Treatment Recommendations

Diarrhea: Utilize Imodium (generic is fine) for diarrhea. 

• Dose: Start with 2 tabs with the initial loose stool, then one tab every two hours until diarrhea stops. Do not exceed eight tabs in a 24 hour time period. 

Constipation: Utilize senokot (generic is fine) for constipation.  

• Dose:  Start with 1-2 tabs at bedtime. Call the office if you have no bowel movement for three days. You can also eat pears, prunes or drink warm prune juice to assist.

Temperature: Check your temperature at home daily.  Also take your temperature if you experience chills, sweats, or other fever like symptoms.

• If your temperature is 100.4 or higher call the office immediately at (860)886-8362. Do not leave a voicemail on the triage line to report a fever, talk with a nurse directly. An answering service will pick up between 5pm-9am, and weekends. They will alert the MD on call.

Mouth Care: Keep mouth and lips moist. Rinse frequently with: ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of baking soda in 8oz of water-at least three times a day (rinse & spit) Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Leave dentures out if causing discomfort. Continue to see your dentist throughout treatment and keep up with dental cleaning appointments. 

Neutropenia: Some treatments can cause a decrease in your white blood cells (WBC) which help you fight against infection. Neutropenia means your WBC count is low. When neutropenic, avoid large crowds of people and avoid anyone close to you that could be ill. Wash your hands frequently. Wash fruits and vegetables very well and/or cook fruits and vegetables prior to eating. 

Nutrition: Please follow instructions on the dial dietician card given at your education session.

• For questions call: (860) 858-8386  Enter the free code listed on your form.

Physical Therapy: Select Physical Therapy is the preferred Physical Therapy center for ECHO. Select PT has oncology trained therapists to assist with side effect management.

• Call Melissa, Nurse Navigator, for a referral or discuss with your MD/APRN.
• Physical Therapy can assist with: fatigue, neuropathy, balance dysfunction, joint pain, weakness, activities of daily living, measure for assistive devices.

Triage Line: (860)886-8362 x301. The triage line is helpful for general questions about medications, treatment, or to discuss with a nurse a symptom/side effect. It is not for emergencies. If you have an emergency and the triage nurse does not pick up, do not leave a voice message. Hang up and call back and ask to speak with the charge nurse to report an emergency.  A temperature if 100.4 or higher is considered emergent, call immediately.