Remedies which Stop the Runs

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. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on February 6th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | No Comments »
Tags: diarrhea, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

Milk of Magnesia: A Cheap and Easy Way to Healthy Skin? A Cure for Acne?

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. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on February 4th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | 2 Comments »
Tags: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects, skin rash

Remedies for Heartburn

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. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on February 2nd, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | No Comments »
Tags: acid reflux, heartburn, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects