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Suggest Remedy For Bowel Inflammation Post Chemotherapy For Colon Cancer
Question: Bowel inflammation and very slight blockage during chemo for metastic colon cancer . Not able to eat what can be the issue ?
Brief Answer:
Few possibilities might have to be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. I hope your father is otherwise keeping well except for the problems mentioned in your query.
2. There are certain conditions in which we see variable bowel inflammation during chemotherapy.
3. There might be secondary infection as a result of which there is some amount of bowel inflammation.
4. Possibility of chemotherapy agents causing irritation of the bowel wall might also stimulate an inflammation.
5. Some patients also have paralytic ileus which is a condition in which there is functional symptoms of pseudo obstruction in the absence of actual blockage in the bowel.
6. It is important the we discuss his exact problems in detail.
7. It will help to know what are the foods he is unable to take and if his general condition is maintained well. Giving liquid feed rich in proteins might help if he is refusing solids.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Few possibilities might have to be considered.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. I hope your father is otherwise keeping well except for the problems mentioned in your query.
2. There are certain conditions in which we see variable bowel inflammation during chemotherapy.
3. There might be secondary infection as a result of which there is some amount of bowel inflammation.
4. Possibility of chemotherapy agents causing irritation of the bowel wall might also stimulate an inflammation.
5. Some patients also have paralytic ileus which is a condition in which there is functional symptoms of pseudo obstruction in the absence of actual blockage in the bowel.
6. It is important the we discuss his exact problems in detail.
7. It will help to know what are the foods he is unable to take and if his general condition is maintained well. Giving liquid feed rich in proteins might help if he is refusing solids.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He was on chemo as you know . This was cea
Round 1-80
Round 2-55
Round 3-40
Scan was done shows 0.9cm increase in liver met ( largest one ) and 3 peritoneal nodules instead of 4.
But the 4 tiny liver mets of 1cm in march scan is not mentioned in this scan.
They saying ct shows bowel inflammtion and had fever too . Fever now under control as on antibiotic .
Plus ct showed slight bowel block they said bowel rest af ng tube but he refusing ng tube .is cancer by making him eat ?
Round 1-80
Round 2-55
Round 3-40
Scan was done shows 0.9cm increase in liver met ( largest one ) and 3 peritoneal nodules instead of 4.
But the 4 tiny liver mets of 1cm in march scan is not mentioned in this scan.
They saying ct shows bowel inflammtion and had fever too . Fever now under control as on antibiotic .
Plus ct showed slight bowel block they said bowel rest af ng tube but he refusing ng tube .is cancer by making him eat ?
Brief Answer:
Chemotherapy seems to be working but strict care of bowel infection needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Glad to know that CEA is showing a decreasing trend. Hope it continues through the fourth cycle of chemotherapy.
2. A 0.9 cm increase is a small measure and this shows that the chemo has stabilized his disease to some extent. The peritoneal nodules increasing from 3 to 4 requires to be seen on images but it is not something too significant.
3. The 4 tiny liver metastasis might have become smaller or the radiologist did not consider them large enough to be commented up on.
4. I had suspected that he might have developed some king of bowel infection due to his low immune status. I think the infection itself has caused the bowel wall thickening. It is unlikely to be due to the chemotherapy. An infection might also present as a partial block in some patients.
5. The feeding problem is slowly developing to a great concern and I am also worried about it. On one side we have a response to chemotherapy, however small it is, but then the effort goes down the drain if he does not eat and bowel infection has manifested. It takes just a few days for an infection to spread violently to other organs and this can get dangerous.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Chemotherapy seems to be working but strict care of bowel infection needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Glad to know that CEA is showing a decreasing trend. Hope it continues through the fourth cycle of chemotherapy.
2. A 0.9 cm increase is a small measure and this shows that the chemo has stabilized his disease to some extent. The peritoneal nodules increasing from 3 to 4 requires to be seen on images but it is not something too significant.
3. The 4 tiny liver metastasis might have become smaller or the radiologist did not consider them large enough to be commented up on.
