If the patient plans to continue working during therapy they may wish to schedule treatment at the end of the working day so they can be home when nausea occurs. Some people have an increase in the number of bowel movements while others have loose, watery stools and intestinal cramping. For most people, a low residue diet and doctor approved antidiarrhea medications will usually control the problem. Creamed soups, eggs, cheese, cooked vegetables, potatoes, and broiled meats are examples of low residue foods. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to control diarrhea with diet and medication.
Prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration, weight loss, and increased fatigue.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should discuss birth control measures with your doctor. Becoming pregnant during treatment would complicate the treatment and possibly injure the fetus. Men should also consider birth control during treatment. Depending on the dose of radiation received, sperm production may be reduced or stopped during therapy. Sperm production may return to normal in 3 to 5 years or sterility may be permanent.