[Sandra in GA]

Joni,
I did have lapatinib along with my Herceptin, so I attributed the diarrhea to the lapatinib. I can tell you what I did that helped and hope you can use some of the info for some relief. I found that a diet very low in fiber was the best for me. I avoided fresh veggies and fresh fruits. I found a low fiber diet and it suggested eating canned fruits and only green beans and asparagus. You could also have rice, potatoes (baked seemed especially good), broiled meats. It also suggested eating white bread instead of whole wheat. Whole wheat and dairy products seemed to really set me off. In other words, avoid all that healthy diet you are used to!

Along with that, my onc and study nurse suggested I take two Immodium and one Lomotil at the first sign of cramping or any other symptom. This was the only way I could get a grip on my problem. Usually, if I was careful, after taking the combo of the drugs, I would be sympton free for about three days.

The good thing is once I finished my treatments, my tummy returned to normal within days and I was able to return to a normal diet quickly. Good luck!

Sandra