Need advise from knowledgeable ones

[JDinNC]

I have been on Yervoy for my melanoma. I've completed three treatments but due to the bad side effects. My doctor and I decided to stopped the treatment. One of the worst effect has been diarrhea where I'm now on day # 11. I've lost 20 lbs since the end of June. There's a long list of effects from the Yervoy. I always do my research regarding treatments but it wasn't until someone here posted immunotherapy trials I notice this. First on the list was a GI trial connected to melanoma and Yervoy.. My major concern is that this treatment destroy the digestive system which might be why there was a trial. I have not been able to eat for weeks due to the pain I experience when I swallow. The nurses were telling me I have thrust and had me use "magic" mouthwash which I would throw up. The P.A. Had me take fluconazole thinking I had a yeast infection. I've taken Imodium, bananas anything to try and stop the diarrhea but nothing has worked. I broke down and Google...diarrhea and learned that my liver is not producing a bile which is to slow down the processing of the food I eat. The moment I try to eat something in less then 5 minutes I have to head to the bathroom. It's like my digestive system is not processing the food and just runs straight through my body. I'm always hungry!!!! I asked my oncologist to check my thyroid, liver and kidney levels which he said were perfect. Having colon cancer and knowing my body is not processing the food Is scaring me.
I'm not sure if I should go to a GI specialist. Would love to hear if others have had anything similar to what's happening to me and what steps you took to solve the problems. I just don't want to have to live with another problem along with these cancers.

Thanks, Jan

[midlifemom]

Have you tried prescription strength lomotil?

[DarknessEmbraced]

I hope that you and your doctors can find something that will stop the diarrhea!*hugs*

[Lee]

Don't have any medical advice, butt cheese can really bulks me up. I have to watch how much I eat or suffer. Maybe something to try if all else fails.

So sorry you are having this problem, hope it gets better soon.

Lee

[Pita]

Marshmellows, bananas and cheese work good for me. Hope your situation changes to the better...

[Bev G]

If you have thrush they should probably be giving you flagyl (anti-fungal) in addition to the magic mouthwash. I think that would help you resolve it. I hope you feel better soon!