4. I had suspected that he might have developed some king of bowel infection due to his low immune status. I think the infection itself has caused the bowel wall thickening. It is unlikely to be due to the chemotherapy. An infection might also present as a partial block in some patients.
5. The feeding problem is slowly developing to a great concern and I am also worried about it. On one side we have a response to chemotherapy, however small it is, but then the effort goes down the drain if he does not eat and bowel infection has manifested. It takes just a few days for an infection to spread violently to other organs and this can get dangerous.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Here I attach the part of report re bowel issue he's been on antibiotic 1.5 weeks what best treatment ?
Is this causing him to not want to eat ?
Is this causing him to not want to eat ?
Brief Answer:
Antibiotics have to be given
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The reports point at two possibilities, lack of blood supply to the bowel or an infection.
2. Since he is not is severe pain and did not require hospitalization, therefore infection is a more possible diagnosis.
3. Infections make the person weak and refuse feeds. Antibiotics are a must to treat an infection. I guess this has happened with your father. You must slowly try to give him foods that he likes and sill not recurs.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Antibiotics have to be given
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The reports point at two possibilities, lack of blood supply to the bowel or an infection.
2. Since he is not is severe pain and did not require hospitalization, therefore infection is a more possible diagnosis.
3. Infections make the person weak and refuse feeds. Antibiotics are a must to treat an infection. I guess this has happened with your father. You must slowly try to give him foods that he likes and sill not recurs.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He is in hospital as had abdominal pain too and fever . On iv antibiotic and fluids .
But main issue food .
How else can this b treated ? They did a ct agsin which showed a slight blockage . Could a ng tube help this and appetite ?
Can this appetite issue b the cancer ?although the cancer seems to have improved bit to before
But main issue food .
How else can this b treated ? They did a ct agsin which showed a slight blockage . Could a ng tube help this and appetite ?
Can this appetite issue b the cancer ?although the cancer seems to have improved bit to before
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The NG tube is meant to provide nutrition by means of liquid food given through a tube that reaches the stomach directly. There is no vomiting and regurgitation and therefore the patient is unable to throw up.
2. Giving the NG tube will not increase appetite and is a method of passively giving nutrition to patient who refuse to eat or for some reason cannot swallow. Doctors might also try and give parenteral nutrition if required. In this method nutrients such as glucose, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals are given through the veins.
3. Right now the bowel infection requires treatment and as doctors have told you, easily digestible recommended diet has to be given for quick healing of the infection. The appetite being low is because of the stress he is under due to cancer and chemotherapy. It is not due to the cancer alone.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The NG tube is meant to provide nutrition by means of liquid food given through a tube that reaches the stomach directly. There is no vomiting and regurgitation and therefore the patient is unable to throw up.
2. Giving the NG tube will not increase appetite and is a method of passively giving nutrition to patient who refuse to eat or for some reason cannot swallow. Doctors might also try and give parenteral nutrition if required. In this method nutrients such as glucose, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals are given through the veins.
3. Right now the bowel infection requires treatment and as doctors have told you, easily digestible recommended diet has to be given for quick healing of the infection. The appetite being low is because of the stress he is under due to cancer and chemotherapy. It is not due to the cancer alone.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks . He feels all gassy a lot . Air was noted on ct. Plus still kind of nausea , he ok with bit soup etc but nothing solid and don't wel like eating . On antibiotic 1.5 weeks now and fever is ok now .
What's best option for bit blockage? They said ng tube
In relation to cancer :
4 liver mets of 1cm have gone
1 peri nodule has gone
But largest liver met 0.9mm increase
So now 3 mets in live and 3 on peritoneal . But could the cancer b getting bad even though there's a response ? In worried that y he not eating . U lose apprleite in cancer right
What's best option for bit blockage? They said ng tube
In relation to cancer :
4 liver mets of 1cm have gone
1 peri nodule has gone
But largest liver met 0.9mm increase
So now 3 mets in live and 3 on peritoneal . But could the cancer b getting bad even though there's a response ? In worried that y he not eating . U lose apprleite in cancer right
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The gassy feeling is probably because he has been on empty stomach for most of the time. Let him take liquids like soup and juices. Solids can be given after he gets better on the recommendation of the treating doctor.
