Diarrhea/Constipation

Many types of chemotherapy (as well as other drugs given with chemotherapy) can cause diarrhea and/or constipation. Like other common effects, diarrhea and constipation depend on the individual and the combination of drugs he or she receives.

Practical tips

If your spouse has diarrhea:

  • Avoid giving him or her foods which may aggravate the problem (such as fruit or spicy foods).

  • Ask the nurses about signs that your spouse is getting dehydrated.

  • If your doctor has prescribed or recommended any medications, follow the instructions and start taking them at the first sign of diarrhea.

If your spouse is constipated:

  • He/she may be prescribed stool softeners and/or laxatives to try to help the situation. Most doctors seem to prefer that their cancer patients have a bowel movement once a day and start to get concerned if itÁs been 2-3 days since they have had a movement. (If the bowel gets seriously obstructed due to constipation, a surgical procedure may be necessary ĺ something no one wants to have to go through on top of cancer!)

  • Ask your spouse about their bowel habits. Although it can be embarrassing, itÁs better to face some embarrassment than wind up with dehydration or a serious bowel obstruction!

  • Stay well-hydrated because dehydration can make constipation worse.