Please Read! Diarrhea

Does anyone have information on small cell lung cancer and the diarrhea it brings during chemotherapy? The diarrhea starts 2 days after the chemotherapy and lasts right up until the day or night before the next treatment. The chemo that is being used is CAMPTOSAR (Irinotecan Hydrochloride) PLATINOL (Cisplatin) DECADRON (Dexamethasone). Anyone know of something they personally tried that helped stop diarrhea or minimize it so that you can actually leave the house and also anything anyone know that helps that and nausea? It is usually aggravated and worse after drinking large amounts of liquid or awhile after a meal. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Hello Patricia, my father was recently diagnosed with small cell carcinoma with metastasis to his bone marrow; he started his chemo treatments about a week ago. These are some of the things that have worked for him:

Try Imodium. Take 2 tablets after the first loose stool and then 1 for every loose stool thereafter.

Don’t take any laxatives and try to stay away from bran, green leafy veggies, and anything else that you know that gives you diarrhea.

Do try to eat cheese and drink milk (both are constipating) hopefully that may help you.
As far as the nausea, has your doctor prescribed a med called Compazine? It is taken as needed for nausea and vomiting. Also there is a medication that is taken prior to some chemo days to help with some of the nausea associated with the chemo.

Take care and God bless you and your family.

Becky

Hi!
My name is Shelly G. and I have had severe chronic diarrhea for 18 momths. The doctor gave me a prescription of diprenoxylate/atopine tablets 2.5mg. I take it 4 times a day. I also take Immodium AD with it and a pain medication that causes constipation which helps. For being sick I take a realy good medicine - it is lorazepam 1mg - morning and night. If I get really really sick I take phergan. It makes me really sleepy. Also with the diarrhea, watch what you eat. I know popcorn, cashews, corn, etc. can make it worse. If I am going somewhere I always take extra clothes, water bottle, towel, etc. just in case. I try not to eat anything except maybe a banana or jello. I hope this helps. I know how you feel, good luck and let me know if any of this helps you or if you have any questions.

Take care, Shelly G.