My treatment plan of 7 months ( 4 FLOT chemo cycles, total gastrectomy, and 4 more chemo cycles) has taken 9 months due to a couple of complications and recent staffing shortages in the chemo unit. My last chemo started on 27th Dec. The side effects have started to wear off and so all is positive. I need to increase my body strength and gain weight as I have lost 2 stone ( from 11 stone) since surgery and not put any back on.
My main issue over the last 2 months has been bad bile reflux for which my consultant would not prescribe medication as he wanted the bile to work and help my body absorb nutrients. However it became so bad I was losing weight, feeling sick most of the time and not able to take my nightly nutritional feed. My oncologist became concerned and to prevent me having to stop chemo she prescribed a bile binder called Colestyramine. It started to work within a week and although I still have bile issues they are minor. I can now eat fairly well and have no nausea. I can take my overnight nutritional feed which is continuing to help my recovery. So for anyone with significant bile reflux issues there is medication that can help.
