Diarrhoea

Hi Happychat

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.

My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am pleased to read you have started your first chemo, but sorry to hear you’re still getting diarrhoea. I can imagine how worried you are and can understand your concerns about the persistent side-effects you’re having.

Here at Macmillan, we can give general advice and support. We are an independent charity and don’t have access to medical records. We cannot give personalised information,

We would suggest if you have new or worsening symptoms during cancer treatment, to report your concerns to your hospital team or chemotherapy unit as soon as possible. They would want to hear if you’re experiencing any problems and are in ideal position to assess your symptoms.

Unfortunately diarrhoea is a common side effect of cancer treatment and can occur within days of starting treatment. The symptoms can be mild for some people, but for others it can be severe and requires a review by your team, who can prescribe medication to manage it.

The diarrhoea could be due to other causes such as an infection, other medication or diet that can cause a change in bowel habit.

You may find this link helpful to look at.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

You can always give us a call. You can talk to one of our nurses on the support line. It’s a free phone number on 0808 808 0000 and we are here 7 days a week, 8am-8pm or email us. 

Ref: PW/JD

Best wishes

Hi Paula thanks for getting in touch but I feel much better now so I think its a 11 day turn round.