News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center • February 2011 - Issue 67 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.
Take medication as directed. Even when you feel well, take your medication as directed. If you experience digestive problems, talk with your health care provider to make sure you are taking
Questions About Cancer?
Te Cancer Learning Center (CLC) gives you the answers you need—in person, by phone, or by e-mail. Te CLC library has more than 3,000 books, videos, CDs, and audiobooks on a variety of cancer topics that anyone can check out free. Talk one-on-one with trained and caring staff, or send an e-mail for answers to your cancer questions.
Bananas, gelatin, sherbet, and yogurt are easy on the stomach.
the medications on the right schedule, with or without food. Your health care team can also advise you about foods that may interfere with your 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. When you are experiencing 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 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.
Talk to your treatment team. Be sure to express your concerns about side effects with your treatment team. Often your doctor can prescribe medications to manage digestive side effects. A dietitian can help you plan meals that will minimize side effects. You may also benefit from complementary therapies such as acupuncture.
Having trouble with food and digestion? Ask our registered dietitian.
Free consultations for Huntsman Cancer Institute patients To make an appointment,
call the Wellness Center at 801-587-4585. Beauty in the Building
This jigsaw puzzle, rated “the largest in the world” at 24,000 pieces, can be seen outside Clinic B. Measuring approximately 5 x 15 feet, the mounted puzzle was donated by members of the Huntsman family.
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.
Visit the first floor of Huntsman Cancer Institute
patient.education@
hci.utah.edu
9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Free for everyone
Call 1-888-424-2100 toll free Send e-mail to
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