2. This infection looks like slightly severe and sufficient time is to be allowed to heal well. Th NG tube was probably to provide more rest to the bowel and give a generous nutrition to him in a way he cant refuse.
3. The best solution for the bowel infection will be to give him juices and soups which do not cause bowel irritation and contain nutrients. It depends on his acceptance to take such foods. If he is unable to have oral intake then force feeding though NG tube might help.
4. Till now the cancer was progressing fast but after the chemotherapy there is response to treatment. In some areas the cancer volume has decreased while at one place it has minimally increased. In every possibility the cancer is under control right now.
5. Chemotherapy itself is a stressful event and might cause loss of appetite. It is not the cancer but the chemotherapy has made him weak and reduced appetite. Cancer causes loss of appetite but here we also have a recent history of chemotherapy which has added to his weakness.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The gassy feeling is probably because he has been on empty stomach for most of the time. Let him take liquids like soup and juices. Solids can be given after he gets better on the recommendation of the treating doctor.
2. This infection looks like slightly severe and sufficient time is to be allowed to heal well. Th NG tube was probably to provide more rest to the bowel and give a generous nutrition to him in a way he cant refuse.
3. The best solution for the bowel infection will be to give him juices and soups which do not cause bowel irritation and contain nutrients. It depends on his acceptance to take such foods. If he is unable to have oral intake then force feeding though NG tube might help.
4. Till now the cancer was progressing fast but after the chemotherapy there is response to treatment. In some areas the cancer volume has decreased while at one place it has minimally increased. In every possibility the cancer is under control right now.
5. Chemotherapy itself is a stressful event and might cause loss of appetite. It is not the cancer but the chemotherapy has made him weak and reduced appetite. Cancer causes loss of appetite but here we also have a recent history of chemotherapy which has added to his weakness.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He's been in hospital nearly 2 weeks nw but fever down and pain down now .
Ct showed severe inflammtion and flight blockage . He having bit soup
And juices only It's been 2 weeks now - would he not feel like eating ?
He feel sick and all gassy when puts food in like solid food .
He had bowel
Rest 1 day .
Last chemo was 3 wks ago .even though cance bit stable, can it b making him not eat?
Ct showed severe inflammtion and flight blockage . He having bit soup
And juices only It's been 2 weeks now - would he not feel like eating ?
He feel sick and all gassy when puts food in like solid food .
He had bowel
Rest 1 day .
Last chemo was 3 wks ago .even though cance bit stable, can it b making him not eat?
Brief Answer:
Multiple factors responsible for his refusal to eat
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. There is more than one cause for his loss of appetite. It is not because of one particular reason but many factors which are at play as below
(i) The cancer itself can cause generalized weakness and loss of appetite.
(ii) Chemotherapy is a stressful period and since he has taken 3 cycles till now and though the chemotherapy is working however some of the nausea and decreased appetite might be due to this.
(iii) The immunity in a cancer patient getting treatment is low and this has made him vulnerable to the bowel infection. The infection was bacterial in nature and caused release of toxins which added to his poor health and loss of appetite.
2. He is physically too weak right now and the bowel infection started healing. Such an infection might take at least 15 days or more to show signs of recovery. Most people are comfortable with liquid foods when recovering from bowel infection. Solid foods can cause more irritation and sometimes it might also be psychological.
3. The bowel rest was to stabilize the infection and promote healing. It is not one factor like the cancer but a combination of situations which is making him averse towards solid foods at present.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Multiple factors responsible for his refusal to eat
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. There is more than one cause for his loss of appetite. It is not because of one particular reason but many factors which are at play as below
(i) The cancer itself can cause generalized weakness and loss of appetite.
(ii) Chemotherapy is a stressful period and since he has taken 3 cycles till now and though the chemotherapy is working however some of the nausea and decreased appetite might be due to this.
(iii) The immunity in a cancer patient getting treatment is low and this has made him vulnerable to the bowel infection. The infection was bacterial in nature and caused release of toxins which added to his poor health and loss of appetite.
