Radiation: Nausea and Vomiting

The best way to keep from vomiting is to prevent nausea. One way to do this is by having bland, easy-to-digest foods and drinks that do not upset your stomach. These include toast, gelatin, and apple juice. To learn more, see the list of Foods and Drinks That Are Easy on the Stomach.

Try to relax before treatment. You may feel less nausea if you relax before each radiation therapy treatment. You can do this by spending time doing activities you enjoy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or other hobbies.

Plan when to eat and drink. Some people feel better when they eat before radiation therapy; others do not. Learn the best time for you to eat and drink. For example, you might want a snack of crackers and apple juice 1 to 2 hours before radiation therapy. Or, you might feel better if you have treatment on an empty stomach, which means not eating 2 to 3 hours before treatment.

Eat small meals and snacks. Instead of eating 3 large meals each day, you may want to eat 5 or 6 small meals and snacks. Make sure to eat slowly and do not rush. Have foods and drinks that are warm or cool (not hot or cold).

Before eating or drinking, let hot food and drinks cool down and cold food and drinks warm up.

Distract yourself by talking with friends or family members, or watching a movie or TV show.

Use music therapy either under the guidance of a certified music therapist or on your own. There is no downside to music therapy.

• To do music therapy on your own, listed to your favorite soothing music in a relaxed setting.
• To find a certified music therapist, ask at your treatment center or look at the web site of the organization known as The Certification Board for Music Therapists, www.cbmt..or g. Click on "Find a Board Certified Music Therapist" or call 800.765.2268.

Talk with your doctor or nurse. He or she may suggest a special diet of foods to eat or prescribe medicine to help prevent nausea, which you can take 1 hour before each radiation therapy session. You might also ask your doctor or nurse about acupuncture, which may help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment.

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