INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION TREATMENTS TO THE ABDOMEN This information is designed to assist you by helping to answer some of your questions during radiation treatments. Skin Care Your skin may become red and irritated a couple weeks into your treatment. This will be a temporary reaction and usually heals within a couple weeks after completing treatment. Remember, treat the area as you would sunburn and avoid any type of irritation, including direct contact with the sun. Do not apply heat, ice or tape to the area. The staff may recommend the use of ointments available at The Regional Cancer Center or at most drug stores. You should not have any ointment on your skin when you come for the treatment. Cleanse the area with mild soap and water and pat the area dry, being careful not to remove any marks placed on your skin for treatment. Anorexia Anorexia means loss of appetite. This can occur when you receive radiation therapy to the abdominal area. You may experience decreased appetite or feel full after eating a small amount of food. Loss of appetite can also occur if you are in pain, have nausea or vomiting, experience difficulty swallowing, constipation and/or depression. Your doctor can help to manage those problems. You may find it helpful to eat small frequent meals and avoid large meals. Eat whenever you are hungry. Choose foods that are high in calories and proteins, such as shakes, cream soups, puddings, cereals, cheese, fish and chicken. Avoid foods too high in fat. Have snacks available, including food supplements like Ensure®, Boost®, or Carnation Instant Breakfast®. The Regional Cancer Center has a dietitian available to help you. The staff will check your weight at least once a week. Patients who eat well are able to withstand the side effects of treatments better. A balanced diet can help you maintain your strength and prevent body tissues from breaking down. Adequate protein in your diet helps to rebuild the normal tissues that may be affected by the treatments. Many patients ask about vitamin pills. The best source of vitamins and minerals is foods. During illness, your food intake may be less than optimal, and a vitamin and mineral supplement may be needed. The best choice is a balanced multiple vitamin/mineral supplement which contains up to 100% of the "Daily Value" of most nutrients. It is not a good idea to take "mega-doses" of any vitamin or mineral, including the antioxidant nutrients, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of your treatments. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for naturally occurring antioxidants. Nausea and Vomiting Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the radiation treatments irritating the lining of the stomach. This can occur one to two hours after treatment and may last a few hours. Medications can be given to help prevent nausea and vomiting, and you may need to take this medication every day before your radiation treatment. Nausea and vomiting can also occur due to certain medications, chemotherapy, constipation and/or pain. Your doctor can help to manage those problems. Distraction, relaxation and light exercise can help reduce nausea and vomiting. You may find it helpful to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid large meals. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat. Nibble on dry foods, such as crackers and plain toast, ginger snaps, hard candy, or try Jell-o® and fruit. Eat slowly and rest after eating, but do not lie flat. If possible, avoid food with strong odors, and if you can, avoid preparing the meal. Take whatever liquids you can tolerate, such as clear soups, Popsicles, and gelatin. Sip on cool, clear beverages such as 7-Up® and Ginger ale. Sipping on a flat cola is also helpful. Return To Commonly Asked Questions