Chemotherapy and Your Ostomy

By Donna Pennington - via The New Outlook, Chicago

If your are taking chemotherapy agents, you should be aware of the many ways these may affect your body. Listed below are a few of the common side effects of chemo that an ostomy patient should be aware of in case they affect you.

Stomatitis is an inflammation that may develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. It may appear as white ulcers in your mouth, on your stoma or elsewhere in your GI tract. You must be very careful in caring for your stoma, using care in gentle removal of the barrier. (Faceplate) Use plain tap water to cleanse the peristomal skin and the stoma.

Dematitis is an inflammation of the skin. Skin reactions are worse when you are on chemo. Therefore, if leakage occurs, change your ostomy system as soon as possible. Again, cleanse your skin with tap water only; rinsing it very gently--there is usually no dirt under your barrier, so intensive cleaning is never necessary. (Ed’s Note: unless you have had stool undermining there).You want to look for areas of increased redness, weeping areas or red rash that may have a white head on it. If the skin is open or you identify a rash, see you ostomy nurse.

Dehydration is a big risk. You will also lose important body minerals---electrolytes--like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. If a person with a colostomy develops diarrhea, discontinue irrigations--if this is you normal routine. You will want to eat foods that slow the bowel down, e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, tapioca pudding or yogurt. You should call your doctor immediately if diarrhea continues for more than a few hours and you are losing body weight. He/she will probably suggest a visit to the emergency room for a body chemistry workup and IV fluids.

Constipation is on the other end of the spectrum. Some chemo agents may cause constipation. If this occurs, call your doctor. He/She may want to give you a laxative or stool softener.

(Ed’s Note: Do NOT take anything for this, on you own....!!!)

Remember to increase your fluid and fiber intake if you are constipated.

Chemotherapy can be taxing on you. Nutrition and rest are essential.

Do your routine stoma care when you are well rested.

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CHEMOTHERAPY HINTS

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