This little molecule is known as "Loperamide" (4-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4- hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]- N,N-dimethyl-2,2 -diphenylbutanamide). It is currently my new best friend. Let me quote from its Wikipedia entry: "It works by decreasing the activity of the myenteric plexus, which, like morphine, decreases the tone of the longitudinal smooth muscles but increases tone of circular smooth muscles of the intestinal wall. This increases the amount of time substances stay in the intestine, allowing for more water to be absorbed out of the fecal matter. Loperamide also decreases colonic mass movements and suppresses the gastrocolic reflex."
The reason I'm currently well-disposed towards my friend Loperamide, is that it is counteracting one o
f the nasty side effects of this little molecule, Capecitabine.(pentyl[1-(3,4-dihydroxy- 5-methyl -tetrahydrofuran -2-yl)- 5-fluoro
-2-oxo-1H- pyrimidin- 4-yl] aminomethanoate).
Capecitabine is the molecule which is supposed to be killing my cancer cells, Unfortunately, it also damages the lining of the bowel, a side effect described, charmingly, as, "Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (sometimes severe)". I've just had four days of this side effect, and it is Loperamide which is currently preventing my dehydration demise. I have to admit, it isn't too much fun and I am feeling exhausted.
The problems are worst at the end of the two weeks of intravenous and oral drug taking, and at the start of my one week drug free (if we ignore the Avastin, which, being a protein, barely counts in nastiness). These oncologists know just how much to give you! The next few days are a race to recover body and immune system function before the next onslaught, this coming Friday.
Oh I forgot to mention the nose bleeds, numb soles, sore gums, nausea and lethargy. I just would hate you to think that chemotherapy is all beer and skittles.
Paul, hang on there, as long as you have some reasonable appetite, you will be fine. Maing must be very good at making all kinds nutritious soups.
ReplyDeleteMaybe also try some fruit smoothies. Chuck all the scrummiest fruits available into a blender with a tablespoon or two of fruit yoghurt and blend til smooth. You will be getting your antioxidants, protein and fluids all in one. If you can tolerate cold fluids add some ice cubes before blending. A banana is a good base then add other fruits as available or desired.
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