Bowel Obstructions

I am an 18 year survivor (stage1C  epetheiliel cell).  Am now in chemo ,topetecan for a 4th recurrence.
The partial bowel obstructions are coming closer and closer. Sometimes 1 time a week and sometimes 2X week or every other week.
Pain is great with a great deal of nausea but it's rare I throw up, and if I do it's clear saliva.
I am 81 years old and realize there is no cure for me.
My last CA125 showed a 2 point decrease and an internal shows a lessening of the tumor. I am sensitive to CA125.
I use Miro Lax for constipation and have daily bowel movements .
When I do have pain I take 2 vicoden  500mg tabs and sleep and  hope to ride it out.
Do you have any suggestions as to avoidance of  this obstruction?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Lalasmid,

Thank you for your question. I am so sorry for your suffering.
The partial bowel obstruction of recurrent ovarian cancer is a huge problem. It sounds like you are managing yourself very well. Here are some other suggestions:

-frequent small meals
-careful, constant hydration (sip on some fluid - water, Gatorade, soup - all the time)
-avoid carbonated beverages
-avoid all nuts and skins of vegetables and seeds
-avoid complex, raw vegetables such as broccoli
-if you are having an episode of abdominal pain, try soaking in a bathtub of warm water
-ask your doctor about the use of octreotide to dry up intestinal secretions. There is a form of octreotide (LAR - long acting) which is a once a month injection

best wishes