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8 years since colon cancer

Colon407
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In early 2016 I was diagnosed with colon cancer, had an operation in January to remove about 30% (plus my appendix), and had six months of chemotherapy from March to September. I then entered the Add-Aspirin clinical trial. I have been clear since then.

But in the last week I have had diarrhoea on and off for about 5 days. After two days I decided to take Imodium, starting with 2 tablets. In only a couple of hours I felt much better - and in just over 24 hours I had normal bowel movements. But the diarrhoea returned this afternoon in full force.

Although I have had occasional mild diarrhoea over the last 8 years, it has normally been just a one-off episode, but never as often as this.

Should I be worried?

  • Good morning Colon407,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Helen and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I’m sorry to read you’ve been experiencing bowel changes in recent days. It’s understandable you may be feeling worried about this.

    Diarrhoea can be caused by cancer treatments, even after treatment has finished. This is called late effects. However, this may not be the case. Other causes include infection or medications such as antibiotics.

    If you are continuing to experience diarrhoea which is different from usual, then my recommendation would be to call your own GP or NHS 111 today for medical advice.

    For England NHS 111

    For Scotland NHS 24

    For Wales NHS 111

    For Northern Ireland

    As we haven’t access to your medical records through this platform, it’s important to seek NHS medical advice to assess your symptoms fully and establish the cause of the diarrhoea.

    You can also seek advice from a local pharmacist about medications such as Imodium. However, there may be an alternative approach which your doctor may prescribe once you’ve had an assessment.

     

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Helen, 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 email us. 

    Ref/ HeP/KA

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