2. He is physically too weak right now and the bowel infection started healing. Such an infection might take at least 15 days or more to show signs of recovery. Most people are comfortable with liquid foods when recovering from bowel infection. Solid foods can cause more irritation and sometimes it might also be psychological.
3. The bowel rest was to stabilize the infection and promote healing. It is not one factor like the cancer but a combination of situations which is making him averse towards solid foods at present.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Will food issue get better u think ?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Right now there is a delicate balance that is keeping things together. I mean given two more weeks, if he is able to have a strong mind and beat the bowel infection then there are chances that he will start eating semisolids slowly and make a near complete recovery from the bowel infection.
2. We have a bowel infection which is being treated since last two weeks and the symptoms of infection have disappeared. It is difficult to think about giving him solid foods right now besides his complete refusal to have these feeds.
3. In conclusion, the next two weeks are important to watch and might be he can start eating semisolid foods in about a week or two if he is able to come out of the infection. This infection is a serious concern right now.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Right now there is a delicate balance that is keeping things together. I mean given two more weeks, if he is able to have a strong mind and beat the bowel infection then there are chances that he will start eating semisolids slowly and make a near complete recovery from the bowel infection.
2. We have a bowel infection which is being treated since last two weeks and the symptoms of infection have disappeared. It is difficult to think about giving him solid foods right now besides his complete refusal to have these feeds.
3. In conclusion, the next two weeks are important to watch and might be he can start eating semisolid foods in about a week or two if he is able to come out of the infection. This infection is a serious concern right now.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What I don't understand is the fever and pain are gone . Only food is the issue. Can bowel
Inflammation cause this to food ? Plus h has a slight blockage they r sayin
Inflammation cause this to food ? Plus h has a slight blockage they r sayin
Brief Answer:
Healing is taking longer due to his lower immunity
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The problem is his immunity is low and the healing it taking time.
2. There is a possibility that the inner lining of bowel wall was involved by the infection and was badly affected.
3. Healing in a normal person takes about a week and because of his lower immunity, it can take much longer. From what I remember, he had the eating problem even last month before the bowel infection and that seems to be continuing.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Healing is taking longer due to his lower immunity
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The problem is his immunity is low and the healing it taking time.
2. There is a possibility that the inner lining of bowel wall was involved by the infection and was badly affected.
3. Healing in a normal person takes about a week and because of his lower immunity, it can take much longer. From what I remember, he had the eating problem even last month before the bowel infection and that seems to be continuing.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes the eating issue
Started since chemo . And gone worse since he on hosp with bowel inflammation .
So u don't think the cancer is worse and causing this or that he getting worse with the cancer ?
Started since chemo . And gone worse since he on hosp with bowel inflammation .
So u don't think the cancer is worse and causing this or that he getting worse with the cancer ?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. During chemotherapy, most patients experience a state of generalized weakness and lack of appetite.
2. Your father also had the above experiences and he started refusing feed. The immunity was also low at that time. The bacterial infection was the outcome of the poor ability of his body to fight disease.
3. I feel that there is an ongoing battle which started with chemotherapy. The battle against the cancer. The cancer has been suppressed to some extent but his lower immune status has evolved and that caused a favorable environment for bowel infection to start.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. During chemotherapy, most patients experience a state of generalized weakness and lack of appetite.
2. Your father also had the above experiences and he started refusing feed. The immunity was also low at that time. The bacterial infection was the outcome of the poor ability of his body to fight disease.
3. I feel that there is an ongoing battle which started with chemotherapy. The battle against the cancer. The cancer has been suppressed to some extent but his lower immune status has evolved and that caused a favorable environment for bowel infection to start.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
U think he may just not eat now ?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Right now he is refusing feeds for the last month.
2. In this situation we cannot expect him to start eating normally once again.
3. He is extremely weak physically as well as emotionally. Perhaps once the infection gets treated completely, he might have a desire to eat. This might take another two weeks if everything is on the better side.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Right now he is refusing feeds for the last month.
2. In this situation we cannot expect him to start eating normally once again.
3. He is extremely weak physically as well as emotionally. Perhaps once the infection gets treated completely, he might have a desire to eat. This might take another two weeks if everything is on the better side.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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