Relieving Gut Gridlock
- Ovarian cancer patients may become constipated, but not always from the chemotherapy drugs
- Peritoneal disease, in the lining of the belly, may also cause gastrointestinal issues
- No matter the cause, there are many ways to get relief with medications and lifestyle changes
- Diarrhea may occur less frequently but can also be managed with drugs and diet
- If side effects become severe, your doctor may reduce your chemotherapy dosage
Constipation is an issue that many patients deal with, though "oftentimes it's hard to know what's driving [it]," says Dr. Manojkumar Bupathi, medical oncologist at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. "It can be related to the chemotherapy pre-medications that are used; anti-nausea medications can cause constipation, as can pain medications.”
Read MoreDealing with Diarrhea
Diarrhea from ovarian cancer chemotherapy may happen less frequently than constipation, but it can occur at some point during your cancer treatment. "As with managing constipation, it's really important [that we] understand what's causing it," Dr. Bupathi says. "Chemotherapy can most certainly do that," but doctors will want to understand the timingwhen it occursand how severe it is to help recommend treatment.
There are many options for patients, from "over-the-counter antidiarrheals like Imodium, to oral steroids. There are subcutaneous injections and prescription medications."
As far as diet goes doctors may recommend what's called the BRATY diet, made up mostly of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt, which
are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
To make sure you're getting enough nutrients try slowing adding in these foods after a few days:
Meat and meat substitutes
- White-meat poultry such as chicken or turkey (with the skin removed)
- Plain baked fish
- Eggs
- Tofu
Vegetables
- Well-cooked carrots, green beans, asparagus tips, and beets
- Baked potatoes without the skin (no fried potatoes)
Because diarrhea can be dehydrating, it's important to drink plenty of fluids like water, tea, apple juice, or clear broths. Aim to rehydrate with 8-10 glasses of liquid a day, sipping small amounts slowly and more often rather than gulping down a huge glass all at once. Room temperature is recommended.
Reducing Chemotherapy Dose Can Be an Option if Side Effects Persist
"Obviously, we want to make sure that [side effects are] not limiting the functioning ability of our patients," says Dr. Bupathi. "So sometimes, we may have to come down on the doses of chemotherapy drugs" for better side effects management, "and to maintain their quality of life."
It is important to reach out to your healthcare provider if any side effects become severe. They have many tools in their arsenal to help you get through your treatment as comfortably as possible.
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