Hi
I have now had 8 sessions out of 18 and have got awful heartburn which doesn’t go away. I have been given Omeprazole to see if that helps but it isn’t. I am having rads to both breasts - could this be a cause? Does anyone else get similar symptoms and have you found anything that helps?
Caro
Hi,
I started to get heartburn/acid reflux during chemo never having had it before. It seemed to ease off a bit but came back when I was having rads after surgery & some medical person (chemo brain so can’t remember who) said the rads can effect your gullet a bit. I was advised to take slippery elm tablets - bought mine from Holland & B and also a local health food shop - they’re not cheap but I found they work a treat. Something like 84 in a bottle for 7.99 and I’ve had about 1.5 bottles since March so it’s not bad, certainly I’m happy to pay that to stop it !
I don’t get it all the time - some foods seem to set it off, the Zometa I’m having by drip monthly also seems to trigger it & sometimes I just seem to get it !! I chew a tablet when it flares up - they taste a bit like what I think a sawdust tablet would taste like !!
Hope this helps.
Liz
HI Caro
I had the most appalling heartburn with my chemo, so that I couldn’t lay down at night even. I was told to take 6x the usual dose of Omeprazole for 2-3 days then gradually reduce to the usual dose, which worked for me. Obviously ask your team if this is right for you. I was also advised to sip peppermint tea, which I did even though I couldn’t stand the taste!
Hi Caro,
I too had evil heartburn althrough my chemo. I was on Omeprazole tablets which did not work for me, I suffered for months and mentioned it many times but to no avail. Finally I went to my GP having given up asking at the hospital and she perscribed Ranitidine and bingo instant relief. What a relief, hope this helps.
Gilly