I don't want to get too graphic about it, but suffice to say that life with a belly full of Chemo can bring with it some understandable tummy turbulence. So as can be expected, nausea seems like a logical ongoing side effect (which can translate into constipation or diarrhea - come on, which is it? - those seem rather diametrically opposed; talk about covering your bases with a warning). Don't get me wrong, my challenges have been minimal and manageable, so I'm not complaining. My Onc team always is interested in how I'm feeling, if I'm having any debilitating or "stop the chemo" level issues, and they are genuinely concerned about my well-being in the day/days immediately after every treatment - not just the first one after a switch to a new drug. Many new, different chemo drugs that I receive start with a ramping-up process (titration) which involves everything from administering the infusion while I'm in a bed to avoid any issues, to the slow increase of the drug to make sure my body can handle a small dose, and then a larger one - until I achieve the prescribed/desired target amount.
In the midst of all this midriff mayhem, I have stumbled across a rather simple remedy (that admittedly works for moi). On occasions when I do feel some belly bubblings a-brewing, I administer my own proactive, prophylactic, and preventive "prescription" that actually seems to be fairly reliably effective (again - works for me). Steady doses (regularly drinking) cool, clear, water settles my stomach.
I began wondering if this was more than mere coincidence, and perhaps there was some medical truth behind my silly but effective intestinal indigestion intervention, so I did some actual scientific research to back up my anecdotal experiences (well, I asked Mr. Google). get this, it turns out that there is a list that outlines the 7 Drinks That Help Relieve Nausea Quickly. And lo and behold, the #1 suggestion for one of the most reliable ways to relieve nausea is by slowly sipping a glass of ice water. Remember that trip to the hospital when they gave you ice chips to quell your queasiness? It’s the same idea, but at home.
Now I'm not a doctor (I just play one on TV - or actually, I play one at work), but if you can find something/anything that works for you, then go for it. I have come to learn that the body of a cancer patient will tell you what it likes and doesn't like. You can't always do something to change that revelation, but if you listen carefully enough, you can begin to understand patterns in how you react to certain chemo chemicals, and how you can work to help tamp down those abdominal abnormalities - or other related side effects.
