Lost

Hi @Number2
I’m sorry to hear about your diarrhoea ❤️ I was strongly encouraged by the oncology nurses on the day ward to attend emergency if I had concerns, especially if my temp went above 37. 

I am SO glad you can laugh about the 'name' association, @Number2

The 'medical team' we refer to is usually the Surgeon, Rad Onc and Medical Onc ..... so if you can contact your Medical Onc on Monday (who is in charge of your chemo regime) and explain just how badly it is affecting you - you may be able to get the dose adjusted .... or maybe increase the dose of gastrostop (or try a different one?)

I didn't have a BC Nurse either 'as such' ... so never relied on one.   You really need to advocate for yourself ... and that is why, I reckon you should contact your Onc on Monday xx

I hope you can get on top of the gastro xx

Lol @arpie , at the time the name was because its the 2nd time the big C has played a part in my life. In Nov 2023 I was diagnosed with Atypical polyploid adenomyoma which appeared to be morphing into endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and as such resulted in a total hysterectomy in jan 2024. So yeh number 2 is about the big C’s second crack at me. Lol yes crack. And now here we are with the doodoo number 2 being a problem.
I have spoken to my gp who advised to just take the gastrostop as needed as it’s all part of the side effects. Well thats all well and good but there has to be a length of time that it becomes a “get it checked” situation. If I can be frank, to me its not what I would have called diarrhoea because its not watery but a call to local oncology ward the other day informed me that “ chocolate mousse poo that burns like chilli”  as I described it , is in fact the chemo diarrhoea. But seriously how are you supposed to get through the day when you are running to the loo and popping pills……not game enough to leave the house?  I am concerned as I am meant to have my portacath inserted on wednesday and I don’t see how I can in the present state. I’m keeping up with the fluids no probs to that area. I don’t want to take up space and drs time at ED if its just a case of getting samples and bloods etc then surely I can do that via gp?  Is it possible to just call the ED and ask them? I notice that there is a lot of reference on bcna to people talking to their “medical team” for advice. Who exactly are they referring to? I hope you don’t say my breast care nurse because well as nice as she is well shes a casper. I was told by the nurse at breast screen that I would be allocated a breast care nurse who would support me through my journey, who would attend all my appointments with me and spend time with me afterwards to make sure that I understand what had been discussed. Hmm well she was present at meetings but took off quick sticks afterwards. I was trying to contact her  but she went away and didn’t tell me. I have the office number to call her during office hours or an email, so if anything is out of business hours then too bad. She  then informed me she would not be here for my first round of treatment but another bcn would be there……..nope noone came. 

I am So sorry you are having continued gut/diarrhoea issues, @Number2 xx  (Interesting name, by the way!  ;)  Apologies, if I sound flippant!) xx

If you are having really nasty diarrhoea issues, you may become dehydrated and that is not good. It needs to be addressed asap. Keep up your fluids & taking stuff like Gatorade, to keep your electrolytes up too xx

IF you feel really crook tomorrow/Sun, I would suggest that you present to your closest hospital emergency ward, explaining your chemo regime & gut issues.   They should run blood/gut/poo tests, to see what is causing it. 

My husband had a particularly nasty bug during his chemo that ended up being septicemia - he ended up in a serious condition in hospital, needing a special regime of antibiotics to 'beat it'.

If you don't feel 'too crook' tomorrow, continue with the Gastrostop (usually take it after every loose motion) .... then contact your chemo ward first thing on Monday & let them know of the continuing attacks and ask for specific tests to help identify the culprit.  

take care xx

Is there any way of telling the difference between Chemo side effect diarrhoea and a gut infection? Trying to be patient with this but I’m getting washed out ! On my 6th gastro stop for today ! Bloated like a hot air balloon….., over it 😟

Hi there, er/pr+ her -, but thought Id say hello.  You are welcome to check back on what I posted along my treatment this year (diagnosis dec 22/12/23).  Its taken a year to get to spacing out of appointments.  If you have travel plans, discuss them with medical team - I managed to sneak in some booked stuff rather than cancel (a small 5 day cruise before surgery) and during chemo I had a rest week from treatment (had a competition in auckland 6 days I made it to... travelling from Adelaide), I was very determined, but only really could decide a few days before for sure with oncologist okaying it,...and I had good support on trip watching out for me) .  You have to feel up to it, and adapt to any medical but it is possible. All the best xx 

Happy Boxing day to all, hope you got some joy out of xmas as best you could.
I’m looking for advice on drinks. Specifically smoothies.
3 days post 1st treatment and I’m struggling with nausea, trying to keep fluids up but nothing is tasting nice but I do enjoy icey cold. So pleaaaase hit me with your best icey smoothie fruity whatever recipes……..and go

Hear, hear to @Tri regarding the stalwart work of nose hair! Having gradually developed hay fever post treatment, I think back to those halcyon days of trouble free nostrils with affection! First of all the drippings, then (with paclitaxel) the bloodiness, finally all clear then hay fever! If the nose gets blocked and crusty, nose oil (from the chemist) can help! 

Well I’ve survived the first session!😃 What a long day , 8:30 am -  6pm.😳 Didn't get the portacath put in in time so was done via cannula. 😢 got quite painful by the time I was having the Chemo put in, but the nurse gave me a heat pack to put under my arm and on top but above the entry site and that helped a lot. Have woken up with a headache and a bit of loose bowels but not diarrhoea thankfully. Very glad I didn’t have any reactions yesterday during treatment , so win win . Family arrive today for xmas 😍😁😁😁. Hope everyone is having a good start to their xmas eve. 🎄

@Number2 I am a fellow stage 3 her2 positive (soon to be thriver) here. I start chemotherapy on the 27th. We’ve got this!