If you or someone you love is preparing for radiation therapy, you need not look any further. Compiled for you are seven tips to help ready yourself for radiation. While you might consider other ideas listed below, you have seven tips known to work.
1. Ensure Diet Is Correct
Commitment to a proper diet is among the tips you need to consider. Work with your doctor and nutritionist to develop a diet that mitigates the effect of radiation treatments.
You might not have the biggest appetite, but you need to eat. Your body needs those nutrients to heal Foods known to help people like you during radiation treatment come from lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. It would help if you also had plenty of water. You have numerous options.
2. Plan for Recreation
You need rest, but you also need recreation. Even if you do not feel like going outside, you need to make sure that you stimulate your body and your mind. If heading out, you need to not over-exert yourself. And if the time comes where you want to stay inside, you can turn to movies, social media, reading, indoor gardening, and crafts to make your recovery more enjoyable.
3. Divvy Out Housework
If you are the person in your home who ensures housework gets done, make sure you plan for that leadership role. It would help if you took as much time for you as possible. Listen to your body and listen to what your care team suggests.
Create a calendar your entire home can access, so everyone knows about your treatment schedule. Your radiation treatments do not have to disrupt your life at home. You can maintain order.
4. Lock Down Travel Plans
You will need to lock down travel arrangements to and from radiation therapy treatments, and you will need to plan for assistance with errands. Do not be caught off by how your therapy might impact your travel.
Even the shortest distance could not be as enjoyable as it was before your radiation treatments began. Make sure you lock down all of your travel plans well in advance.
5. Smoking Cessation
It is reported that smoking can prolong your recovery time. If you are a regular smoker, you can consider a path to stop smoking today.
All kinds of cessation plans are available for you. You can purchase products like tablets, gums, and sprays. Your physician could prescribe something for you, and you can turn to government and nonprofit support groups.
6. Get Available Help
You might benefit from extra emotional support. Of course, your family and friends are great resources. However, it might be helpful for you to spend time with others dealing with treatment or that already have completed treatment. You can seek out professional help, too.
You might qualify for financial assistance. If you do not qualify for discounted or free services, you can mention support to your pastor, trusted friend, or a loyal family member if money concerns develop.
7. Be Open and Honest
You must be open and honest with anyone involved with your care. You can rule out issues with metal implants you have, and you can also discuss concerns about fertility. Make sure your medical providers have gone through your treatment plan with a fine-tooth comb. You’re never asking too many questions.
If at any time you aren’t feeling well, you must let your support system know. You might ignore opportunities to improve the quality of your care. Your medical providers, family, and friends must know what is working and what is not working for you.