This article is a guest post by Nova Sprick, an anal cancer survivor. It has been published here with her permission. She doesn’t have a website yet, and when she does I’ll include a link to her site.

Pelvic radiation therapy always involves the intestines and bladder receiving radiation. Because of this, there is often abdominal cramping and diaharrha. The more you can protect the small intestine the better. If you are able to hold a full bladder of urine, it is a good idea to drink as much water as possible 1/2 hour before your schedule treatment. This will help to move the small intestine up and out of the pelvis. Because the vaginal area is being radiated, intense dryness and narrowing can occur and some doctors recommend vinegar and water douches as well as vaginal lubricanants such as wheat germ oil. (see blog on how to open vagina after treatment) Read the rest of this entry