During the weeks of treatment the therapist will weigh you and may do tests, such as blood cell counts, to check the effect the radiation therapy is having on your body. The skin in the treatment area may become red or peel like a sunburn. You may want to wear loose, soft clothing. Try to keep hot or cold things, such as heating pads or cold packs, away from the treated area. The staff will give you a skin lotion or an ointment to use on the treatment area.
Radiation therapy causes some people to get sick to their stomachs.
You could try eating soda crackers, dry popcorn, or warm soda to calm your stomach. If you have loose stools or diarrhea, drinking clear liquids could help. Certain medications may help. If your rectum is sore, you should ask the radiation therapist for some ointment. You may have a discharge from your vagina, or your vagina may feel sore.