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Constipation and Chemotherapy (Folfax-6)

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zowie45501
zowie45501

I'm on my first cycle. I've have been warned if I do not pass stool after 3 days I should go to ER. It's been maybe 4 or 5 days, but I still have gas and things are moving inside. I would be concerned but I did pass a lot of stool on day 1 or 2 of the cycle. Also I have hardly eaten very little because of nausea. Even if I wasn't on chemo, after eating so little I wouldn't expect to pass stool. I don't feel at all backed up. I plan to eat some more prunes and see how I'm doing tomorrow. Should I be concerned?

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • collette11032
    collette11032 zowie45501

    Posted

    As long as your nausea is from chemo and not folfox I think you will be ok.
  • lindsyw123
    lindsyw123 zowie45501

    Posted

    Hello Zowie did your oncologist not perscribe stool softners and/or laxatives? I am currently at home on day 2 of cycle 3. Cycle 1 was fine but cycle 2 was a disaster tummy felt like i was still healing from op back in July passed very firm stool on day 4 and torn the bowel lining with lots of blood...worried myself for a week until this Thursday when I spoke to my oncologist who replied this happens with this chemo so now I have a lower dose of oxaplatin 130mig instead of 140 and have laxatives to soften the stools until Ive finished on saturday...hoping this helps with the bloating too....as for your nausea you can take the tablets as and when you need them is what I was told by the pharmasist...also Ive found a good old ginger biscuit and ginger and lemon tea a godsend at 5am when insomnia and nause kicks in...I dont really like the tea but if it helps I will drink it lol...go yo er and get yourself checked out xx good luck and let us know how you get on xx
    • zowie45501
      zowie45501 lindsyw123

      Posted

      Thanks for the thoughts. I took a stool softener just in case. I hope you feel better.
    • zowie45501
      zowie45501 lindsyw123

      Posted

      Sorry to be personal, but are your stools generally very hard or was it because of the chemo treatement?
    • lindsyw123
      lindsyw123 zowie45501

      Posted

      Hu its ok I think Ive got past the personal bit now lol no generally soft as usually eat a high fibre and vegetable (slimming world lol) no this is down to chemo my oncologist said my tummy is nice and soft but stools do become firm due to the chemo/steroids we take thats why they give us softening tablets but my tummy didnt like them so now I have a mild sachet laxative will see how this works for days 1-4 then I am back to regular 8am lol...If I was you I would go to er as in my booklet it says after 2-3days of not going it is very serious. Do you have a chemo book with all the symptoms and a traffic light system to tell you when you require help? Xx

      Are you in the uk? Xx

    • zowie45501
      zowie45501 lindsyw123

      Posted

      No I'm in Canada. I've taken some stool softeners. My stomach is relaxed not hard. I've eaten some cornflakes. I have wind and rumblings. I am drinking 2 litres of water a day. But If nothing happens by noon I'll go to ER just in case.  Thanks again. You've been a big help.

    • lindsyw123
      lindsyw123 zowie45501

      Posted

      Good to hear youve had something to eat😊 and you have rumblings😊 let me know how you get on xx and youre welcome always good to speak to people going through the same things xx

    • zowie45501
      zowie45501 lindsyw123

      Posted

      Went to ER for three hours and went to the toilet there! LOL! But better safe than sorry. This chemo is no picnic. Thanks you so much for your help and I hope you are feeling okay. You will finish a little earlier than me. I think doing chemo is like eating an elephant--one spoonful at a time. Stay safe!
    • lindsyw123
      lindsyw123 zowie45501

      Posted

      Yay well done to you and your body😊😊😊 dont be a stranger keep in touch. Yes all being well a month before you but this time she did warn me my bloods had dropped and if they below 80 I cant have my next cycle until the following week so will be a three week instead of two weekly ...ruins all my good day plans lol but could have new years instead of xmas as a good week so could be a bonus😉 take care and speak soon😊😊 xx

  • zowie45501
    zowie45501

    Posted

    Oh my, you poor thing. Were eating normally or lightly? How long were you constipated for? I think I'll lay off food till tomorrow and see if I go... I think I will. If not...sigh, I'm sick of ER and hospitals. I just don't feel bloated or uncompfortable. If no show tomorrow though, I better play it safe.

  • lindsyw123
    lindsyw123 zowie45501

    Posted

    Hi Zowie just checking in on you to see how youre getting on? I had to miss cycle 4 for a week as platelets were too low😕 so refuced the dosage again by 10mlg and feel good this cycle no tummy pains no bloating and nice soft regular stools lol.

    What about you? Xx

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