
Constipation is defined as stool that is hard.  For a cancer patient, constipation can be a way of life. 

Eating less food, and it being less bulky can cause constipation.
Drinking less liquids can cause constipation.
Taking less exercise can cause constipation.
Cancer itself can sometimes cause constipation.
Cancer treatments can cause constipation.
Pain medications can cause constipation.
Tranquilizers can cause constipation.
Thyroid problems can cause constipation, and it has been estimated that 16% of patients being treated for cancer have a thyroid problem.

If stool continues to accumulate inside the colon, at some point it will form an obstruction.  The symptoms of obstruction can be a feeling of lower abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting.  When the bowel is obstructed by stool, it is called a fecal impaction.  It is probably possible, in extreme cases, to even burst a bowel.

Fecal impactions are difficult to remove and requires concerted effort with laxatives, stool softeners, and various enemas and suppositories, often for a couple of days.  

Caretakers and patients are warned to pay attention to stool quantity and consistency and frequency, in order to prevent fecal impaction.  It is much more comfortable to prevent fecal impaction than to treat it.


From Dick:
Here's a recipe that a hospice nurse friend of my wife gave us for treatment of constipation.


1 pound prunes
1 pound raisins-pitted
1 pound figs
4 oz. senna tea
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup lemon juice


Directions

1. Prepare tea -- use about 2 1/2 cups boiled water added to tea and steep 5 minutes.

2. Strain tea to remove tea leaves and add only 1 pint tea to a large pot, then add fruit.

3. Boil fruit and tea for 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and add sugar & lemon juice.
   Allow to cool.

5. Use hand mixer or food processor to blend fruit mixture into smooth paste.

6. Place in plastic container and place in freezer.
   (Paste will not freeze but will keep forever in freezer)

7. DOSE: 1-2 tablespoons per day.  Spoon out what you require each day.

   Enjoy eating it straight off the spoon.

   Spread it on toast or add hot water and make a drink

   * If it's not working -- eat more of it
   * If it works too well -- eat less of it