Intestinal "Stuff"

Mary Jo · 10-25-2006, 10:36 AM

Hello,

Just wondering if others of you on herceptin only have any kind of intestinal issues. Like gas, diarehhea, and a lighter colored stool on occasion. I just had my last herceptin 2 weeks ago (I received a dose every 3 weeks) so am hopeful symptoms will diminish in time. All of my symptoms are only sporadic. My oncologist says "it's nothing" and the left/rib achiness has been feeling better as of late. So........................herceptin being the culprit?????? Is sure of it.

Was just curious on stool color, gas, etc. I know it's gross to talk about it but it's easier to talk about in here than in person (if you ask me) LOL

Mary Jo

Vanessa · 10-25-2006, 11:55 AM

Hi Marejo,

I have all of those symptoms and they are sporadic. I am also still doing chemo (taxotere). I will be having a set of scans done on November 16th, if they are still clear, I will get to discontinue chemo, but still continue Herceptin. I don't know how many of my symptoms are related to chemo and how many are related to Herceptin. I guess I will find out soon and I am assuming from your post, that the intestinal symptoms are from Herceptin. I do have the lighter color stools, gas and also diarrhea and again they are sporadic. My diarrhea was worse when I was also being given carboplatin. After they stopped carboplatin, (due to a severe allergic reaction), the diarrhea does not come quite as bad and as often.

Lisa · 10-25-2006, 12:59 PM

I'm going into surgery in about 2 hours to check out the duct between the liver and gall bladder. The symptoms you named, including light colored poop, are the same ones I'v had for months now. If your tummy continues hurting, don't hesitate to have your gall bladder checked out.

Love and light,

Lisa

R.B. · 10-25-2006, 03:09 PM

Breaking the Viscous Cycle by Elaine Gottschall is an interesting and short read on digestive issues. There are other books too. (Almonds are high in omega six. Honey contains sugars. Moderation seems a good word.)

You might also like to google fructose, sugar and digestive disturbances.

You may also like to look at posts on this site on balancing the omega threes and sixes, which can relate to inflamatory issues, which can relate to digestive issues IBS etc.

Please discuss significant dietary changes with your medical advisor.

RB

Sandy H · 10-25-2006, 07:16 PM

I have been off herceptin since August. I had the gas, bloating, and weight gain around the waist area. Since I have been off the herceptin I have lost over 10 pounds, my face is not as bloated and people ask me what I am doing different! My pants are huge from the weight lost in the waist area. They say I look so much better! I feel much better have more energy and don't feel like I weigh 500 pounds. hugs, Sandy

Mary Jo · 10-26-2006, 05:21 AM

Yep Sandy - that's me. I finished herceptin 2 weeks ago (received every 3 week infusions) so it will be a bit yet till I see some improvements. However, I really did handle herceptin well..................not sure why, but the rib pain has been much better this herceptin cycle - even the gas etc. Is so glad all treatment is overwith and life goes on.

Mary Jo

Bev · 10-26-2006, 08:11 PM

Didn't have the lighter hues, but it seems my whole GI is in overdrive. Wierd rumblings, toxic gas and diarhea. Only on tamox and H. I've been taking Immodium every other day to keep things in control. Eating Bananas and bran helps some. Good luck. BB

Barbara2 · 10-27-2006, 11:14 AM

While on Herceptin my stool was quite loose at first, then over the months seemed to settle down to a comfortable "normal." Now that I'm done, I'm back to the old issue of constipation and hard stools.

I took Herceptin once a week, and the stool did seem looser the first couple of days, then backed off somewhat.

tousled1 · 10-27-2006, 06:36 PM

I'm on Herceptin only and have the problem with gas, frequent bowel movement, bloating and weight gain.

karenann · 10-27-2006, 06:44 PM

You know, now that I think about it I did have a lot of gastro problems while on Herceptin. Bloating, gas and upper right quadrant pain. I've been off the Herceptin for about 10 weeks now and I do feel better.

Karen

marymary · 10-30-2006, 10:56 AM

You're right, this is embarassing. The last several weeks after receiving Herceptin I have an embarassing attack of gas. I thought it might also be due in part to my high fiber diet. I've been taking the bus home and last week I was in agony praying that the attack subsided before I got on the express bus home. It did, thank God. I think I better pick up some Tums today. Now I'm afraid to eat anything beforehand. If this keeps up it's back to driving solo, damn the cost. Parking at UC is expensive.

Mary

rinaina · 10-30-2006, 01:20 PM

I too have had more gas and bloating. I am also now on a diuretic due to water retention which elevated my previously excellent blood pressure.

lindyjo · 11-04-2006, 09:50 AM

During chemo, I had TERRIBLE gas and very soft stools. I finished chemo Sept. 13th and am now doing radiation and Herceptin every 3 weeks. Now my stools are normal, but I can't believe how often I go! 3 sometimes 4 times a day. I thought maybe it's because I am eating so much more fruits & vegetables. I had my gallbladder out in 1993 and had alot of trouble with stomach aches and diarreah and haven't had any of that since I got done with chemo. I do still have alot of gas, but am so glad to not have the stomach aches. It cracks me up to be conversing about "poop" but like someone said, if we can't talk about it here, where can we??!!