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Digestion problems

Nausea and Vomiting

What to expect

Nausea is when you feel sick to your stomach (throw up). Vomiting is when you are sick to your stomach. Chemotherapy may make you vomit or feel nauseous. If this happens, it will not last more than 12-24 hours.

How to cope

If you feel nauseous or are vomiting, tell your doctor. He or she can give you anti-nausea medicine.

Always have a supply of anti-nausea medicine at home.

Keep drinking even if you feel sick. You may find it easier to suck on ice cubes and to drink carbonated water or drinks. If you can't keep liquids down, IV fluids can be administered at home. Your doctor must prescribe these in this case.

Eat slowly. Eat small amounts often. If eating is a problem, just make sure to keep drinking clear liquids.

Constipation

What to expect

Chemotherapy drugs or pain-killers can both make you constipated. The fact that you may be eating, drinking and exercising less than usual can also cause constipation. This is not really common, but it can be a frustrating problem if it does occur.

How to cope

Drink plenty of fluids.

Try to spend as much time as possible out of bed and moving around.

Call your doctor if you go more than 2 days without having a bowel movement.

Your doctor can prescribe stool softeners, which will decrease constipation very quickly.

Diarrhea

What to expect

As with your hair and mouth cells, cells that line your intestine grow quickly and may be affected by chemotherapy. This can cause diarrhea. You may also have diarrhea if you have an infection.

How to cope

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have diarrhea. If it is caused by an infection, you may need medicine.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Eat small meals often.

Avoid fried and fatty foods.

Eat foods high in protein and calories but low in fiber, such as yogurt, rice or noodles.

Eat foods and liquids high in sodium and potassium, such as bananas, peach and apricot juice, and potatoes.