Tips To Help You Get Through Radiation Therapy
If you are about to start a course of radiation therapy, you will want to make sure that you are learning as much as you can in regards to how you can get through this process with as much ease as possible. To help you with this, you will want to take into consideration the following advice.
Make Time For Plenty Of Rest
Being ill can already cause a person to feel extra tired. One of the side effects of radiation therapy is exhaustion. There is a very good chance that you are going to find yourself very tired. It is best if you try not to push yourself too hard. Make time for yourself so you can rest. This might mean scheduling activities and appointments where you can go to bed a little earlier and get up in the morning a little later. If you need to, find someone that can help out around the house so you do not feel as pressured to do too much. You might also find that a few small naps throughout the day can help battle the fatigue that you are going to feel.
Take Care Of Your Skin
External radiation therapy treatments can leave areas of your skin feeling incredible sensitive. You might even feel as though you laid out in the sun for too long and have developed a sunburn. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you are keeping your skin well moisturized. Of course, because of the treatment you are going through and how sensitive your skin is, you will need to make sure that you are consulting with your doctors before using any new soaps, lotions, body washes, perfume, or laundry soap. The last thing you will want to do is to cause your already-sensitive skin to become more irritated.
Handle Your Emotional Needs
While there will be a lot to focus on your physical health, you will also need to pay attention to your emotional needs. You are most likely going to go through a wide range of emotions, and it is vital that you are processing those properly. Turn to your close friends and family for support. If you need additional support, you will want to contact a counselor who specializes in helping those who have gone through the types of treatments you will be going through.
With those three suggestions in mind, you should find that you are a little more prepared to begin your radiation therapy treatment. For additional information and advice, contact a health care clinic like Firelands Regional Medical Center.