Significant bloating on new chemo/immunotherapy regime

Hi EP17

I am sorry that you are having discomfort and bloating after your chemo/immunotherapy. It sounds really uncomfortable. 

I had carboplatin and paclitaxel and did not have any bloating. 

I would advise giving your hospital 24 hour number a call and asking about this, They may well just be able to give reassurance over the phone but if it does need checking out then they can arrange that. 

Jane

Thanks Jane. I took your advice and called the helpline and they think it ascites, a build up of fluid. I’ll find out for definite on Friday. They will do an ultrasound and drain it if necessary. I don’t know yet what is causing it so hopefully they can give me answers then.

Hi EP17

I'm waiting for MDT's opinions/decisions on my CT results. Unfortunately and unwantedly I think my cancer has returned. Can I ask if your bloating related to ascites? What was the solution in the end? Did you change diet or did they change treatment plans?

Thank you.

Yes it was ascites and they drained 3.6 litres off. It was a relatively painless process.

Was actually with my consultant today and she was pleased that it hadn’t started building up again which is apparently a good sign. 3rd chemo/immuno cycle tomorrow

Just realised I didn’t actually answer your questions sorry.

Yes the ascites was due to the irritation by cancer cells in abdomen which is apparently common with metastases in the abdomen and as I said they just drained it off as an outpatient procedure.

My treatment didn’t change they are just keeping an eye on it and I’m due to get another CT scan sometime in the next couple of weeks to see if the treatment is working.

Regarding my diet I haven’t changed anything, as it’s fairly balanced, except started taking vitamin d again and some probiotics to settle my stomach.
I took supplements before the treatment started but stopped as I didn’t want to take anything with the chemo but my consultant told me it was ok to take them.

Hope your treatments go well. x