Tummy troubles

Hi Jane, I only had radio not chemo and only had mild side effects from week 4 onwards but I feel for you. Have you adjusted your diet at all since starting radio?

Hi Jane 

Sorry your feeling so bad, it's awful to feel this way. I also experienced this and spoke to my consultant who was happy to help. So firstly they increased the dosage of anti sickness meds then (although this did work) I found I needed the pulls for a longer time than prescribed. This was a big help and while chatting about my options if the latest pulls didn't work I was informed I could have a driver inserted in my arm to deal with severe sickness so there are plenty of options open to you, just keep your team updated and they will definitely be able to help. Hope everything works out for you.

Angela xx

tried just bland foods but to be honest not eating a lot now. Got a review tomorrow so will ask about foods. thank you

When I had my radio, I had a leaflet suggesting foods to eat if the stomach was at all upset - this included eating white bread, avoiding certain veg, not having more than 2 pieces of fruit per day etc. It would be good to ask some dietary advice tomorrow - you should have access to a dietician who is connects to the oncology department. When I was waiting for a radio session one day a dietician came out to see someone, and an oncology nurse I saw told me I could ask to see them. It’s really important that you find out what you can eat, as we are not supposed to lose weight during radio, as we need to be as similar as possible to how we were when our planning CT was done and the radiation dosage planned. We need to keep the calories up too to help our bodies recoup. So if you’re feeling unable to eat they really would want to know.

thank you. I will tell them all about it tomorrow. I have tried white toast, banana, rice, crackers etc but the diarrhoea is pretty constant. I think part of the nausea is due to the diarrhoea. Tried a jacket potato yesterday and that was not too bad- didnt eat the skin but no appetite. When I bought it up at the review last week they think it is partly due to the chemo after effects. On Friday I spoke to someone more senior who suggested the loperimide before each meal and taking 8 a day. She also said about maintaining weight and hydration. Half way through the radiotherapy now and I said I would try anything to be able to finish it. She agreed that need to get the diarrhoea and nausea under control asap. The fatigue I can manage with rest. 

Jacket potato helps, but I was told no fruit or veg, so you maybe will have to cut out the banana. Just a very bland diet with no spice or anything with sweetener in it either