A woman had a hysterectomy performed shortly after the diagnosis of stage 1B endometrial cancer, followed by a 28-day course of radiation therapy beginning 6 weeks after surgery. Soon after she began radiation therapy, the woman complained of sharp pains in her abdominal region and ongoing nausea. She was advised to take acetaminophen for the pain and was given an antiemetic for nausea. The radiation treatment continued, and the pain became worse. The radiation nurse and technicians expressed their concern about Judy's ongoing symptoms but offered no other suggestions.
The radiologist was consulted but suggested only continued acetaminophen. When Judy asked about stronger medication, the radiologist declined this option. Over the next week, she became increasingly nauseated and severely fatigued, and her pain worsened. Her family caregivers, including her husband and daughter, became…
