For the first several weeks after reversal, the flood gates were full open. So I was taking 1 or 2 immodium to try and slow things down a bit. Seemed to help for the most part. Now that things have calmed down a lot more, I will only take an odd immodium or two once or twice a week if I get a bit of...

My oncologist prescribed 50 mg of Amitriptyline daily along with Neurontin for my neuropathy.

Really sorry to hear that you're having such a tough time post reversal but I'm afraid a lot of it is considered normal. My tumor was rather low down as well, and I was told nothing would ever be the same. I'd just have to prepare for a "new" normal. I dealt with all the same issues - the ...

I usually felt pretty good the first day of each chemo cycle, so if I had time I'd eat a decent breakfast of cereal, a bagel, and some yogurt. If I was too rushed to eat at home, then I'd have juice, coffee, and some snacks at the infusion center. Around noon, I'd always have lunch brought in by fri...

While I had my temporary ileostomy, I did avoid eating fruits and vegetables with seeds in them. Also avoided peels and skins as well.

Now, that I've had my reversal I've been eating pretty much whatever I want. Have had zucchini, yellow squash, and strawberries - all without any problems.

That does sound like a really long time unless the tests are performed at some far off outsourced location. Even then, they should be able to email results back and forth quickly. Guess I've been lucky and have had pretty quick service. My original colonoscopy was done on a Tuesday afternoon and the...

Although they are certainly important, I'm not sure that blood counts are the real issue. My surgeon explained to me that the residual chemo in your body can inhibit the healing process. So, to be safe he wanted to allow time for the effects of chemo to lessen.

Is this surgeon a specialist in colorectal surgery? Think I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion here. My surgeon wouldn't even consider surgery until 8 weeks after I'd finish chemo - at the very least. Before my 1st surgery I was in so much pain, I begged him to do the surgery asap. But he wouldn't budge...

I finished FOLFOX in July of last year and the neuropathy started worsening about 2 months later. It's still here constantly, although for some reason it seems worse at night. My oncologist upped my prescription of Gabapentin to 1800mg a day plus 50mg of Amitriptyline. Also taking vitamin B-6 daily....

I would agree - at least in theory - that physicians at teaching hospitals are more current on the latest research, treatments, etc. due to the fact that many serve multiple roles. My oncologist at Georgetown's Lombardy Cancer Center performs research and teaches at the medical school as well. On th...

I also finished FOLFOX last July and have been experiencing some joint pain ever since. Of course, this awful winter hasn't helped at all. I've felt it the most in my knees and left hip.

I went 8 rounds of FOLFOX and my neuropathy really didn't get bad until 8 weeks after I finished chemo. During chemo, the cold sensitivity and neuropathy would come and go. Now it's come back and doesn't show any sign of leaving. My oncologist prescribed Neurontin and suggested vitamin B12, but neit...

I'd say definitely attend the survivor's group once, see what you think, then make a decision afterwards. I was indifferent at first but finally started attending weekly group meetings at The Gathering Place in Cleveland every Tuesday. It has been such a tremendous help to hear from and talk to peop...

When my mouth was so incredibly sore during chemo, I was told the key thing is to avoid mouthwash with any alcohol in it. I've used the Biotene mouthwash for times when I have dry mouth, but for just general use I've been using Tom's of Maine mouthwash which contains no alcohol. I also tried the sal...

I had the same effect after my 7th and 8th chemo sessions. My mouth constantly had this metallic taste to it which pretty much ruined the flavors of anything else I ate. First I tried brushing my teeth and gargling with mouthwash before every meal, but that didn't help much. Did find some foods that...