Hello, new here.

8 replies
184 subscribers
528 views

Hi I am currently receiving chemotherapy for stage 4 bowel cancer. I am on FOLFOX every 2 weeks. I have completed 2 cycles out of a max 12.

.My consultant reduced the dose last time ( due to horrendous side effects) unfortunately my severe stomach cramping is still horrific. From day 6 I have diarrhoea & cramps . I am unable to sleep due to pain, I am taking all the prescribed meds such as codeine x 60mg x 4 times a day, Lopermide, etc but nothing seems to help , I just have to put up with the constant pain until they go. I am on day 9 today & my stomach is very tender & still cramping.

Has anyone got experience of this severe stomach cramping?

I have a stoma and the stomach pain is really affecting my day to day routine. I was thinking the second week I would feel a bit better but unfortunately not.

Thank you

Mel M over 1 year ago

Hi Lisa24, I have not had experience of this particular chemo regime so cannot give any recommendations. I just wanted to wish you success in your treatment and hopefully others will be able to give advise. Sending virtual hugs and hopefully you can get through this . Do you have a nurse contact who can support you? I had CAPOX and my colorectal nurses where always available for advise . Keep us all posted love Mel

Lisa124 over 1 year ago in reply to Mel M

Hi Mel, thanks for your reply & best wishes.
Yes I do have a colorectal nurse & that’s a good idea I will contact her for advice.

Kind regards

Lisa

court over 1 year ago

Hi Lisa124

My mum was like that and it was so tough on her . She found some relief from over the counter buscopan and a hot waterbottle .

How big a reduction did you get ?

Are you able to keep hydrated when in so much pain ?

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Lisa124 over 1 year ago in reply to court

Hi Court, I had a 75% reduction.

I am just living on codeine & Lopermide & I too have a permanent hot water bottle attached to my stomach!

Did your mum’s severe cramping last very long? & did she suffer each cycle?

Kind regards

Lisa

court over 1 year ago in reply to Lisa124

Actually it eased after the second cycle and was more manageable for quite a few cycles then it was sore again .

Do you still have the primary tumour in . My mum had a spread to her liver and think part of it was tumour encapsulation . Not quite sure what that was but think as the tumours shrank they were pulling . Her colon tumour took quite a hit on chemo .
However despite being tough it has done quite a number on her tumours and they were no longer visible on the scan . Not sure if her colon became very sensitive to chemo . She just kept telling her team .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

CrumpetsOrToast over 1 year ago

Hi Lisa124.

Does your cramping feel like it could be nerve pain triggered? If so, i wondered if talking to your hospital team or GP about trying something like Amitryptaline

Lisa124 over 1 year ago in reply to court

Thanks for your reply.

My tumour was removed.

I will keep letting my oncologist know.

kind regards Lisa

Lisa124 over 1 year ago in reply to CrumpetsOrToast

Hi, thanks for your message.

Yes, I have tried Amitriptyline ( previously given by GP) unfortunately it had no effect this time . I have read one of the drugs I have 5fu affects stomach/gut and mouth lining.
I just wish there was something available to help with excruciating stomach cramps .
Kind regards Lisa