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What Causes The Stomach To Grow Bigger With History Of Cancer?
My mother has brain cancer and only a few months to live. She is on a number of medications, including steroids and her stomach is getting bigger. I don't think she has been putting out enough and I know she does not drink enough water. She is on anti seizure meds also. What can we do in addition to the stool softeners and laxatives she is already taking. I don't think her body is even digesting these,.
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Cancer is a challenging diagnosis and one should fight it till the end. It is possible that your mother is being given a high dose of systemic steroids to control brain swelling and other symptoms like pain.
Treatment with steroids can lead to several side effects including abdominal distension and retention of fluid. The enlargement of stomach is due to steroid dependent side effects leading to such an appearance.
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration and this might cause kidney ailments. You can provide her with igh calorie liquid diet containing proteins and vitamins. These will be digested easily. Please avoid giving processed foods that might cause constipation. She can be given foods of her choice and at frequent intervals. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
Cancer is a challenging diagnosis and one should fight it till the end. It is possible that your mother is being given a high dose of systemic steroids to control brain swelling and other symptoms like pain.
Treatment with steroids can lead to several side effects including abdominal distension and retention of fluid. The enlargement of stomach is due to steroid dependent side effects leading to such an appearance.
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration and this might cause kidney ailments. You can provide her with igh calorie liquid diet containing proteins and vitamins. These will be digested easily. Please avoid giving processed foods that might cause constipation. She can be given foods of her choice and at frequent intervals. Please do not worry.
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