Tips for Radiation Therapy

The mountain climbing image I chose for this blog says it all. That’s how I felt starting radiation only four weeks after a double mastectomy that followed five months of chemo. I remember how slowly time passed throughout all of treatment. But here I am a few years later writing for you, and, as I often say and write, you can do this!

Be attentive but not anxious. Yes, you have to follow directions as exactly as you can. But the technicians will help you. Yes, you need to hold still during the actual dispensing process. But, if you’re prepared with something to occupy your mind, you’ll be fine. It’s important to relax. Take a few deep breaths. And remember that radiation is a powerful weapon against the enemy that has attacked your body.

Communicate! Be encouraged to know that most side effects are temporary, but if something is bothersome and continues to be so, call your team. Radiation is not in your everyday wheelhouse, but it is in theirs. For example, if fatigue interferes with your life to the extent that it unduly disrupts your normal functioning, then let your care team know about it. If you have nausea, your team can prescribe medication and advise you according to how it’s specifically affecting you.

I found that short walks helped relieve the stress and wear and tear of ongoing, daily treatment. Nobody told me to take walks, but I discovered that mild exercise seemed to reenergize me and give me an emotional boost as well. Radiation kills healthy and diseased cells, and your body is working hard. So be creative. Even small, productive measures can help you strengthen your resolve and comfort.

A lot of people have skin issues—redness, rashes, swelling, blistering, or discoloration. I addressed this in the previous blog on preparation. Remember: do not put anything topical on your skin area at this time that you haven’t submitted to your team for approval. Other tips regarding bathing and skin treatment are in the previous blog.

HYDRATE continuously and adequately. Radiation can dry your skin out, so be solicitous about water intake. I can’t emphasize enough how important hydration is during all steps of cancer treatment. I’ve been in an emergency room with dehydration, and I assure you it’s extremely uncomfortable as well as dangerous. The good news is that prevention is relatively simple – good, old-fashioned water consumed consistently and mindfully. Some people like clear, non-caffeine alternatives, and that’s fine, too. You probably know what works for you.

Good-sense nutrition is always smart: Your body is trying to heal. Sometimes during cancer treatment, eating seems like a chore. Generally, I just wasn’t interested, but I learned that whenever I felt even a smidgeon hungry, I immediately ate something, mostly mild, easy-on-the-stomach foods. I found that if I waited, the little bit of appetite left quickly. The window was often quite short. I also occasionally made myself eat; I told my body that I was in charge, and here’s what we’re going to do. Of course, I was alone when I had those discussions with myself, and I’m smiling as I write, but that’s what I did. As for more bothersome nausea, as mentioned in my communication comments, consult your clinic for medication and recommendations.

CHOOSE your thoughts wisely. This is no time to let doubts and fear dictate your thoughts. You’re going to think about something anyway; it might as well be productive and positive.

Although survivorship seems far away, keep your eye on the top of the mountain. Progress is incremental, painstakingly so, but reach up again and again. This is how you can give yourself the gift of a peaceful conscience–knowing that you dealt with this brutal season in your life with patience and character. It is so important to feel good about yourself and how you navigated the journey.