tips to combat chemo constipation/diarrhea
 

Re: tips to combat chemo constipation/diarrhea
 

I had the same problems you are experiencing and used those same constipation meds. If they didn't work for me at times, I talked with my oncologist and they prescribed something to help. One of my relatives who is a nurse told me a trick: Take an apple and microwave it for about 3 minutes until soft then eat it. It surprisingly worked really well for me!

Stay strong and keep the faith,

Jessica

Re: tips to combat chemo constipation/diarrhea
 

You could ask your onc to add Tykerb into the mix ;)

Re: tips to combat chemo constipation/diarrhea
 

I drank 64 ounces of water the day before, the day of, and the day after chemo. I also ate a very high fiber. Breakfast was whole grain cereal or toast with a pear, lunch was beans with whole grain toast and a salad, and dinner was chicken and high fiber vegetables like artichoke. Snacks were dried fruit, which had a lot of fiber.

I was mostly able to control my constipation with diet and water but if I couldn't, on day three, I would take metamucil. Worked like a charm.

I've been on taxotere, taxol, carboplatin, navelbine and of course, herceptin. My water/fiber regimen has worked for all of them, I was very disciplined about it.

I got a brita pitcher so I could measure. 64 ounces sounds like more than it is - just have your water with you all day.

Good luck, I hope it works for you!