My mother has fairly advanced bowel cancer, practically everything she eats upsets her tummy and causes a day or two of diarrhoea, so she doesn’t eat for a couple of days is this normal-to be expected with bowel cancer? She only eats the tiniest amounts, all very bland and nothing spicy
Hi Skinnylyn,
My name is Amy and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Thanks for getting in touch and posting your question.
I’m sorry to hear about your mum’s bowel cancer and the symptoms she’s having. Coping and managing side effects can be tricky, and there is no “one size fits all” answer. Often trial and error and keeping a food and bowel diary can help to figure out what works, and if there are any triggers or patterns.
Bowel cancer and its treatment can cause changes to the way the bowel works and how stool is passed through the body. Some people experience constipation and irregular bowel movements whilst others have increased episodes of loose stool, like you describe for your mum. And for many this can be one of the biggest challenges they face.
It might be helpful to get in touch with her bowel cancer team for advice. They will be able to tailor this advice based on your mum’s symptoms and treatment. They may also be able to refer her to a dietician to explore changes to her diet.
Eating little and often and going for bland, non-spicy foods are some of the things we recommend, so its great your mum is already doing this. But of course, we want that to be every day, not going days with very little or no diet. Choosing low fibre options like white bread/rice/noodles, plain crackers and peeled, cooked vegetables can also help. It’s important she is drinking plenty clear fluids like water or herbal tea too. You may find this link to tips for coping with diarrhoea useful. Bowel Cancer UK also have an Eating Well booklet you can order or download.
It's important your mum speaks to her cancer team about how her symptoms are affecting her. But once she has done that, she may benefit from extra support from Penny Brohn or Maggie’s.
I also wonder if you might benefit from giving our support line a call. We can explore the information from the links I’ve provided in more detail and offer support for you too. Seeing a loved one struggle with symptoms can be really difficult, and we understand that. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on 0808 808 0000.
I hope this helps and please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have any more questions or need any further support.
Best wishes,
Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref: AC/BG
