Approximately 2 - 3 weeks after your first radiation treatment, you may experience diarrhea and skin changes of the abdomen or pelvis. These changes are an expected part of your therapy and are temporary. The following instructions are intended to help you care for these areas and minimize the effects of radiation.

• Do not remove the colored ink marks from your skin. These outline the area to be treated and must remain in place until treatments are completed. You may shower or bathe.
• Avoid all soaps, lotions, ointments, cosmetics, and perfumed powders on the treatment area. You may dust the area with Johnson's baby powder or cornstarch.
• Do not use heating pads or ice bags on the treatment area.
• Avoid exposing treatment area to the sun.
• Your body hair in the treatment area will come out between 2-3 weeks after the beginning of treatments. This is temporary.
• Skin changes such as redness, dryness, peeling, and tanning are to be expected. Itching and dryness may occur, but do not scratch the affected area. Specific instructions will be given to you. Please report any break in the skin to the doctor or nurse.
• Keep buttocks and pelvic areas clean and dry.

Avoid tightfitting clothing around your abdomen and pelvic areas. For women, it is best not to wear girdles or pantyhose. Cotton underwear is recommended. Your menstrual periods may stop as a result of treatments.

• Do not douche.
• Ask your doctor or nurse when you can resume sexual intercourse.

• Do not use a laxative. If you have trouble with constipation, please talk with the doctor or nurse.
• Drink plenty of liquids: 8 - 10 eight ounce glasses of fluids per day.
• Unless otherwise indicated by some other physical condition, you will be placed on a low residue diet.(see Low Residue Diet handout) Diarrhea, urinary frequency and occasional burning may occur later on in treatments and can be controlled by diet and medication. Be sure to let your therapist or nurse know if this occurs.

• You are encouraged to discuss any problems concerning side effects, diet or any other aspects of your therapy with your physician, nurse, or therapist.