| Having radiation treatment is sometimes a part of | | | | helped to do something normal and uncomplicated. |
| having cancer, which can be scary if you are not sure | | | | We always felt better after shopping. What woman |
| what to expect. I have included an excerpt from a | | | | doesn't? In fact, we were trying hard to do normal |
| book I wrote, which is a true life story about the | | | | things. |
| trials and triumphs of living with cancer, which also | | | | We didn't always discuss the day's treatments after |
| gives some tips on what to expect prior to having | | | | leaving the hospital. It was something Val knew she |
| radiation treatment: | | | | had to do and move on with her life. She wasn't |
| "I didn't feel like talking much that day, but I | | | | always down or depressed. She had her good days |
| continued a conversation with her, which was just | | | | and her bad days, but for the most part, she was |
| mainly small talk. | | | | always in a good mood. Our days usually consisted of |
| Some days I was able to talk to people and some | | | | going to the hospital, to the gym, to the mall, visiting |
| days it seemed no one in the waiting room felt like | | | | places like the Science Museum, or simply just |
| talking, including me. However, when we did, we | | | | relaxing. Towards the end of the six weeks we didn't |
| talked about anything from the day's news, which | | | | do much because Val was exhausted from going to |
| was on the television in the waiting room, to which | | | | the hospital every day. |
| countries we came from. No one ever discussed why | | | | The doctors and nurses were helpful, caring, and |
| the persons they were waiting for was having | | | | compassionate. We will never forget the help they |
| treatment. It's funny, because while waiting | | | | gave to Val. It made it much easier for her to cope. |
| sometimes I remember thinking, "Please don't let | | | | It was hard to hold herself together. She fluctuated |
| anyone ask me what Val was having treatment for." | | | | between crying and trying to stay strong. She had |
| It's not something I want to discuss with people I | | | | many sleepless and restless nights." |
| don't know that well. Obviously, the people I talked | | | | ************ |
| with felt the same way. | | | | If you or anyone you know has cancer or any other |
| Before the radiation could begin, the technicians and | | | | type of disease, please see below my personal pearls |
| the radiologist took measurements around Val's | | | | of wisdom for better living, which are my |
| breast where they were radiating. The technician told | | | | suggestions only, and not that of any health |
| her that the pinpoint dots they put on her chest | | | | institution. Prior to starting any medication, diet, or |
| around the right breast were like tattoos, which could | | | | exercise programme, you should consult with your |
| not be removed. Once done, they could then begin | | | | physician beforehand.o First and foremost-Enjoy your |
| the treatment. The machine was similar to a giant | | | | life!o Meditate and Pray.o Eat a well balanced diet-all |
| x-ray. Val had to lie on the table while the machine | | | | the nutrients the body needs.o Drink plenty of |
| was moving in all the relevant angles and beamed the | | | | water.o Exercise-if you can't work out in a gym, try |
| rays onto the marked area. | | | | taking walks.o Get regular physical examinations.o Ask |
| After a couple of weeks of treatment, she was | | | | your doctor as many questions as you'd like, and if |
| exhausted. I felt completely drained. I had been | | | | you don't understand the first time, ask them to |
| spending every day at the hospital. You would have | | | | explain again.o If you think there is something wrong |
| thought I was the one having the treatments. We | | | | with you, make an appointment to see your doctor |
| used to look forward to having Saturdays and | | | | right away.o Find a local support group to help you if |
| Sundays off. Sometimes, we would walk around the | | | | you think you require support. |
| malls after the treatments and, of course, shop. It | | | | All the best! |