Ovarian & fallopian cancer: Life is hard since bowel resection

I'm sorry to hear that you're having these problems. I don't have any ideas, but I was wondering if the people in the Colorectal Cancer group might have more insight into handling symptoms from your bowel resection.

Welcome, @mmbinnj. Recovery after a bowel resection is often discussed in the colorectal cancer support group, so I added your question to that group as well.

- Colorectal Cancer support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/colorectal-cancer/

This is so rough, especially with the additional complication of c-diff and decal incontinence, not to mention pain. @bbarbiee @virgo1952 @gldmontana may have some tips and experiences to share with you.

Mmbinnj, dealing with these symptoms make time pass very slowly I'm sure. Your body has been and is going through a lot. I hope that time will also help the healing. Is getting the c-difficile under control the priority right now?

I'd like to add my welcome, @ mmbinnj. Your journey has been challenging and difficult and yet you ended your initial posting with a thank you and ❤️ and that's so very kind. I'm sending you positive energy just as you did with your initial post.

In addition to a naturopathic doctor is there an opportunity meet with an Integrative Medicine physician? I've been seeing an Integrative Medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic (Rochester) and in fact have an appointment with her next week. While I don't share your diagnosis or symptoms, my doctor has been most helpful to me especially with nutrition (my diagnosis was endometrial cancer in 2019 and a recurrence in 2021).

I'll share a little anecdote from my consultation with my specialist in Integrative Medicine. While trying to follow the plant-based diet I decided to eat more broccoli which is my favorite vegetable. I developed diarrhea and periods of fecal incontinence. Of course my first thought was cancer. It turns out that was too much fiber for me and when I backed off on the broccoli and ate more varied vegetables on a daily basis the diarrhea cleared up. I share this because it's possible that with a specialist, perhaps the naturopathic physician, you can share what you have been eating and figure out what works best for your digestive system.

How often are getting chemotherapy?

You might also check out https://www.sharecancersupport.org/. They have info webinars, support groups, etc.

I was having problems with sigmoid, and anal pain, my acupuncture did some acupressure and instructed me how to help myself. Major relief. Hope you find something that helps soon. Heart and prayers are with you.

Yes and unfortunately I had a c-diff recurrence- just finished a 2nd round of antibiotics today. Thank you!

Thank you and apologies on the delayed response. I get chemo every 21 days, 2nd infusion 9/11. I def am avoiding all gassy & raw vegetables. I have been keeping a food diary - just hard to know what’s resection, c-diff, chemo, or cancer related.

In my 60s, and starting first round this week, 21 days off for 6 rounds. I’m scared, low tolerance to drugs of any kind. Lost 30 lbs to another issue , so on the skinny side going into this.
And very private, hate that I’ll loose my hair and the people’s response to it. It’s an issue I have to deal with, it’s not me.
Hoping to find others I might be able to speak to, slow with computer, pecking out each letter
Went to naturopaths, gave me a list to help support my body while going through this. From mushrooms, vitamins, and Mediterranean diet.
Anxiety is rising, have to get a walk in. Maybe journal, and write out the yammering in my head.lolThanx to all.

@jodimj Anxiety has been with me as far back as I can remember. It seems it’s just below the surface ready to rise up at the slightest provocation. I’m sharing this to share that I know what the rising tide of anxiety feels like. And that yammering in my head, as you put it. Taking a walk is one of my coping skills where I take the anxiety with me, let it be there, and move my body. This sometimes will help me to “reset” for awhile.

Like you, I’m very private and during my cancer treatment journey I was selective on who to tell. If you do lose your hair I can understand how this will make your life less private. I did not have chemotherapy so hair loss didn’t happen. I had radiation therapy and so I could stay as private as I wished. Do you know that you could lose your hair - is that what your cancer care team shared with you? I’m asking because some meds for chemotherapy do not result in hair loss.

I read your most recent post on the discussion that you started. It looks like the suggestions from @gynosaur42 were very helpful for you and you’ve been able to locate a therapist with a speciality in cancer. I’ve found that being able to say my fears out loud to someone who cares and listens - and doesn’t pepper me with advice or their own stuff - is so calming. Friends and family can be very supportive as they know us best. I hope you have friends and family close by whose loving presence is a source of calm for you.

Please consider doing this for yourself (it’s what I do). Remind yourself that you are perfect just as you are in this moment. You are doing all you can for yourself in the moment.

Will you please keep checking back in here and let me know how you are feeling and how your treatments are going?

Nature Girl

Right on nature girl, I totally agree on the walks and an unbiased ear, plus I don’t like to burden people. I carry folks myself and can feel when they’re doing it as well.
They did tell me I would loose my hair, pretty much after first treatment. Never use any meds other that thyroid and aspirin, pretty sensitive to most. So this whole chemo and anti nausea regime has me quite shook up. Went to a naturopath, he recommended l-glutamine for the chemo induced neuropathy, and mouth sores, however with further reading, it seems it may feed cancer cells. Yikes, have to look into it more. He did recommend a Mediterranean diet, ground flax seeds, b complex, and a few others. If you have any suggestions, I’m open.
I do appreciate you sharing with me, I totally get the privacy thing. I hate it becoming my identity instead of an issue today. … it’s ok if I feel like talking about it, but I still have a life to live today.😂 I want to live it!
Better get out for that walk, thanx again my friend. And I’ll stay in touch as long as your willing, Hugs and healing