Mums chemo halted because of serious diarrhoea

She’s been living with stage four bowel/stomach although actually breast cancer secondaries for about 16 months. She’s been on chemo since May 2023. But it’s been stopped due to severe diarrhoea. 

She can’t see oncologist until May 2 - this seems a long time for her to be off chemo given her diagnosis. 

She’s 83. 

She’s worried that this means the cancer will grow more rapidly. 

I don’t know how to reassure her. The cancer was described as stable a month ago. 

thanks. 

  • Hello lisalou and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry your mum has had to come off her chemotherapy due to side effects. During this time your mum can have the chance to recover from the side effects so the doctor can re-assess her and make a plan of what treatment they may be able to offer her next that won't impact as much on her everyday living.

    If you have any other worries about this time frame for appointments then do call her specialist nurse (CNS) if she has one, or contact someone from her team. But, I think making sure she is eating and drinking well, getting her bowels back to normal, getting good sleep, and managing some gentle exercise will put her in a good place for seeing the team in May.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Sarah.