At first, when I agreed to radiation, I didn’t give it much thought, and then I searched the internet and woke up to reality. Radiation is a great ally for beating cancer, but it is also a formidable process. Since then, I’ve been through it twice. What follows here, I hope, will help you get started.
Ask questions! At your first session, your radiation oncologist and physicists will measure and calculate the exact dosage, angles, etc. Ask all the questions you want, whatever will help you feel confident and well-prepared. Do not leave that first planning session with any doubts or concerns. Of course, the technology may seem daunting, but my experience with radiation providers is that they are very detailed and precise. They work hard to cover all the bases and want you to receive the best possible care and experience.
Understand the schedule and the process. Make sure you know what’s coming when and where. My clinic showed me all the ropes ahead of time. Parking was free for radiation patients. There was a special lot for us because we came in daily. When I arrived for my first dose, I felt ready to deal with it.
Don’t be afraid. I know that’s easier said than done, but fear doesn’t help you at all. One thing I learned the second time around in 2019 was that the new machines are incredibly exact, even to the point that if everything isn’t perfectly lined up, they won’t dispense the medication (the beams). That gives us imperfect humans an option to correct our positioning or whatever, if necessary.
Continue your healthy diet and hydrate. Your body has already sustained a lot of stress and needs all the good help it can get.
Radiation is tough on the skin and can actually burn it. But I had very little trouble with my skin. Here’s what I did:
- Your skin needs air. I bought 100% cotton, loosely-fitting tees and tops (I had breast cancer) not only for the comfort next to my skin but also so that my skin could breathe. I didn’t wear bras, similarly for comfort but also I didn’t want anything rubbing against or constricting my skin. The second time I had a double mastectomy before radiation so a bra wasn’t a consideration. Note: of course, they couldn’t repeat radiation on the side that had been treated with radiation the first time.
- Your skin needs protection. My clinic recommended a topical product which I applied a few hours before treatments. It was developed by oncologists, and I thought it was helpful. Of course, no one can promise results, but consider asking your clinic for advice on specific brands. Your skin also needs special care during cleansing. I bought Puma cotton hand towels, the softest I could find. I never rubbed my skin. Just gently patted. I used no soap, but some people recommend a gentle, low-pH cleanser. My skin is sensitive to start with, so I just used clear water.
- Realistically plan for the possibility of dealing with fatigue. A lot of people are tired after radiation treatments. Until you know how you will respond, it’s helpful, if possible, to bring someone with you to drive you home for a while. After a couple of weeks, I felt confident I was all right and could drive myself, especially since treatments are every weekday. Additionally, even though you feel behind at work, if possible, cut yourself some slack during radiation and don’t plan a huge work project.
- Memorize something to occupy your mind during the dispensing. For me, I found that the Scriptures worked best and brought me peace. Otherwise, you’ll be surprised how slowly time can pass. Be proactive and don’t let your mind decide for itself what to do. That’s an open door for fear.
- Keep hope at the forefront of your mind! As I said in 8 Steps, “Hope is your best friend and cancer’s worst nightmare.”
© Copyright Marianne McDonough 2022
Image: © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com
