Chronic Constipation

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Tammyj Message: Chronic Constipation Caregiver Tammyj Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Chronic Constipation Date: 11/07/2006 Help! My Dad has small cell lung cancer that has metzed to the abdomen, primarily the pancreas. We started chemo last week which consists of Carboplatin and etoposide. The Doctor said without treatment he probably had 5 weeks to live; with treatment they can buy him a year...maybe. He suffers more from constipation than any other thing at this point. He is not taking too much in the way of narcotics. They think that the tumor on his pancreas is causing problems. We spent half the night in the ER Friday night because Dad was in so much pain. It had been 11 days since he had had a bowel movement and he was so miserable. At this point, he had taken countless stool softeners, tried a Fleet enema (twice), tried Dulcolax suppositories and drank a 10oz bottle of magnesium citrate. Still Nothing! The ER Dr. had him drink an entire gallon of colyte which did nothing more than make him throw up forever. 5 hours after we got there they tried a "soap suds" enema and that finally worked. They did an x-ray and there doesn't appear to be a blockage. Now 4 days later he's back in the same boat. He's been taking everything just like they told him but nothing is working. They say it's because of the size of the tumor on his pancreas (softball size). Does anyone have any suggestions at all on how to relieve this or maybe information on what is actually causing it. Tammy Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Dotdot Message: Chronic Constipation Patient Dotdot Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Chronic Constipation Date: 11/08/2006 Tammy -I don't have any answers for you but wanted you to know that I read your post and will be praying for your family. Hoping for the best..... Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Tatorbug Message: Constipation Meds Caregiver Tatorbug Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Constipation Meds Date: 11/10/2006 Tammy, Hello. I, myself, just found out my father has lung cancer and I was reading all the messages we have here on this site. My father is starting to complain of constipation problems and I just called his doctor and they told me that their bowel protocal is to try 2 Senokot S tablets with a full glass of water before bed and if no bowel movement happens then to take 2 more in the morning after breakfast with another full glass of water. They stated drinking the water was a must. I don't know if you have already tried "Senokot S" but I thought I would pass on this info to you. Hope it may help! Tammy L. Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Kiki s. Message: Chronic Constipation Doctor / Nurse Kiki s. Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Chronic Constipation Date: 11/17/2006 Hi Tammy, Was wondering if your dad's primary dr, or oncologist, thinks it'd be worthwhile to give him the soapsuds enema on a routine basis, say every 2-3 days or so, since that seemed to be the only thing that worked w/o making him sicker. If you or other members of your support team are unable to perform this, would he be eligible for a home health nurse or aide to give him scheduled enemas. My best to your family. He is fortunate to have such a loving & caring daughter. God bless! Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Phil2 Message: Chronic Constipation and Enemas Caregiver Phil2 Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Chronic Constipation and Enemas Date: 11/22/2006 Tammy, Since the enema that your father used seemed to be at least mildly effective, you should consider using that treatment as often as every other day. Contrary to today's popular belief, there is no reason not to use a soap suds enema in cancer patients or in any person experiencing occasional or frequent constipation. Far more gentle, and far, far, far more thorough than the chemical enemas, or the laxatives offered way too often, a gentle enema gives near immediate relief and may even be therapeutic for the cancer your Dad is facing. Since we cannot leave personal contact information at this site, write to me, here, and I will try to help you with other treatment options. Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Tammyj Message: Constipation Caregiver Tammyj Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Constipation Date: 11/30/2006 Thanks for the response and sorry it took me so long to say that! Dad's Dr. did give us the Senokot-S protocol to follow but it didn't work so hot. I've since bought him an enema kit and when he needs it, he mixes up his own "soap suds enema" to use. What seems to be working better than anything is flax seed! We started him on that about two weeks ago and he has been having a bowel movement nearly every day. He adds about 2 teaspoons to his oatmeal every morning and that seems to really help keep things moving. We just completed his 2nd cycle of chemo so we'll see how things go after this round. All of the anti-nausea meds they give him seem to bring things to a halt for a few days. How is your Dad doing? Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Tammyj Message: Chronic Constipation Caregiver Tammyj Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Chronic Constipation Date: 11/30/2006 I asked his Dr. about this and they were very hesitant to give the ok. Apparently when your WBC and platelet count is down the enema can do more damage and further deplete the platelet count? Sound right? Who knows. In any case, we bought him the kit to do his own and he's only had to use it a couple of times. I started him using flax seed in his oatmeal every morning and that has really helped him out. We believe the size of the tumor on his pancreas has shrunk and perhaps that is helping as well. All I know is that he feels a little better and that's what counts most. Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Tammyj Message: Chronic Constipation Caregiver Tammyj Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: Chronic Constipation Date: 11/30/2006 Thanks for the response! Please read the other notes I posted for an update. I agree with you. The enemas that he whips up at home have to be better than those you buy over the counter! Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Phil2 Message: RE: Chronic Constipation Caregiver Phil2 Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: RE: Chronic Constipation Date: 01/03/2007 On 11/7/2006 Tammyj wrote: Help! My Dad has small cell lung cancer that has metzed to the abdomen, primarily the pancreas. We started chemo last week which consists of Carboplatin and etoposide. The Doctor said without treatment he probably had 5 weeks to live; with treatment they can buy him a year...maybe. He suffers more from constipation than any other thing at this point. He is not taking too much in the way of narcotics. They think that the tumor on his pancreas is causing problems. We spent half the night in the ER Friday night because Dad was in so much pain. It had been 11 days since he had had a bowel movement and he was so miserable. At this point, he had taken countless stool softeners, tried a Fleet enema (twice), tried Dulcolax suppositories and drank a 10oz bottle of magnesium citrate. Still Nothing! The ER Dr. had him drink an entire gallon of colyte which did nothing more than make him throw up forever. 5 hours after we got there they tried a "soap suds" enema and that finally worked. They did an x-ray and there doesn't appear to be a blockage. Now 4 days later he's back in the same boat. He's been taking everything just like they told him but nothing is working. They say it's because of the size of the tumor on his pancreas (softball size). Does anyone have any suggestions at all on how to relieve this or maybe information on what is actually causing it. Tammy Tammy, I just saw your message. I hope your Dad is doing ok. I have information which may be of help. My wife had ovarian cancer and was also terribly constipated from time to time. Would you care to correspond? Dan --Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, phone number. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html -- Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message Oldandgrey Message: RE: Chronic Constipation Caregiver Oldandgrey Recommend this Message Report Abuse Email a Friend Track this Message [Remove] Subject: RE: Chronic Constipation Date: 07/05/2007 On 11/7/2006 Tammyj wrote: Help! My Dad has small cell lung cancer that has metzed to the abdomen, primarily the pancreas. We started chemo last week which consists of Carboplatin and etoposide. The Doctor said without treatment he probably had 5 weeks to live; with treatment they can buy him a year...maybe. He suffers more from constipation than any other thing at this point. He is not taking too much in the way of narcotics. They think that the tumor on his pancreas is causing problems. We spent half the night in the ER Friday night because Dad was in so much pain. It had been 11 days since he had had a bowel movement and he was so miserable. At this point, he had taken countless stool softeners, tried a Fleet enema (twice), tried Dulcolax suppositories and drank a 10oz bottle of magnesium citrate. Still Nothing! The ER Dr. had him drink an entire gallon of colyte which did nothing more than make him throw up forever. 5 hours after we got there they tried a "soap suds" enema and that finally worked. They did an x-ray and there doesn't appear to be a blockage. Now 4 days later he's back in the same boat. He's been taking everything just like they told him but nothing is working. They say it's because of the size of the tumor on his pancreas (softball size). Does anyone have any suggestions at all on how to relieve this or maybe information on what is actually causing it. Tammy Great sympathy for your situation, we have been here. I am the caregiver for my wife suffering with breast and ovarian cancer which has recurred. Constipation has been a major problem: many of the chemo drugs shut down the bowel movements. I found an old (150 year old) medical book that suggested massaging the lower back with warmed olive oil. Approximately 30 minutes. It gives the patient immediate soothing relief and by stimulating the nerves in the lower back can help get things going again. All the very best. Regards Charles Private Reply Quote Reply to This Message
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