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Bowel cancer finished chemo

SarahT1
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  1. Hello I really concerned about my mum she is 74 and was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April, she had her complete bowel removed and a stoma bag. Sgez had several rounds of chemo through the Pic line and also 7 rounds of chemo tablets. Shes done amazing with hardly any symptoms but now 2 weeks since she finished chemo she as become cery tired, exhausted to the point where climbing the stairs makes her tired, her legs are swollen so she is on water tablets. She saw the consultant 2 weeks ago and wasn't concerned. But since then shes got worse no appetite at all, sleeping all the time and heartburn and acid reflux. I am really worried as yesterday she was coughing and coughed up dark brown /black vomit. She rang immediately the rapid response team who told her to take anti sickness and if it happens again to call them. It's not happened again but I scared something is wrong. She's stucking to light meals and the acid reflux /heartburn as gone too. Is it normal for this to happen, not sleeping myself as worried sick. Please advise. Thank you 

  • Hello SarahTaylor and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your mum and the worry that it is causing your family. It is difficult without being involved to be able to comment on her care. Chemotherapy can be exhausting and it can take a while to recover.

    It may be a sensible precaution and for your own peace of mind to make an appointment with her GP. They can assess her, and if necessary do a blood test particularly if she continues to feel breathless.

    if you have any immediate concerns then do get back to the rapid response team or NHS111

    I think it is sensible for her to continue to eat light meals until she feels a bit stronger. If her legs remain swollen then she should try and keep them elevated when she is sitting.

    Try not to worry too much.

    If you would like to ring and discuss any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call. The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Thanks Catherine, really appreciate you getting back to me I know you are busy.  Since I sent the message mums legs have gone down loads but she is still struggling with her appetite, shes hardly eating anything at the minute as its making her sick, think its frightened her as this is how her diagnosis started.  She as lost a lot of weight, since the chemo finished.  She as contacted the rapid response and they have told her to eat little and often, also recommended anti sickness tables and acid re-flux tablets as she is suffering with this too.  Shes so down and low and very teary, feel so helpless as do not know what to do for her.  Hopefully she will get her appetite back and pick up soon.  Think she thought once her chemo had finished she would be almost back to full fitness but that is not the case and shes finding it hard. Is it normal to feel like this after treatment as ended?

  • in reply to SarahT1

    Hello Sarah and thanks for getting back to us again,

    It is good to hear that the swelling in your mum's legs have gone down. Hopefully the medicine will help control the nausea and heartburn. It is very normal to feel low after all the treatment has stopped.

    We have some information on our website about late effects from chemotherapy which you both might find helpful to read. It is completely normal to feel like this after treatment. Your mum has had regular appointments and blood tests and when this stops it is hard to get back to the life your mum had before treatment. There is a certain amount of readjustment managing a stoma and trying to eat when your mum has no appetite.

    Continue to offer small frequent meals. We have several pages on our website on appetite and taste changes.

    Trying to get your mum out for short walks each day so she has a change of scene can help. I am not sure if you have a Maggie's near you, but they have clinical psychologists who your mum may find helpful to talk to.

    You may also find it helpful to look at the CancerCare Map to see what support might be in your area. It is important that your mum talks about how she is feeling. It does take time but hopefully as her appetite returns she will start to feel stronger. Do try and look after yourself. Caring for someone can be exhausting and you need to take breaks yourself.

    You are both very welcome to ring and chat through any of this on our helpline with the nurses. We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm but we are not here on Christmas eve, Christmas day and Boxing day and New Years day. The Freephone number is 0808 800 4040.

    All the very best to you both,

    Catherine

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