grannydee -- Thanks for your reply.
Right now I feel as if I'm making some progress in sorting out what works to alleviate BAM/BAD since that is probably my most distressing complaint right now. The recommendation for a higher fiber diet is rather the reverse of the diet I've been getting. Fingers crossed that this change does bring some reliable lasting relief. Again, I'd like to stress that I've learned about this condition online, and haven't had any help yet from any sources within my university health-care system. I don't think the expertise exists within this particular institution.
Of course, in some ways, I'm my own worst enemy, in falling prey to self-sabotage! I do think that "falling off the wagon" when it comes to following a strict diet is more complicated than a lack of willpower. In my case there are issues of various cravings (how long does it take drinking plain water, before a craving for salt materializes; what happens when your doc advises use of Lite Salt because of "chemo feet" [and shins] &/or venous insufficiency following a course of gemcitabine - abraxane. I have to say I do blame my first oncologist who neglected to say anything about this routine complications, which can be prevented / alleviated in many cases. So, yes, I have anger issues, in addition to other stressors (an isolated life out in the "sticks") that are currently poorly-managed.
On this trip, I am often reminded that western medicine as practiced in the US tends to compartmentalize symptom management and lean heavily in the direction of pharmaceutical treatment. Having noticed that when one symptom starts to become prominent, others do too, I'm beginning to wonder if the POV of one of my wise friends isn't "spot on" -- that we need to be treated as a whole, not in bits & pieces.