Buzz has just had #8 of 33 IMRT and #2 of 6 chemo...has had severe diarrhea within 24-36 hrs following both chemos...last weekend was bad, THIS weekend is WORSE..

It's difficult enough to get enough fluids in him during this time, and I'm afraid he is becoming dehydrated..

I have done a site search, but can find no other topics dealing with this ? side effect.

Thanks! Lois

Lois,
I was told that if I got diaorrhea, it would NOT be a side-effect, but could be a sign of infection--yet at the same time, the 'Treatment Booklet' which I have where side-effects are monitored DOES list it, in varying degrees!
THE carboplatin and the Dexamethosone after it has, each time, made me constipated for 2 days, I've eaten as much fruit and drunk as much fluids as possible and it generally 'goes the other way' a bit! by day 3 or 4 after treatment.
Brenda

Hi, Lois, The diarrhea could be from chemo, or the peg nutrition [or lack of] going in his system,[ or possibly a "bug, but doubtful]". John had diarreah and constipation on alternate "days" depending on how you counted. Buzz's fluid intake will be a battle from here on out. It would be good to stock up on Pedialyte [Baby section-grocery store] to pour down that peg as often as possible. You may find that he will need to be hydrated at the ER on occasion. My bet is that it is the combo of the chemo and Rad and peg foods. Those things are a shock to anyone's system. Amy in the Ozarks

P.S. Is he on any meds? Many meds wipe out the "good stuff" in your digestive tract. Amy in Oz

Thanks to each of you for your responses. I did further research online (after I found the time) and discovered that diarrhea can indeed be a side effect of the chemo.

Guess I should edit Buzz' stats; he HAS a PEG, but as of now has not needed it. I'm sure that will change soon.

I've encouraged Gatorade and other liquids all day, and he ate a whole banana. Tomorrow begins week 3..pray that all goes well!

Lois

Lois, watch out for the Gatorade, it can cause major burning problems in the stomach- Pedialyle is much easier on his system. Amy in Oz

I agree with Amy here. I was pouring Gatorade in my tube and it was giving me terrible heartburn. I took Amys advice with the pedialyte. I bought the Wal-Mart brand and it was much easier on my stomach.

Billy

Lois,

I am surprised that your MO nurses did not mention the diarrhea issue. It definitely can be a side effect of chemo. I think immodium was the first sample stuff they gave me the first day of chemo. Anyway, mention it to them on the next treatment day so they can watch it.

Good luck with the hydration thing...it takes work! Oh, and are you guys doing a can or two of the supplement now?? It was suggested to us to do that even if Bill was still eating...just to make sure that he was tolerating it OK. Also, thats a great way to sneak in some water since you have to flush it before and after the Ensure.

Deb

Emmylou,
Diarrhea is a problem in many patients during and even weeks after treatment. This is sometime due to the fact that the treatment has altered the normal flora of the gut that is needed for digestion. Talk to the hospitals nutritionist or dietician.

Active culture and/or probiotic yogourt can help in some cases.

Hope this may be usefull.

Cheers,

Mike

#9 radiation this am...diarrhea better after Imodium....radiation nurse weighed Buzz and found that he has lost 5 lbs since Wednesday!
...finally got a rx for Ambien...maybe he'll sleep tonight...
blood pressure was 80/50 this afternoon...heart rate 112 (he takes Lopresser to try to keep it under 90 ...chemo nurse told me to keep checking it and to call her at 8 am with overnight results...

thanks everyone! Keep us in your prayers, please!