Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

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SMR
Posts: 631
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 1:20 pm

Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby SMR » Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:39 pm

Are stomach cramps a normal side effect of FOLFIRI? If so is there anything that can help? I've read about the possibility of the big D. My DH had his first infusion today and is moaning and groaning with cramps, but no big D.

Any wisdom appreciated
DH DX 10/11 st IV unkown prmry
FFOX 12/11
HIPEC 3/12
FFOX 5/12
7/12 FFIRI
12/12 xeloda
1/13 resection
2/13 FFIRI
4/13 5FU/Avastin
9/13 recurrence, failed surgery
Abdominal fistula
11/13 gemzar, heart attack
12/13 Carbo
2/14 Radiation
3/28/2014 passed

kac
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:08 am
Facebook Username: Kim Annette Carlson
Location: Canada

Re: Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby kac » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:17 pm

I get a shot right before I get my ironitican, I forget what it is called, it is to prevent a major cramp while the infusion is happening. It doesn't stop the big D, that is still a possibility.
"I'm betting that I'm just abnormal enough to survive."

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juliej
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Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2010 12:59 pm

Re: Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby juliej » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:44 pm

Yes, stomach and intestinal cramping are known side-effects of Irinotecan, which is part of Folfiri. Next time ask them to give your DH "atropine" during the infusion. It stops the cramps immediately and prevents them from coming back.
Stage IVb, liver/lung mets 8/4/2010
Xelox+Avastin 8/18/10 to 10/21/2011
LAR, liver resec, HAI pump 11/2011
Adjuvant Irinotecan + FUDR
Double lung surgery + ileo reversal 2/2012
Adjuvant FUDR + Xeloda
VATS rt. lung 12/2012 - benign granuloma!
VATS left lung 11/2013
NED 11/22/13 to 12/18/2019, CEA<1

kac
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:08 am
Facebook Username: Kim Annette Carlson
Location: Canada

Re: Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby kac » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:52 pm

That's it that's what I get, thanks, juliej, it was driving me batty trying to remember.
"I'm betting that I'm just abnormal enough to survive."

SMR
Posts: 631
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 1:20 pm

Re: Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby SMR » Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:05 pm

Thanks for the quick replies! I'm fairly certain they did give him atropine... At least he is resting pretty comfortably right now. If it doesn't subside by morning I guess a call to the office will be in order.
DH DX 10/11 st IV unkown prmry
FFOX 12/11
HIPEC 3/12
FFOX 5/12
7/12 FFIRI
12/12 xeloda
1/13 resection
2/13 FFIRI
4/13 5FU/Avastin
9/13 recurrence, failed surgery
Abdominal fistula
11/13 gemzar, heart attack
12/13 Carbo
2/14 Radiation
3/28/2014 passed

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Ashlee H.
Posts: 2435
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2009 11:50 pm
Location: Southern California

Re: Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby Ashlee H. » Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:20 pm

I got horrible cramps when I first started FOLFIRI. Atrophine was also added to my chemo mix. ONC also gave me some medication for home - all I remember is they were blue capsules. Another thing that helped me was eating soft foods and eating a little something often.
Stage IV w/liver met dx 7-1-09
KRAS Mutant
Member of the HIPECKERS (2011) and OLYMPHIANS (2012)
2/14 - standard chemo has stopped working
3/14 - Stivarga
LIVE LIFE!

michelle c
Posts: 1929
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:58 am

Re: Stomach cramps on FOLFIRI

Postby michelle c » Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:37 am

I did, but not as bad as your hubby. I did have atropine but I thought that that was to "dry things up". My pain was more like indigestion type pain which radiated to my back. Diarrhea wasn't much of a problem for me, but I did get some late onset diarrhea from around my 9th treatment. All the best to your husband, make sure that he lets his onc know.
May 25 2009 Dx with CC (sigmoid colon) 2 days after my 44th b'day
CEA prior to surgery 4.7
Jun 3 2009 LAR - Stage III 3/10 lymph nodes
Jul 6 - Dec 10 2009 - 12 cycles FOLFIRI
Genetic testing - inconclusive for Lynch
Jul 2012 port removed & hernia repair


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