Starting radiation for lung cancer: Any tips or words of wisdom?

Posted by blue717 @blue717, 3 days ago

I start radiation therapy tomorrow for 1.1 lung adeno. 2 weeks, 3 times a week. I can feel the anxiety starting to set in. Any wise words of wisdom? Any special lotions I should use? Any special care for your Skin? My daughter is coming to the first appointment, and she insists she's going to come to all of them. I don't want her to take the time away from her job. Did anyone drive themselves? Boy, this adultier- adult stuff is hard!

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mamajite | @mamajite | 3 days ago

@blue717 I haven't had radiation, but sending good thoughts your way. for me, not knowing what to expect is the hardest. sometimes cancer centers can help with transportation, if that's something you'll need (good question to ask your team.) your daughter sounds like a gem. ❤️

blue717 | @blue717 | 2 days ago

Yes she is! I don’t need transport. I would rather just drive myself but your thought was a good idea

auntiedi | @auntiedi | 2 days ago

I had 5 consecutive treatments. I was able to drive myself. I switched to dove non-scented soap but I honestly didn't need it as there were no burns or irritations. The only symptom I had was fatigue.

denzie | @denzie | 2 days ago

I had 33 radiation treatment in 2010. It was with concurrent chemo so it caused lots of fatigue. Radiation alone will cause fatigue, try to walk a bit every day to help overcome it. As for my skin I used one of the creams recommended for breast cancer radiation: Alra, Aquaphor, CeraVe, Calendula.

One thing I wish I'd known prior to radiation was eating a tablespoon of honey before and after radiation. Others report it helped ease the esophagitis. Because our immune systems are compromised it's best to use a home that has been pasteurized, unpasteurized honey may contain botulins.

mattieg | @mattieg | 1 day ago

I had 25 radiations in 2020 for a 16mm nodule and a very tiny node. I drove myself to all of them, well, I had to, it was right in the middle of Covid! Due to the location of the nodule, there was a tiny bit of radiation on the esophagus, so I had a sore throat, and just wanted soft food. Yay, ice cream! I didn’t have any skin issues, but if you do, keep the area moisturized, and maybe get an aloe Vera plant and put the gel on it.
Listen to your body, rest as needed, stay hydrated, eat well, exercise as you can (again, listen to your body and doctor).
Don’t fear this, fight it! Stay positive, happy, live your life, keep to your routines as much as possible. You can conquer!

blue717 | @blue717 | 1 day ago

Thank you for your very wonderful words and support.

daisydays | @daisydays | 1 day ago

Good Luck Today @blue717
I’ve not experienced radiation so I’ve got no words of wisdom however I’m sending lots of good thoughts your way, and a reminder to keep breathing.
🤗 Daisy