Since diarrhea is a significant problem for patients with colon cancer and even more for rectal cancer patients when treated with chemotherapy and particularly with radiation, it can become a serious issue which decreases quality of life.

There are many drugs which have been used to treat diarrhea. Sometimes they work, and often they don’t.  Similar to many other symptoms, it really depends what is causing the diarrhea. If it is an infection such as C. difficile, obviously you need an antibiotic. If it is caused by an obstruction, you need to be admitted to the hospital.  Patients who have inflammatory bowel disease need specific prescription medication. It is critical to rule out any major underlying problems associated with diarrhea prior to starting to use remedies. Read the rest of this entry »

Acne has become a major problem for patients with colon cancer since the introduction of Erbitux and Vectibix. These drugs target EGFR not only in the tumor but the basal layers of the skin and cause a skin acne rash which can cover significant part of the head, chest, and back.

Most physician prescribe topical or oral antibiotics particular when there are a lot of pus-filled pustules. Bristol Myers Squibb which distributes Erbitux® (cetuximab) has developed a skin care kit, including liquid bandages and lotion to treat the skin. Most of my patients love it.

Patients always ask what else they can do, so I searched for remedies against acne and found interesting, promising ways to treat acne. Read the rest of this entry »

Heartburn is a common symptom for patients and family members. Recent reports show that home remedies can help to treat heartburn.

Patients who ever had severe heartburn or women who are pregnant know how bad this pain can be. If you have heartburn for the first time, you may end up in the emergency room because it is such a burning chest pain that is can look like a heart attack. In fact, one of the differential diagnoses of chest pain is heartburn. Read the rest of this entry »

• Skin rash: Certain drugs that treat colorectal cancer, like Erbitux or Vectibix, can cause painful rashes, dry skin and nail problems. These side effects are unpleasant, can hurt and are often embarrassing. Watch a recording of our patient webinar “Coping with Skin Rash” for information on managing this side effect.
• Mouth sores or mucositis are painful and can make eating or swallowing difficult or impossible. Cooling the tissues of the mouth and throat with ice chips before and during administration of chemo is a proven method of preventing them. Some patients like popsicles. However, avoid ice if your treatment includes oxaliplatin. There are mouthwashes that can help with pain and healing if sores do develop, and antibiotics may be required if they become infected.
• Hand-foot syndrome or red, cracked, or peeling skin develops in some patients taking 5-fluorouracil or Xeloda (capecitabine). It resolves (gets better) rapidly once you stop taking the drugs. However, it may start again if treatment is restarted. This condition is not life threatening. Early intervention may allow treatment to continue by reducing the dose. A few small studies have indicated that vitamin B6 (pyroxidine) may help prevent or resolve hand-and-foot Syndrome. Vaseline, over-the-counter moisturizing creams, or prescription ointments may help healing. Some patients find it especially effective to put the creams on under white cotton gloves overnight.
• Hair loss: In most cases, drugs used for treating colorectal cancer do not result in complete hair loss. There may be some hair thinning. The American Cancer Society has a program “Look Good, Feel Better” that can help with changes in hair and skin.