Chemotherapy Absorption Concerns with an Ileostomy

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575
tom.richards55
Oct 11, 2023 4:05 pm

I've had an ileostomy for 25 years. I also had a failed J Pouch procedure which took an estimated 8 inches off my ileum. My cancer drug (Cabometyx) arrived today and it's prescribed 1 pill a day which, I believe, indicates some sort of time release element.

So my fear is poor absorption. I love my oncologist but, like the overwhelming majority of docs, I don't think he's clear on the absorption issue with an ostomy. Can anyone offer guidance?

Morning glory
Oct 11, 2023 4:26 pm

My experience with doctors is, regardless of how many times you remind them that you have an ileostomy and even give them a list of meds, you have trouble with e.g. time-released, enteric-coated; the list gets filed away and the next time the prescription is time-released or coated. They do not have the knowledge about the medication.

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IGGIE
Oct 12, 2023 1:54 pm

Talk to the chemist.

AlexT
Oct 12, 2023 3:05 pm

A simple call to that doctor would ease your thoughts.

Justbreathe
Oct 13, 2023 10:49 am

I must agree with Morning Glory - unless your doc is a personal friend, we are all just one of many, many patients - with all the medications on the market today (I am guessing “a bazillion”). How can any doc keep up with all of our individual needs? Sometimes I wonder if they even know my name. Hmmm, computers you say? Well, unless they read each and every page of one's records at every visit - computers have created more paperwork than paper! Less was better. Your first words to a doc when they prescribe meds is - does it come in liquid or chewable form? jb

 

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AlexT
Oct 13, 2023 3:03 pm
Reply to Justbreathe

I despise going in for a check up with my radiologist. Not only can I hardly understand her, she’s Chinese, but she’s always surprised that I have a colostomy and a Barbie butt. Hello too smart for your own good….you’re the one that zapped me for 6 weeks and put all the info in my chart thingy on the computer. Maybe look at it before you come in and refresh your memory. And what does listening to me breathe have to do with a radiology check up? 🤷‍♂️ I think it’s all about the copay. 

Justbreathe
Oct 13, 2023 8:38 pm
Reply to Morning glory

Yes, and it took me about 3 visits for them to delete - from the computer, medications I no longer take. It should be easy now as I have quit all meds, amen.

tom.richards55
Oct 14, 2023 1:37 pm

Thanks everyone for the great feedback! I shouldn't be surprised, but I still am, at the ignorance of the medical profession when it comes to medication absorption for an ostomate.

julesden315
Oct 18, 2023 9:43 pm

I had chemo 23 years after my ileostomy. Didn't have any issues at all.

Abefroman1969
Oct 18, 2023 10:58 pm
Reply to AlexT

I never want to see a radiologist again, 6 weeks of trying to burn out the cancer and it did absolutely nothing but cause me discomfort.

AlexT
Oct 19, 2023 4:34 pm
Reply to Abefroman1969

Glad to see you on here. If I ever get cancer again, they'd have to tell me radiation is the only thing that'll save me in order for me to do it again.