Starting Pemetrexed + Carboplatin for multifocal adenocarcinoma - 1258366

paul08
Posts:5

I have I had a consultation with Dr. West last Monday - July 22nd - as a second opinion to my oncologist. Very satisfied with his input. I forgot, however, to mention one concern I have: I have a diverticulosis condition, with already one episode of diverticulitis causing a colon puncture, for which I was hospitalized back in 2010 - it was this incident that lead to the discovery of mi disease, by the way -
I have read in handouts I received from my Cancer Center, that chemotherapy is hard on the lining of the digestive tract. Given my ongoing diverticulosis, my fear is that chemotherapy can trigger another diverticulitis crisis. Is it there anything that can be done to prevent that to happen, or are my fears unjustified?
I am starting Pemetrexed + Carboplatin this coming Thursday August 1st.
Thank you!
Raul

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Reply # - July 30, 2013, 11:46 AM

catdander
Posts:

Hi Raul, How fortunate that you've seen Dr. West as you know we all respect him hugely here on Grace. I'm sure it would be most appropriate to call his office with the added info. However since it seems to be a fairly general type question I think we could get it answered through Grace.

Reply # - July 30, 2013, 12:11 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

I don't believe that there's any evidence that this chemo would increase the risk of diverticulosis. There is no treatment to be pursued prophylactically to reduce the risk of this complication.

Good luck with chemo!

-Dr. West

Reply # - August 3, 2013, 06:13 PM

cards7up
Posts: 636

I have diverticulitis and had the same combo carbo/alimta. Right after my first chemo, I had a severe attack that almost sent me to the ER. As you know, there are certain types of laxatives you should avoid. The best one and I took it all through treatment is Miralax twice daily. I had no other problems after that. Wishing you the best. Take care, Judy

Reply # - August 4, 2013, 09:44 AM

paul08
Posts: 5

Thank you for your input, Judy.
Did you have the diverticulitis attack as a consequence of the constipation caused by Chemo?
And Miralax was prescribed to you in order to diminish constipation?
I normally - before Chemo - had diarrhea on ongoing basis, as a consequence of gallbladder removal 4 years ago, so I do not digest foods good, specially fats. My diarrhea is usually very waterly. I do not not how severe the constipation can be with this Chemo combo, and I am only in my third day after the first IV of Chemo.
Did you have your attack right after the first IV or weeks later?
Curiously, in the package I was given about this Combo side effects, there is no mention to constipation, although I have read about that.
All the best
Raul

Reply # - August 4, 2013, 06:32 PM

cards7up
Posts: 636

The constipation was caused by the chemo and/or premeds, but the attack was caused by what I was told to take to avoid constipation. I had to call my gastroenterologist and she told me not to take that and to use Miralax and to continue to take it throughout my chemo. That's why I mentioned that there are certain types of laxatives we shouldn't take. Your problem is a little different due to the gall bladder. Mine was due to not enough fiber in my diet and bad eating habits for years. I eat healthier now and make sure I get my fiber. I don't have problems with diarrhea, it's the other way around for me. But I'm sure the attacks are similar in that they're very painful. Take care, Judy

Reply # - August 4, 2013, 08:05 PM

paul08
Posts: 5

Update:

3 days into Chemo. Now I have external and internal hemorrhoids and constipation - no movement for 3 days.
Called help line doctor, prescribed Senokot for constipation and Preparation H for hemorrhoid pain - I don't have pain for now.
Also recommended fluids and high fiber foods.
I got also by pharmacist's suggestion a Fiber Source Powder - Psyllium Hydrophilic Mucilloid to be taken 1 tblsp in 250 ml water 1 to 3 times a day.
I started with 4 tablets of Senokot, and 1 dose of Psyllium.
Raul

Reply # - August 4, 2013, 08:37 PM

laya d.
Posts: 714

Raul. . .

In addition to everything else that you are doing, eat prunes and drink prune juice (if you can tolerate it). It will do you wonders. It really helped my Mom when she was dealing with the same issues.

Good luck,
Laya

Reply # - August 5, 2013, 12:56 AM

paul08
Posts: 5

Judy: I told the doctor about Miralax and he told me that "here (Vancouver Cancer Centre, Canada) we use Senokot".
What was the drug for avoiding constipation that caused your diverticulitis attack?? That's scary.
I am giving more attention now to high fiber diet, and yes Laya, I am eating prunes, thank you for the suggestion. I am very sorry about your Mom. My mother died of Lung Cancer in 1988, very fast in less than 1 month since first symptoms. At that time very little was known, - never smoker, likely EGFR+
Thank you wonderful people for all your care!
Judy take care!
If you remember that drug, please let me know, for sure is something we should avoid.
All the best
Raul

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