Therapeutic Procedures

Abdomen: Site Specific Side Effects

Information for Patients Receiving Radiation to the Abdomen You may experience some mild nausea. We recommend bland foods and eating frequently in small amounts rather than three large meals. Your physician may prescribe anti-nausea medication if needed. You may experience some diarrhea during the treatment process. Alert your nurse or physician as soon as this occurs. Following a restricted fiber diet may help to alleviate some of the diarrhea. Your physician will be able to prescribe medication to help control your diarrhea.

Occasionally, patients note some rectal discomfort, such as itching, burning or pain during a bowel movement. If this occurs, medication can be ordered to relieve these symptoms. Please inform your physician or nurse as soon as you experience these symptoms.The type of treatment you are receiving can cause some discomfort to the bladder. You may note increased frequency, burning on urination or a feeling of pressure and urgency. Please alert your physician or nurse if these symptoms occur. You may notice that you become increasingly tired during the last weeks of your treatment course. This is not unusual. We recommend that you pace your activities, planning frequent rest periods. You may experience changes in sexual desire or performance as a result of the treatment; however, these changes tend to vary greatly from one person to another. We encourage you to discuss your concerns about sexuality with your physician or nurse.