Radiation Treatments: A Real Life Experience of Preparing for and Having Radiation Treatments
Posted: Saturday, September 05, 2009
by Pamela Jones
In the Know Ebook Store
Having radiation treatment is sometimes a part of having cancer, which can be scary if you are not sure what to expect. I have included an excerpt from a book I wrote, which is a true life story about the trials and triumphs of living with cancer, which also gives some tips on what to expect prior to having radiation treatment:
"I didn't feel like talking much that day, but I continued a conversation with her, which was just mainly small talk.
Before the radiation could begin, the technicians and the radiologist took measurements around Val's breast where they were radiating. The technician told her that the pinpoint dots they put on her chest around the right breast were like tattoos, which could not be removed. Once done, they could then begin the treatment. The machine was similar to a giant x-ray. Val had to lie on the table while the machine was moving in all the relevant angles and beamed the rays onto the marked area.
After a couple of weeks of treatment, she was exhausted. I felt completely drained. I had been spending every day at the hospital. You would have thought I was the one having the treatments. We used to look forward to having Saturdays and Sundays off. Sometimes, we would walk around the malls after the treatments and, of course, shop. It helped to do something normal and uncomplicated. We always felt better after shopping. What woman doesn't? In fact, we were trying hard to do normal things.
We didn't always discuss the day's treatments after leaving the hospital. It was something Val knew she had to do and move on with her life. She wasn't always down or depressed. She had her good days and her bad days, but for the most part, she was always in a good mood. Our days usually consisted of going to the hospital, to the gym, to the mall, visiting places like the Science Museum, or simply just relaxing. Towards the end of the six weeks we didn't do much because Val was exhausted from going to the hospital every day.
The doctors and nurses were helpful, caring, and compassionate. We will never forget the help they gave to Val. It made it much easier for her to cope. It was hard to hold herself together. She fluctuated between crying and trying to stay strong. She had many sleepless and restless nights."
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If you or anyone you know has cancer or any other type of disease, please see below my personal pearls of wisdom for better living, which are my suggestions only, and not that of any health institution. Prior to starting any medication, diet, or exercise programme, you should consult with your physician beforehand.
First and foremost-Enjoy your life!
Meditate and Pray.
Eat a well balanced diet-all the nutrients the body needs.
Drink plenty of water.
Exercise-if you can't work out in a gym, try taking walks.
Get regular physical examinations.
Ask your doctor as many questions as you'd like, and if you don't understand the first time, ask them to explain again.
If you think there is something wrong with you, make an appointment to see your doctor right away.
Find a local support group to help you if you think you require support.
All the best!
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