Has anyone gone through radiation on their own?

How did you do on chemo? The fatigue from chemo should be improving. I felt better and better going through rads. I had a 40 minute drive daily and did fine. Usually people who have had chemo before rads see an improvement in generally feeling better, more energy etc. Your concern is likely to be how will your skin hold up. Unfortunately there is no way to know until it happens. But I am reasonable confident that you will be able to manage on your own, thoug of course some company every now and then would probably be appreciated.

flyjune, the American Cancer Society has a Road to Recovery program to connect volunteer drivers with those who need transportation to treatment appointments. Their site is searchable by zip code. As others have said, you may be just fine driving yourself, but if there are times you'd benefit from someone else driving, it could be worth checking.

• The Mods

Hi flyjune!  Congratulations on getting to this point in your treatment.  I was not alone during radiation, but I would have done just fine.  I started radiation about 1 month after chemo so I was definitely feeling stronger.  I had my treatment every morning and worked every day...I was even able to take a weekend trip for my grandson's first birthday.   My best advice is to drink a lot of water, eat healthy, exercise every day and follow your radiologists instructions about skin care.  You will probably need more sleep too, especially as you near the end of treatment.  Make sure that you ask for help while you are in treatment, if you need it.  My husband was with me all through treatment and has been a great source of comfort.  

Wishing you well, MsP

Hi Racy,

I live far from all family so I actually went through biopsy, surgery and now in rads. all alone. I am fortunate that a woman I know from rowing group volunteered to take me to surgery or else I would have needed to ask a church volunteer or cab and it was very early in morning so that was great of her. She also had dx BC 2 yrs ago so she knew what I was going through. Now she is back to her life and work and family though.

It's lonely going through this and scary but even if family were physically with me, I'd still be worried about the radiation and this condition.

I am on rads #16 today.... out of 25-28 whole breast then need to have add'l boost treatments. I am unsure whether I want to allow full 28 because I got another doc tell me 25 was enough if I have boost also and my Rad Onc doc is not very nice or heloful. He resents my questions I think.

But so far, I have had some fatigue that is manageable so I still work fulltime from home and take care of myself and I made myself start hiking again past 2 weekends which helps my mood. My skin sometimes burns or is achey and a little pink and itchy. But its not over yet....

Wish you the best.

Desalonde

I did rads on my own.  I had offers of help, but no need for it.   DIdn't have a long drive (15-20 minutes), but I always felt fine during the day - just got tired earlier in the evening than usual.    No skin problems at all - just some swelling.   I did 6 weeks total.

I did RADS on my own & took care of my dad who had terminal cancer at the time (he died about a week after my RADS ended). It was had but that was mostly because I was up during the night a lot & trying to manage having someone there for him while I was gone each day. 
I think just about everybody would tell you that RADS is very easily doable on your own. The one thing is that I would make sure to have some things scheduled to do - maybe a yoga class, or something that gets you out of an apartment where you don't know anybody. As far as frozen meals? They are probably not the best healthwise - so while you might want to have a few around just in case, you could also consider using the time to emphasize a diet with lots of veggies and fruits & liquids. That will also help with the fatigue. 

After going through chemo, rads was a total walk in the park. I had no skin issues or fatigue. Just finished two days ago and feel great. I went on my own with no trouble - 30 to 40 min drive each way. not everyone has a hard time with it. You've just got to feel it out as you go.

flyjune I think you sound like you have prepared for this and are ready to tackle it.  I am glad so many people posted how they managed easily so you see it can be done.  I have seen some other posters talk a lot about fatigue and skin issues that really had them down for the count so if your experience is a bit more challenging don't feel there is something "wrong". 

One benefit to being alone- you can eat and sleep when you want to and you don't have to be "up" or positive when your body does not feel like it. Radiation seems to be more of a head game then a body game for many.  The fatigue if it comes seems to come more to the end. 

I think its great you are planning for meals- you may not feel like cooking ( I sure didn't at all but was hungry at least). Living where you are I am sure there are grocery stores that deliver as well as all sorts of take-out to be delivered and a lot of options for that can be healthy. My office has a service in the area that delivers pre-cooked meals- some are vegan, organic chicken etc. very reasonably priced- maybe they have some of that where you will be.  If all else fails- hit the cafeteria at the hospital where you will be having treatment- there should be a salad bar for sure and most serve 3 meals a day with a lot of variety.