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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chronic Constipation And Diarrhea While Suffering From Breast Cancer?

I am a hospice nurse and have a patient that has breast cancer with mets to the pleura, pericardium and the lungs, has dealt with severe constipation for 10 years of battling her disease, when I took her on she was severely impacted, we have done colon cleanses, suppositories, enemas, and she is n a lengthly bowel regimen of linzess, miralax, and senna-s and still has episodes of severe diarrhea/constipation, bloating, gas and severe abdominal pain, gastro enterologist states she is problably still impacted can you suggest anything to get her comfort.
posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015
Twitter Tue, 22 Sep 2020 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 25 Sep 2020 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

Recurrent constipation with diarrhea indicate possible issues as:
- Gut motility disorders
- Alterations in gut flora at major levels
- Side effect of chemotherapeutic drug regimen or oral anti cancer drugs such as Trastanuzumab or others
- Less mobility
- Co-morbid conditions such as diabetes
- Lack of hydration, fiber content in meals

However, a check colonoscopy is must in this matter before commenting further guidelines. If severely impacted at present, manual evacuation of stool with gloves on hand is best tool to relieve her at your best.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
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What Causes Chronic Constipation And Diarrhea While Suffering From Breast Cancer?

Hello, Recurrent constipation with diarrhea indicate possible issues as: - Gut motility disorders - Alterations in gut flora at major levels - Side effect of chemotherapeutic drug regimen or oral anti cancer drugs such as Trastanuzumab or others - Less mobility - Co-morbid conditions such as diabetes - Lack of hydration, fiber content in meals However, a check colonoscopy is must in this matter before commenting further guidelines. If severely impacted at present, manual evacuation of stool with gloves on hand is best tool to relieve her at your best. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon