Hi,
just after a little bit of advice please, my husband has been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer, he has a tumour in his lower rectum of about 6cm. His treatment plan is 5 radiotherapy treatment which he has had, followed by chemotherapy starting on the 30th and then an operation to remove the tumour. He is experiencing pain which he expected but is suffering with diarrhoea and unable to control his bowel movement's. He is taking tablets to try and help this but is unable to leave home and is constantly going to the toilet. It is now 2 weeks after his radiotherapy and it isn’t getting any better! He spent a couple of nights in hospital as they were concerned but blood tests etc showed everything to be ok. I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this and any suggestions to help please.
thank you x
Hi and I’m sorry to hear that your husband is struggling. Side effects normally start to ease after 2 weeks but I’ve just had a look on the Macmillan page below and it says it can take up to 2 months. I presume he’s taking immodium/loperamide but sometimes codeine can also be used to ease diarrhoea? Please give his Colorectal Support Nurse a ring and see what they suggest. You can also speak to the nurses on here - their number is at the bottom of the link below
Hope things start to improve for him soon
Take care
Karen x
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007