Description

In this candid episode of Symptoms Spotlight, hosts Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston tackle one of the most disruptive yet often under-discussed side effects of cancer treatment: diarrhea caused by cancer medications.

Melanie and Abigail share their personal experiences managing different grades of diarrhea, from mild disruptions to severe grade three episodes that can mean seven to 10 extra bathroom trips per day. They discuss the real impact on quality of life, including the embarrassment and isolation that can come with this challenging symptom.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Understanding diarrhea grades and what they mean for your daily life
• Practical management strategies including diet modifications, over-the-counter medications, and prescription options
• The importance of staying hydrated and managing skin breakdown
• When to seek help from specialists like gastroenterologists and pharmacists
• How to advocate for yourself with your medical team
• The role of probiotics and prophylactic treatment approaches
• Resources available through symptom management clinics

Whether you're dealing with CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Herceptin, Enhertu, or other cancer medications, this episode offers honest, practical advice from two women who understand the challenges firsthand. Melanie brings her nursing perspective while Abigail shares insights from working with specialists at Mayo Clinic and beyond.

Remember: you don't have to suffer in silence. Your quality of life matters, and there are solutions available when you know where to look and how to ask for help.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.