News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center November 2010 – Issue 64


Easing Cancer’s Digestive Side Effects Cancer treatment can cause unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Following some simple steps can help minimize these side effects.


Talk to your treatment team. Be sure to express concerns about digestion with the treatment team. Health care providers can prescribe medications to manage digestive side effects. A dietitian can help plan meals that will minimize side effects. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture may also help.


Take medication as directed, even when feeling well. When digestive problems occur, talk with health care providers to make sure medicines are taken on the right schedule, with or without food. Your health care team can also advise about foods that may interfere with the medicine’s function.


Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated may help relieve constipation and replace fluids lost through diarrhea or vomiting. Fruit or vegetable juices, coffee, and tea can ease constipation. For nausea, sipping liquids slowly may be easier than drinking a full glass.


Stay away from foods that can cause problems. Dairy products as well as greasy, spicy, and fried foods can make diarrhea and nausea worse.


Eat foods that help ease side effects. Bran and whole grains, dried or fresh


Te Cancer Learning Center


(CLC) is a free resource library on the first floor of


Huntsman Cancer Institute 801-581-6365 1-888-424-2100


www.huntsmancancer.org/clc


Beginning November 17 New Hours at the CLC 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri


CANCER LEARNING CENTER RESOURCES


It’s essential to stay hydrated when having problems with constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea.


fruits, and cooked or raw vegetables help relieve constipation. Broiled or baked chicken, warm cereals, white rice, or toast can help ease nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Bananas, gelatin, sherbet, and yogurt are also easy on the stomach.


For more information about cancer- related digestion problems, visit the Cancer Learning Center on the first floor of Huntsman Cancer Institute or call 1-888-424-2100.


Books


Cancer Caregiving A to Z: An At-Home Guide for Patients and Families


Te Chemotherapy Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Get Trough Treatment


DVDs


Te Educated Caregiver (three- part DVD series)


Te Cancer-Fighting Kitchen (book and two-part DVD series)


Beauty in the Building


This painting, “Veloy’s House” by Dennis Smith, was donated by David and Connie Katz. It can be found near the hospital fifth floor family area. Art in Huntsman Cancer Institute buildings was donated for patients to enjoy. For more information about donating fine art to HCI, please contact Roni Whittle at 801-587-9315.


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