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 well how slowly time passed. But here I am two years later writing for you, and, as I often say and write, I honestly believe you can conquer this mountain!
Choose your thoughts wisely. This is no time to let doubts and fear dictate your thoughts. Be positive every chance you get. Have faith that you’re on the right course and doing all the best things you can for the best possible outcome.
Be attentive to your body but not anxious. Depending on the location of treatment and type of cancer, everyone responds uniquely to treatment. You are the best person to notice something unexpected or out of the ordinary.
Be encouraged to know that most side effects are temporary.
Come prepared with something to focus on during the dispensing of the radiation. I meditated on Scriptures I selected specifically for healing. This helped me to relax without forgetting to hold still.
Expect to be tired to some extent. Most people experience at least some fatigue. Radiation kills healthy and diseased cells. Your body works hard on both counts. Plus, daily treatment trips wear on you. It’s okay to feel a little worn out. I found that short walks helped relieve the stress and wear and tear of ongoing treatment.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. If fatigue interferes with your life to the extent that it unduly disrupts your normal functioning, such as you can’t get out of bed for a full day or more, then let your care team know about it.
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.
Most important: 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 a tough situation. The good news is that prevention is relatively simple – good, old-fashioned water consumed consistently and mindfully.
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.
© Copyright Marianne McDonough 2022
Photo Image: © lzf | Dreamstime.com
