Cancer can be so challenging more so during the therapy sessions. Most people dread their next visit to the therapist for radiation therapy.
You don’t need to be scared anymore. As much as it is challenging to deal with cancer, you can always find tactics to prepare yourself for radiation therapy. This would usually happen after a number of chemo therapy sessions – make sure you don’t isolate from the support of your friends and family (they may treat you with a chemo care package and loads of smiles during this difficult time). Here is the ultimate guide to preparing yourself for radiation therapy.
Consultation
If you have a therapist, the first thing that you need to do way before you go in for your radiation therapy is to visit them for consultation purposes. Your therapist will inform you about the possible side effects so that they don’t come as a surprise to you. For side effects like redness of the skin, your therapist will advise you early enough on the skincare products that you can use so that you can avoid such scenarios. Therapists like private radiation therapy Singapore usually offer consultation for any willing client as a mode of preparation for what is ahead for you. Always go into detail about other possible long term side effects that might come up from the therapy and how you can deal with them later on.
Cut down on the amount of work you have both at work and home
Radiation therapy often has an effect on fatigue. You could be hoping to continue with all your other tasks both in business and at home during the therapy sessions but after therapy things change for the worse. Be ready for the low days where you will deal with fatigue, and most things will remain undone at work and home. If you have colleagues, delegate some of the urgent tasks that need to be done. While at home you can ensure that you have a caregiver to help handle important stuff in your life. This way you won’t have a lot to think about during and after the therapy session.
Seek help
Family and friends play a big role when it comes to helping out when you are sick. At times you don’t need to pay people to do your laundry or go grocery shopping on your behalf. Friends and family that you trust and have a close relationship with can always come through for you. If you have a sibling that will be willing to move in with you for a few days to help after the therapy, well and good. This extension of help can be the ultimate guide you need so that you can recover well from the therapy before you resume your normal life.
Eat well
If you’re planning on a weight loss, the duration towards radiotherapy should not be the time to start dieting. The time after radiotherapy is filled with lots of fatigue therefore your body will need energy to keep moving forward. Before you go in for your radiation therapy, it is important that you stock up meals that can last you longer. This is a good step to take more so if you know you won’t be having so much help around.
Stock up on comfortable clothes
Skin redness and rashes usually occur as a result of radiation therapy. Therefore having enough comfortable clothes will help you to avoid scenarios of dealing with skin tightness. Large t-shirts and tops can be a good fit during such times.
Take care of your mental health
Diseases are like a phase that people go through and you are not exceptional. Learn to accept situations and think about a bright future. Embrace yourself and know that after radiation therapy is done you will rise victorious. Also avoid troubling yourself too much with undone things in your life. Deal with only that which you can handle.
More Resources
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