Abdominal radiation - discharge

Alternative names

Radiation - abdomen - discharge

What to expect at home

When you have radiation treatment for cancer, your body goes through changes.

Two weeks after radiation treatment starts, you might notice changes in your skin. Most of these symptoms go away after your treatments have stopped.

• Your skin and mouth may turn red.
• Your skin might start to peel or get dark.
• Your skin may itch.

Your body hair will fall out after about 2 weeks, but only in the area being treated. When your hair grows back, it may be different than before.

Around the second or third week after radiation treatments start, you may have:

• Diarrhea
• Cramping in your belly
• An upset stomach

Skin care

When you have radiation treatment, colored markings are drawn on your skin. Do not remove them. These show your radiologist where to aim the radiation. If they come off, do not redraw them. Tell your doctor.

To take care of the treatment area:

• Wash gently with lukewarm water only. Do not scrub.
• Do not use soap on this area.
• Pat your skin dry.
• Do not use lotions, ointments, makeup, perfumed powders or products on the treatment area. Ask your doctor what you should use.
• Keep the area that is being treated out of the direct sun.
• Do not scratch or rub your skin.
• Do not put a heating pad or an ice bag on the treatment area.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any break or opening in your skin.

Other self-care

Wear loose-fitting clothing around your stomach and pelvis

You will likely feel tired after a few weeks. If so:

• Do not try to do too much. You probably will not be able to do everything you used to.
• Try to get more sleep at night. Rest during the day when you can.
• Take a few weeks off work, or work less.

Ask your doctor before taking any drugs or other remedies for an upset stomach.

Do not eat for 4 hours before your treatment. If, just before your treatment, your stomach feels upset:

• Try a bland snack, such as toast or crackers and apple juice.
• Try to relax. Read a book, listen to music, or do a crossword puzzle.

If your stomach is upset right after radiation treatment:

• Wait 1 to 2 hours after your treatment before eating again.
• Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help.

For an upset stomach:

• Stay on the special diet that your doctor or dietitian recommends for you.
• Eat small meals and eat more often during the day.
• Eat and drink slowly.
• Do not eat foods that are fried or are high in fat.
• Drink cool liquids between meals.
• Eat foods that are cool or at room temperature, instead of warm or hot. Cooler foods will smell less.
• Choose foods with a mild odor.
• Try a clear, liquid diet -- water, weak tea, apple juice, peach nectar, clear broth, and plain Jell-O.
• Eat bland food, such as dry toast or Jell-O.

To help with diarrhea:

• Try a clear, liquid diet.
• Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables and other high-fiber foods, coffee, beans, cabbage, whole grain breads and cereals, sweets, or spicy foods.
• Eat and drink slowly.
• Do not drink milk or eat any other dairy products if they bother your bowels.
• When the diarrhea starts to improve, eat small amounts of low-fiber foods, such as white rice, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, low-fat cottage cheese, and dry toast.
• Eat foods that are high in potassium (bananas, potatoes, and apricots) when you have diarrhea.

Eat enough protein and calories to keep your weight up.

References

National Cancer Institute. Radiation therapy and you: support for people with cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/radiation-therapy-and-you. Accessed May 7, 2014.

Perry MC. Approach to the patient with cancer. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 182.

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