Radiation Treatment
Anonymous
My Story
The one treatment I had feared the most was radiation. I pictured all kinds of negative images: a loud machine, a sterile cold room, rushed preoccupied staff, pain during the treatment, debilitating side effects during treatment that would hinder my ability to work and take care of my family, and long-term side effects.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. The staff greeted me warmly and made me special. My radiation oncologist also eased my mind. She took a lot of time reviewing my treatment options, the risks and benefits of each, as well as the short-term and long-term complications of each treatment and the logistics of daily treatment. She told me it was a lot of new information for me to digest and recommended that I refer to the written materials often and to reputable websites for more information. After hearing the facts, it seemed most what my mind envisioned about radiation had been inaccurate.
Although I was now armed with good and accurate information, I was still very tearful and frightened when I returned for my initial simulation process. To my surprise, it was over in only a few short minutes. The staff worked on a daily radiation schedule that was conducive to my work schedule and childcare issues. They too answered my many questions. It was virtually painless.
My radiation oncologist told me that while the initial daily schedule would seem like a long time, most patients have said, “It flew by.” She even supposed that on my last day of treatment, I might cry because of all the fun I would have with her team. Honestly, I did not believe her. While I respected her experience and knowledge in this area, I just wanted to get it over with and there was no way I would cry when it was over.
Truthfully, I became close to the staff with each passing daily treatment. Many days I would show up in tears because I let my mind get the best of me. I felt overwhelmed knowing I had breast cancer and was having to come in for daily treatment that disrupted my already complicated life. On those days, the staff gently helped me through the process. Some days they would just give me a small hug, squeeze my hand, say a kind word, play my favorite music, give me a warm blanket or ask me about my day and concerns. Two of my therapists were especially comical and made me laugh a lot. I got to the point where I could not wait to hear their daily jokes. I began coming to my treatment expecting laughter. I had very little waiting time and the treatment itself was only a few minutes. The treatment was quiet and I did not feel a thing.
My doctor was right. The time did fly and it wasn’t anything like I thought it would be. In fact, I was surprised that I enjoyed seeing these wonderful people and the dread of daily treatment was gone.
How I Got Through It
I was fortunate to have so many professionals working with me and to be given all the valuable resources that a National Cancer Institute has to offer. I received accurate information and support from the volunteers who are in the clinic, social services, written materials and knowledgeable staff and physicians, as well as a list of reputable websites.
My doctor would often refer to the entire staff and herself as “a team of professionals.” The word team is really an understatement. They were more like the family and friends that I did not have. MD Anderson has a traditional bell ringing ceremony when patients finish radiation treatment. The staff gathered around me as I read a poem, written by a previous patient from years ago.
As I rang that bell I looked around me. Here was “my team,” surrounding me and celebrating the completion of my personalized radiation treatment. My doctor was right. I cried at my last visit. While I would not miss my daily dose of radiation, I would miss my daily dose of all the caring people I met during my treatment. They made an unpleasant daily interruption as nice as it could be.
Action Items
There are many reputable resources available to patients today. Access the resources your cancer clinic has to offer. Ask questions and read the material you are given.[i] Knowledge is powerful when you are feeling so powerless.
I also recommend participation in a local cancer support group. It takes courage but do it. You will meet other women who have been through many of your same issues. They understand you in a way your friends and family will not. I found it life giving to see so many lovely women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer who are living productive healthy lives. There really is nothing like being with someone has walked a similar path and made it to the other side. Ask your staff where to find support and look on line in your community.
Get the facts. I found all of these resources to be my lifeline during my cancer treatment. I hope you will too. Leave a Comment and make a note of some of your thoughts about radiation and supportive resources.
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[i] Instead of Google, I recommend the following reputable resources I was given on my first day: MD Anderson (www.MDAnderson.org); Susan G. Komen® (http://ww5.komen.org); The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org); www.Breastcancer.org; www.Livestrong.org; National Comprehensive Cancer Network (www.NCCN.org) and the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov).