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Had my gallbladder removed 10 years ago. Went off of it for 2 weeks and had solid stools. Went back on it for a day and the very next day stools were loose again.

June 30
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A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member may be referring to information in a blood test that may reveal an autoimmune disease such as RA or Lupus or others.
Some immune disorders though can only be identified with a write-up of symptoms.

June 30 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member Interesting I had not heard that. What do you mean by bio markers? Just had bloodwork done and my eosinophils were really elevated.

June 30
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks Sue. I will be talking to oncologist about it again. She didn’t think it was the Exemestane and asked me to go back on it to see. I only went on for 1 day but haven’t taken it for two days now because the diarrhea had been getting bad enough that I couldn’t leave the house and I have appts the next few days. I may try back on it when I can be home for a few days but was wondering if anyone else developed these issues.

June 30
A MyBCTeam Member

Didn’t know exemestane could cause diarrhea. I’ve been on it for four years now. Have your physician run biomarkers for autoimmune disease as these often impact your gut health and as cancer treatment recipients, we are prone to getting one or more.

June 30
MyBCTeam

Yes, worsening or persistent side effects on Exemestane (Aromasin) are definitely possible, and digestive issues like diarrhea are a known side effect of this medication. The pattern you're describing — symptoms clearing up when you stop and returning almost immediately when you restart — is a pretty strong signal that Show Full Answer

Yes, worsening or persistent side effects on Exemestane (Aromasin) are definitely possible, and digestive issues like diarrhea are a known side effect of this medication. The pattern you're describing — symptoms clearing up when you stop and returning almost immediately when you restart — is a pretty strong signal that Exemestane is the likely culprit.

Having had your gallbladder removed can also make digestion more sensitive in general, which may mean your body is less equipped to handle this particular side effect. It's really important not to stop taking Exemestane on your own without talking to your oncologist first. Here's why this conversation matters:

- Your doctor may be able to adjust your dose
- They might suggest medications to help manage the diarrhea
- They could consider switching you to a different aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole or letrozole
- Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration and nutrient loss, which needs monitoring

Please bring this up with your care team as soon as possible — what you've observed is valuable information for them. You've basically done your own mini clinical trial here! 😊

June 30

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