Hi All
5 months after my rectal cancer diagnosis (T3 N2 M0). I have had Radio and Chemotherapy and now up to 3rd cycle of additional chemo. When I have my cycle start infusion I guess that the steroids I have give me constipation which means I don't have a bowel movement for about 3 to 4 days. Its not so bad and I avoid medication for constipation because I would rather have that than uncontrollable diarrhea. Thing is that when I start having bowel movements my stools are quite large which makes me feel like my treatment is making things better (no visible evidance of bleeding for past 3 months either!) but after a few days I go back to narrow stools - anyone else have a similar experience? Sorry to be graphic but its just poo! Surgeon has told me that the chance of avoiding surgery is very very slim and I will need a permenant stoma due to the cancer being very low in rectum.
Hi Maniac72
I’d recommend putting your post in the bowel cancer group where more members will see it who might have experienced the same thing.
I’ve got a permanent colostomy but didn’t have bowel cancer, so I haven’t got the relevant experience to share. But don’t worry about being graphic about poo-it will help others understand exactly the issue you are having. A stool softener might be gentler than a laxative for you-I’ve certainly found that easier for me in the past and avoided the explosive diarrhoea a laxative can cause.
If you do end up with a permanent stoma, we have a stoma support group in addition to the bowel cancer group where we share lots of advice and tips to help newcomers deal with this change to their lives, so you’d be welcome to join us there too.
Sarah xx
