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  • 1.  Having Problems

    Posted 03-24-2025 10:18
    Good morning
    I am recovering from a second round of Ovarian Cancer, having part of my colon removed. Received my first bout of Chemo last week, and having indigestion problems which is rather painful. I haven't read any articles regarding this problem, have others had this? 
    I am hungry but eating is not comfortable, any suggestions? Gone back to a liquid diet  hoping this will ease the pain.
    Sheilah (Sidney B.C.)


  • 2.  RE: Having Problems

    Posted 03-25-2025 17:35

    @4grandchildren it is possible to experience some digestive issues, especially if you are having part of your colon removed. Have you had a chance to discuss these symptoms and challenges with your medical team? You can ask about any recommendations or direction on specific foods (e.g., low fiber) while your system has a chance to recover. I hope things ease up for you, as I know gut issues are very uncomfortable.




  • 3.  RE: Having Problems

    Posted 03-27-2025 18:02

    Hello, @4grandchildren

    So sorry that you are going through a second round and that you are having digestive problems...  I haven't gone through what you're going through, but here are some ideas.  I've had excellent advice from a dietitian.  I'm fortunate enough to have insurance that covers (most of) the cost, but from what I understand, oncology clinics might have dietitians, too.  I first saw a dietitian years ago when diagnosed with Crohn's, and that was the best thing I did.  (She was so much more helpful than the doctors!) I saw a dietitian again recently after a partial bowel obstruction, which brought back some of the food fears I had after my surgery.  One thing I learned from her is to drink Sperri (https://www.sperri.ca/), which is a meal replacement drink (although she recommends it as a snack, rather than meal).  It doesn't taste terrible, it's low-fiber (but the chocolate--the best-tasting--has a tiny bit more fiber), it's plant-based, and it doesn't have nearly as much sugar as Boost, Ensure, etc. Sometimes I put it in smoothies to make a full meal.

    I hope you can find some things that work for you.




  • 4.  RE: Having Problems

    Posted 04-01-2025 13:57

    @4grandchildren   Welcome to our site.  Your issues with indigestion could solely be from the chemo and may not be either.  You have gone back to a liquid diet which is good and the first part of a low residue diet which should help the indigestion.  If you are looking at low residue diet, type it in the search bar and it should come up with a list of things you can and cannot eat in various stages of where you are with the indigestion.  It can be limiting but has saved me many times. Along with following what the doctor says regarding medications to take at the same time.  I suffer from partial bowel blockages that are usually brought on by a poor food choice on my part but man did it taste good at the time.  It leads me  into nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating with abdominal pain. It usually takes me a few days to come out of it and get back on track.  I have just finished having a bout of it and am watching my diet again.  I am in the semi-solid versions of it where I eat safe foods like eggs, applesauce, cottage cheese, grilled cheese, etc.  I have had to find my safe foods and stick to them when I get like this.  Eating is the biggest challenge I have these days and cooking for the family at the same time.  Tonight I am making them a frittata (which I should be able to have) with some shake and bake chicken (which I should be able to have) as well.  It is always a wait and see how my body will react type of thing anymore.  Some days it is harder to determine what to make them for dinner and I choose to have something very safe for myself instead.  Hopefully following a low residue diet will help you as well. Limiting as it is, it is worth it when I look at the pain and discomfort I get into when I have an episode from not eating the right things.  I hope this helps you and gives you some food for thought to be able to eat without pain and discomfort.  Hoping you can start to have more than a liquid diet soon and add some food to your diet instead.  Eggs are usually a safe bet for me when I am transitioning and usually do not cause any issues.  

    If you are looking for articles to read, type in low residue diet, partial bowel obstruction, etc in the search bar and I am positive you will find some articles to read regarding it. Wishing you the best of luck with your eating as it can be difficult to navigate as we continue with our journeys. Take care and know you are not alone in this fight of yours with food.  Gosh there is so much food I miss eating but it totally isn't worth the agony I go through if I were to eat it.  Chat soon. 




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