Radiation Therapy: What to Expect
Upper Abdomen (Stomach) Radiation
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer Center Staff
Creation Date: October 2002
Last Review Date: November 2006
Radiation to the upper area of the abdomen may cause a sick feeling in the stomach and loss of appetite. Some people may feel queasy for a few hours after their radiation treatment.
Managing sick feelings due to radiation treatment:
- If you feel queasy before treatment, try a snack of dry toast, crackers and a clear beverage, such as apple juice or a carbonated beverage.
- If queasy feeling after radiation, try not eating for a few hours before treatment and a few hours after.
- Eat six small meals a day, rather than three larger meals.
- Avoid greasy, fried, fatty or spicy foods.
- Drink and eat cool or room temperature beverages and foods.
- Eat foods that have a mild aroma or smell.
- Ask your doctor for medicine to help control the sick feeling, if it becomes a problem or it keeps you from eating.
To learn more about radiation therapy, contact the Cancer Information Service at: cancer-information@uiowa.edu or 1-800-237-1225.
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