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Irinatican side effects for pancreatic cancer recurrence

Posted by joannc63 @joannc63, Mar 19, 2023

Hi Everyone. I had my first chemo on 2/27 for my pancreatic cancer recurrence. I noticed around 3/13 that my abdomen was getting bloated and distended. A few days after that my hair started falling out. I read that Irinotecan can cause abdominal bloating (chemo belly). Has anyone else had this side effect from chemo before? I am also on 5 FU but I didn't read that chemo belly was a side effect of that. Thank you for your feedback.
JoAnn C.

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marcia | @marciak9 | Mar 19, 2023

They had to stop the Irronotican because I was having an allergic reaction. Chemo’s been a little easier now. my belly is very distended, but I’m sure it’s the gas and bloating from pancreatic cancer.

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joannc63 | @joannc63 | Mar 19, 2023

Thank you for your feedback. I'll see my oncologist tomorrow and see if there's something I can take for the stomach distention since it us very uncomfortable.

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ken240 | @ken240 | Mar 20, 2023

I just finished 12 cycles of Folferinox after distal pancreatectomy, and my digestive system has changed. I experienced heartburn, GERD, and bloating after each treatment, and I have to eat smaller portions of meals (6 small meals rather than 3 large meals). I regularly take Omeprazole (oncologist prescribed this) plus OTC antacids, simethicone, and Beano. It usually works. I hope this information is a little helpful. Best wishes.

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1 reply
joannc63 | @joannc63 | Mar 20, 2023

Thank you for your feedback.

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maedanosetchan | @maedanosetchan | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @ken240 "I just finished 12 cycles of Folferinox after distal pancreatectomy, and my digestive system has changed...." + (show)
@ken240

I just finished 12 cycles of Folferinox after distal pancreatectomy, and my digestive system has changed. I experienced heartburn, GERD, and bloating after each treatment, and I have to eat smaller portions of meals (6 small meals rather than 3 large meals). I regularly take Omeprazole (oncologist prescribed this) plus OTC antacids, simethicone, and Beano. It usually works. I hope this information is a little helpful. Best wishes.

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Thank you so much for the info. I just finished my 3rd infusion. I started having heartburn, GERD, dry mouth, and esophagus issues from infusion this time. Luckily, these issues kind of went away the 2nd week, but now I know the other people have gas issues too.

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joannc63 | @joannc63 | Mar 20, 2023

Thank you for the feedback. I saw my oncologist today and she said my swollen abdomen is Ascities from the cancer. I go back to the hospital this Wednesday to get the fluid drained from my abdomen. I'll keep forging on and hope for the best. I am going to call Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston tomorrow to make an appointment to talk about any clinical trials I may be eligible for. My oncologist told me she will send them a referral and my records. So thats my next step.
Thank you again for your feedback and take care.
JoAnn C.

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