oncologist. I think most of us suffer constipation with the chemo and medication we have to take for this disease. I buy prune juice and drink a glass of that every day which helps. Take care
I am also in Canada. Don't be afraid to contact your team to ask them for help. I have found them very very good. I have constipation on and off and have found that prunes are really good as much as I hate I remember having a lot of pain with my original chemo. The nurse said just imagine the cancer cells being blasted.Sending hugs your way
I could almost feel your pain. Oh darling...it doesnt matter we here in the UK and you in Canada.Everyone can feell.your pain.I think , i v heard that pain after cheno means cheno is working.....
I am in the US I am in my 5th line of chemo. Been in chemo for 3 1/2 years. Most remission I had was 3 months. Everybody’s body is different. The most important thing stay positive and when you feel pain after chemo think of it as the chemo attacking your cancer! I too have been drained 4 times in a month and a half. 5 liters once than 2 liters then 4.6 then 4.2. Every time improved bowels breathing and ability to eat.
Have you tried Miralax for your bowels I take that and no pain and much more gentle than ducolax . Hagen daaz ice cream always a good pick me up for calories Andmost important protein! Your bone marrow is taking a beating and you need protein meat and plant based fats too! My platelets take a beating on this last chemo regimen but it seems to be keeping the cancer in check! I take wheat grass ( awful stuff) from Jamba Juice (2 oz) and 2 oz of beet juice a day and has helped a lot. Lots of rest if you need a nap take it . Support from friends but sometimes it’s better chatting here if you are extremely worried as all the ladies are so supportive. Be blessed you have been in remission and you will get there again. I know I am close to not having too many other options but not giving up and enjoying everyday! Finally if you are thinking it is hurting your body or something is wrong call your oncologist asap a they will figure out what to do!
You can do this my saying TEAL LADIES STAY STRONG!
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If you try all the laxative advice (I take Senna and Molaxole) and it doesn't change, I'm with Rue, ask for a check-up/ultrasound, whatever team deems best. Good luck! xx
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