Changes in Bowel Habits Radiation to the Head Changes in Taste and Smell Radiation to the Head and Neck Changes in Urination Radiation to the Pelvis Esophagitis Radiation to the Prostate Fatigue Radiation to the Skin Hair Loss Gastric Distress, Nausea & Vomiting Nutrition and Common Sense Recommended Treatment for Decreased Appetite Radiation to the Abdomen Skin Care Guidelines Radiation to the Bone Sore Mouth/Dry Mouth Radiation to the Breast Completion of Treatment Radiation to the Chest and Back Glossary

You will be receiving external beam radiation treatments, which are high energy x-rays delivered from a machine outside of the body. This causes damage to cancer cells so they will not grow. A multidisciplinary team, consisting of a nurse, physicist, radiation oncologist and radiation therapist, is responsible for implementing the treatment plan developed by your radiation oncologist.

The most commonly experienced short-term side effects of radiation to the abdomen are:

	Gastric distress: decrease in appetite, nausea and vomiting
	Changes in bowel habits: frequent soft bowel movements, gas pains, abdominal cramping
	Fatigue
	Skin changes: dryness or redness
	Temporary hair loss in the area being treated with radiation

Any of these symptoms may present during the course of radiation therapy and can persist for several weeks following completion of treatment. Severity of side effects varies from patient to patient. Please refer to the appropriate guidelines for methods of treatment of possible side effects. All symptoms of discomfort and concern are to be reported to the nurse or radiation oncologist at this facility as soon as possible. Do not institute any changes without their knowledge.

During radiation therapy we encourage you to:

	Wear loose fitting, soft cotton clothing next to the skin in the area that is being treated.
	Use only those skin care products recommended. Avoid shaving, using talcum powder or perfumes in the area that is being treated with radiation
	If there are any changes in bowel movements, nurse or physician may advise changes in diet and/or medications.
	Report any changes in gastric (nausea, decreased appetite) to nurse or physician.
	Match your activity level to your energy level.