GI mets?
 

I had my last dose of Herceptin about this time last year, and have been trying to be sensibly vigilant without being overly worried. But I have had ongoing reflux since chemo and now have had liquid diarrhoea for the last 2 days with no improvement, headachy with stomach pains and a low-grade fever today adding nausea and low back pain. I was assuming gastroenteritis of some variety, but then it suddenly dawned on me that it could be a metastatic thing. Has anyone had mets to the GI system with similar symptoms?

Re: GI mets?
 

I know GI mets are a possibility but it's far more common to develop inflammatory dz from chemo, IBS/IBD. Definitely time to talk to your doctor. GI upset is miserable. Chemo, the first time around, did a number on my GI and it never really recovered. Chemo this time, has been hell on my GI. Fingers crossed that it's just residual inflammatory issue and there will be a simple way to manage it. I won't even tell you not to worry... just get seen. XOXO

Re: GI mets?
 

I have had horrible GI issues since my last Taxol infusion back in 2011, and it really hasn't improved, I just manage it better with diet. Maybe you caught a stomach bug? This is going around my office and schools around here.

If it continues for over one week, make an appointment with a GI doctor. Have you had a colonoscopy? I had one right before surgery in 2011 and due for my 5 year in August. I'm curious to what they will find, my GI issues are horrible! I have been checked out by numerous doctors so I definitely believe it's chemo damage - they really beat up your digestive system.

Hope you feel better!

Re: GI mets?
 

Ugh sorry you are going through this, it does sound like some sort of bug or virus and not mets, but I agree with Tracy and Jessica, see the doctor so you will know for sure.

Carol Ann

Re: GI mets?
 

Looking at your signature, it looks like your breast cancer was IDC. Because of this, it would be highly unlikely that you have mets to GI. Unlike the lobular type of breast cancer, IDC mets are pretty predictable as far as what organs mets will appear.

I do agree with the other advise you have been given. Better to get it checked out to see what is causing the issues.

Take Care,
Brenda

Re: GI mets?
 

My GI tract was a mess from Chemo and Herceptin. A naturalpath had me place a 1/4 tsp of a high quality probiotic powder in water and drink 3 times/day. It took quite a few months, a year or more actually, for the reflux to abate, but it did work.

Re: GI mets?
 

Thank you my friends, this is all really helpful, though I am sad to hear that ongoing reflux etc is something many of you have had/are having to deal with. It is comforting to know that GI is far more likely with lobular, given that I had IDC, and that a good naturopath could supply me with good probiotic powder that could make the world of difference too. A friend has also recommended glucogenics powder, which has a special form of liquorice and aloe vera, for my husband's Barrett's Oesophagus, and it just occurred to me I should try that also.
I think you are probably right that it is probably just an infection. So I am seeing my GP at midday today, and getting a specimen tested to make sure any infectious agent that can be eliminated is eliminated, because my daughter's first baby is due any time, and if I am contagious I don't want to infect her.
thanks again for all your help
Jessica

Re: GI mets?
 

Thank you my friends, this is all really helpful, though I am sad to hear that ongoing reflux etc is something many of you have had/are having to deal with. It is comforting to know that GI mets are far more likely with lobular, given that I had IDC, and that a good naturopath could supply me with good probiotic powder that could make the world of difference too. A friend has also recommended glucogenics powder, which has a special form of liquorice and aloe vera, for my husband's Barrett's Oesophagus, and it just occurred to me I should try that also.
I think you are probably right that it is probably just an infection. So I am seeing my GP at midday today, and getting a specimen tested to make sure any infectious agent that can be eliminated is eliminated, because my daughter's first baby is due any time, and if I am contagious I don't want to infect her.
thanks again for all your help
Jessica

Re: GI mets?
 

I have had serious issues since chemo. My digestive system has and still is suffering from the effects of chemo. I have had pains and other issues that have landed me in my oncologist's office, gastroenterologist's office and then scanned goodness knows how many times. Don't give into the What If's. Make an appointment with your oncologist and take it from there.

Feel better!

Re: GI mets?
 

I did see my GP but sh was running late. So when I said I had a form to fill as well as my concern about my gastrointestinal problem, she asked if we needed to do both now as she was running late, then said "Its not your fault, so tell me about it" She checked my tummy, which was quite tender then insisted there was no need to do a stool test unless I have been sick for 2 weeks. I got as far as saying my daughter's baby is due in 10days so I need to be healthy for then, and her reply was that I might have to miss the birth. So I never got to discuss my concern that it could be GI mets. I think she is also being directed by the current health rules not to use antibiotics any more than can possibly be helped now that antibiotics are becoming less and less effective. My digestive function is improving, and I am now taking probiotics and magnesium, and echinacea to boost my immune system's ability to deal with it if it is a virus, and grape seed capsules to also boost my immune system. I am going to assume it is an infection and do all I can to heal it, and if it continues or returns I will demand a test. Mind you, she did give me a form for me to get a stool test done in 2 weeks time, and I could absentmindedly get the test now and she may well be cross but at least I could get tested for infections

You people have reminded me what a hammering our digestive tract has during cancer treatment, and that I do need to regroup and replan and take on a course of action to continue healing. I do eat a lot of broccolini (which I love), but need to start cold press juicing daily and generally being much kinder to my body and wiser in what I put into it. Thanks!

Re: GI mets?
 

I had a stool test after many years of pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc - showed nothing. l started working with a health/nutrition coach 6 months ago and we worked on eliminating some things from my diet that may be causing problems. Sure enough, red meat was my main culprit. I also cut back on dairy and sugar and I am happy to say, I no longer have burning stool or constipation as much. I also got off of Arimidex which may have also caused me problems.

I wish these doctors would be more honest with us after treatment is complete on how much damage the chemo drugs do to our systems and how we can work to improve them!

Your doctor does not sound very professional. Hope you feel better for the birth of your granddaughter!

Jessica