Radiation Oncology

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Managing Side Effects in Abdominal Radiation Therapy 

What Side Effects Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Stomach and Abdomen?

If you are having radiation treatment to the stomach or some portion of the abdomen, you may have to deal with an upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea. Your doctor can prescribe medicines to relieve these problems. Do not take any home remedies during your treatment unless you first check with your doctor or nurse.

Managing Nausea

Some patients report feeling queasy for a few hours right after radiation therapy to the stomach or abdomen. If you have this problem, do not eat for several hours before your treatment time. You may be able to handle the treatment better on an empty stomach. After your treatment, you may find it helpful to wait 1 to 2 hours before eating again. If the problem persists, ask your doctor to prescribe a medicine (an antiemetic) to prevent nausea. If antiemetics are prescribed, try to take them when your doctor suggests, even if you sometimes feel that they are not needed.

If your stomach feels upset just before your treatment, try a bland snack such as toast or crackers and apple juice before your appointment. This type of side effect may be related to your emotions and concerns about treatment. Try to unwind a bit before you have your treatment. If you have to spend time in a waiting room, reading a book, writing letters, or working a crossword puzzle may help you relax.

Here are some tips to help an unsettled stomach:

• Stick to any special diet that your doctor or dietitian gives you.
• Eat small meals.
• Eat often and try to eat and drink slowly.
• Avoid foods that are fried or are high in fat.
• Drink cool liquids between meals.
• Eat foods that have only a mild aroma and those that can be served cool or at room temperature.
• For a severe upset stomach, try a clear liquid diet (broth and juices) or bland foods that are easy to digest, such as dry toast and gelatin.

• Try a clear liquid diet (water, weak tea, apple juice, clear broth, plain gelatin) as soon as diarrhea starts or when you feel that it's going to start.
• Ask your doctor or nurse to advise you about liquids that won't make your diarrhea worse. Apple juice, peach nectar, weak tea, and clear broth are frequent suggestions.
• Avoid foods that are high in fiber or can cause cramps or a gassy feeling such as raw fruits and vegetables, coffee, beans, cabbage, whole grain breads and cereals, sweets, and spicy foods.

• Eat frequent small meals.
• Avoid milk and milk products if they irritate your bowels.
• When the diarrhea starts to improve, try eating small amounts of low-fiber foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, low-fat cottage cheese, and dry toast.
• Be sure your diet includes foods that are high in potassium (bananas, potatoes, apricots), an important mineral that you may lose through diarrhea.

Diet planning is a very important part of radiation treatment of the stomach and abdomen. Keep in mind that these problems will be reduced greatly when treatment is over. In the meantime, try to pack the highest possible food value into even small meals so that you will have enough calories and vital nutrients.