About a week after your radiation treatment begins, you may experience some side effects or symptoms caused by the radiation therapy.  These side effects are the result of irritation to the gastrointestinal tract from the radiation and gradually disappear after you have completed treatment.

In order to decrease the symptoms and minimize your discomfort, you can try the following if you should experience:

NAUSEA, VOMITING, DECREASED APPETITE, INDIGESTION

• Eat bland foods and have small frequent meals each day.
• Chew the foods well.
• Remain sitting up for one half hour after eating to help the stomach empty.
• Avoid raw vegetables, caffeine, gassy and greasy foods.

Let your nurse know if these measures are ineffective so that medication can be ordered.

DIARRHEA OR BLADDER DISCOMFORT

Medications such as Pepto Bismol, Imodium liquid or tablets may be used according to package directions.  Please let your nurse know if you need to use them.  She can advise you how to adjust the dosage to be most beneficial to you.  A prescription medication may sometimes be needed.

• Low residue diet to slow down bowel activity.
• Occasionally, patients notice some rectal discomfort such as itching, burning or pain during a bowel movement.  If this occurs, medication can be ordered to relieve these symptoms.

You can also try cold Witch Hazel compresses or Tucks to cleanse and soothe the rectal area.

• Abdominal Radiation can also cause some bladder discomfort.  You may notice increased frequency, burning on urination or a feeling of pressure or urgency.  Please let your doctor or nurse know if you have any of these symptoms.
• Good fluid intake will help decrease bladder discomfort.  (Water, low acidity juices such as nectars, cranberry or apple juice are recommended.  Avoid citrus juices.)
• Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine to decrease bladder irritation.

FATIGUE

You may feel more tired during the last weeks of your radiation treatment.  This is not unusual.  You should avoid becoming overtired so try to pace your activities and take frequent rest periods. You should avoid becoming overtired so try to pace your activities and take frequent rest periods.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

You may experience some changes in sexual desire or performance during your treatment.  This varies greatly from one person to another.  You are encouraged to discuss your concerns with your nurse or doctor. Please contact your nurse for any questions or concerns you may have.  The phone number is (631) 444-2328, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30.  Evenings, weekends and holidays, please call (516) 783-1610.