I was diagnosed with Stage III adencarcinoma rectal cancer in March 2005. I went
through a round radiation and chemo (5FU), a surgery to remove part of
my colon and my entire rectum, and another round of chemo (Oxyplatin).
The treatment was brutal and I spent weeks in the hospital. The
problem now is trying to live a "normal" life with the frequency issue
and also cramping, burning, and often times an overall feeling of being
sick. I have met with nutritionists, dieticians, naturopath, my
oncologist, and my colorectal surgeon. I am now seeing a
gastroenterologist. I desperately need to go to work and cannot even
begin to imagine how that may work out. I have gas issues and some,
but not much, leakage problems, mostly at night. I have tried
EVERYTHING. I have even kept track of food intake for weeks on end.
The gastro doc told me that the frequency issue is common, since bowel
movements now are like "squeezing toothpaste" and takes a lot longer
for someone such as myself to expel all that needs expelling.......
any help on meds, herbal stuff, diet, gas, frequency issues, burning,
stabbing, etc. would be much appreciated. THANK YOU!