I will be starting my first round tomorrow for newly diagnosed stage II multiple myeloma. What kind of diarrhea comes from VRD (Velcade, Revlimid, dexamethasone) / RVD chemo? Is it just that the stools are liquid? Or is it the explosive, gassy kind?
The reason I ask I is that I have had diverticulosis in all parts of the colon for 20 years now. If I get an explosive, gassy bowel movement, it often irritates and flares up the diverticuli and often results in a diverticulitis infection. That is my biggest fear of infection.
Is there anything anyone recommends to avoid this?
I also have to very carefully avoid constipation for the same reasons. I'm hoping my usual care for avoiding that is allowed and will work.
Forums
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heddleandhook - Name: heddleandhook
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 68
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
Although it can be a side effect of the VRD treatment, I do not know that it is that big of a problem. My husband had the exact opposite. He was constipated from it and had to add Senokot to the mix of meds he was taking to remain comfortable.
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Melanie - Name: Melanie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
I was not affected by diarrhea when I took VRD for about 5 months. The dexamethasone did make me constipated for a day two after I took it, though.
I'm now on Revlimid and dex for maintenance and, even at low doses, the dex causes me to be slightly constipated. I try to take a little more fiber supplement on my dex days.
I'm now on Revlimid and dex for maintenance and, even at low doses, the dex causes me to be slightly constipated. I try to take a little more fiber supplement on my dex days.
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DallasGG - Name: Kent
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 6/20/2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
I had weekly Velcade, Cytoxan and dex, but not Revlimid. Gave me watery and gassy diarrhea the next day only. It was manageable, no pain, and I often went shopping or to lunch on that day anyway. If I worked on the yard, I just had to take a few toilet breaks.
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Mister Dana - Name: Mister Dana
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
Thank you all.
Guess the SE list on the med info sheets just cover all possibilities.
Guess the SE list on the med info sheets just cover all possibilities.
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heddleandhook - Name: heddleandhook
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 68
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
I also have the opposite, pretty substantial constipation.
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heatherlib - Name: heather
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: may 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
I started RVD January 22, Day 1, Day 8, and Day 15 off. So 2 weeks on and one 1 week off. I will start 3rd cycle March 6th.
I have not had any side effects. I do drink about 2 liters of water and eat a vegetarian diet. I think all the water and vegetables keeps the constipation away. I put fruit and vegetables in my morning smoothie just to get the extra liquid and vegetables. I also exercise everyday.
I have not had any side effects. I do drink about 2 liters of water and eat a vegetarian diet. I think all the water and vegetables keeps the constipation away. I put fruit and vegetables in my morning smoothie just to get the extra liquid and vegetables. I also exercise everyday.
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mary dahl
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
On Velcade I had both types of diarrhea with severe constipation in between. One time I went 8 days without a bowel movement. I managed it with over the counter remedies. Long after Velcade was discontinued and I was just on R/D, I developed severe gut pain and diarrhea. A drug called Colestipol stopped it immediately. No diarrhea since November.
Bob
Bob
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
For myself: I've been on Velcade, Revlimid and Pomalyst + cyclophosphamide – though not all at the same time. I've never had an upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, stomach pain or gut discomfort of any kind.
Other people's reaction to drugs won't predict yours, and anyway, you know more about dealing with your condition (diverticulosis).
Are you able to ask your doctor about this, or a nurse? People like me, your fellow travelers, we can tell you about our experience and what has worked for us, but we can't know what's best for you (you already know more than we do, about your situation).
Here's my (non-medical) advice:
Nick
Vancouver CA
Other people's reaction to drugs won't predict yours, and anyway, you know more about dealing with your condition (diverticulosis).
Are you able to ask your doctor about this, or a nurse? People like me, your fellow travelers, we can tell you about our experience and what has worked for us, but we can't know what's best for you (you already know more than we do, about your situation).
Here's my (non-medical) advice:
- Ask a doctor or nurse (someone who knows your case) how to deal with diarrhea as a side effect of your cancer meds, IF it arises.
- Let go of worry, as best you can.
- Don't borrow trouble before it finds you. Maybe you won't get diarrhea at all.
Nick
Vancouver CA
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wovenlander - Name: Nick
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: What kind of diarrhea do you get with VRD?
My husband was diagnosed in August of 2014. He has been through the VRD routine and is in remission. What a blessing.
He had some constipation, but controlled that with Miralax,
Good luck,
Nancy (Jerry's wife)
He had some constipation, but controlled that with Miralax,
Good luck,
Nancy (Jerry's wife)
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Anonymous
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