I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer 6 weeks ago. Which was bit of a shock, Iv'e been out on a low residue diet because of a blockage, so I'm wondering if anyone else has been put on it and how are you coping with it
Hi Matrix and welcome to the board although I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. A low residue diet is often advised to make stools easy to pass and also before say a colonoscopy for example. It’s not a very healthy diet I’m afraid but better than a blockage. I’ve attached a link to a hospital page which may give you a few ideas.
https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Clinical%20Support%20Services/Dietetics/118675_Low_Res_Diet_(598)_feb19.pdf
Have you got a treatment plan in place yet? We’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery on here and happy to support you through yours
Take care
Karen x
Hello Karen I am seeing the oncologist on the 14th September to see what palliative care can be given.so I'm hoping for the best, Iv'e just spent four days in hospital trying to get the blockage resolved, hence the lr. Thanks for your input really appreciate it, let you know how it goes Matrix x
I have a part blockage and take.low.residue food and drink. Its painful enough. A.full blockage would.stop intestines from working and vomiting would be an issue.
Hi Tony ,
I am trying to remember! To be honest Her weight was one of the hardest issues to manage during treatment . She had big fluctuations. Lost three stones on chemo but I am not sure if she gained just before starting it if she was backed up ! She gained three stones just in fluid ( complication ) so you may want you team to make sure it is not a fluid issue as there are things to assist !
Cant remember off the top of my head if you have started treatment ? But the weight fluctuations completely took me by surprise ( her too obviously) we were forever having to buy new clothes to accommodate it !
Do you have a bowel stent in place ?
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
My mum’s was right side ascending , that was as much info as we were given at the time and that it had banded round her colon rather than protruding into the colon so less likely to completely block the colon . It did shrink during chemo though !
She did have chemo with her tumour in situ and we just looked out for signs of a blockage . It got a bit sore during chemo . As it shrank it pulled a bit . Think it was called tumour encapsulation ! There was a lot of reactionary inflammation round her colon but again during treatment it settled . Definitely worthwhile asking about fluid issues as they can tell from the CT scan and give assistance if required .
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
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