Radiation prehabilitation?

Options
ChelseaSculler
ChelseaSculler Member Posts: 73
edited May 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I'm not starting radiation for at least a few more weeks, so while I've read all about what to expect and what may help during the process, any tips for preparing in advance? My RO said no, but I find it hard to believe there's nothing, whether that's increasing fluid intake, moisturizing the scar tissue, or keeping up exercise. Thoughts?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Veeder14
    Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
    edited May 2018

    Hi Chelsea Sculler,

    What I did to prepare was purchase a couple of soft cotton tank tops/undershirts to wear along with a couple of soft cotton pull over bras so the material next to my skin would be soft and not irritating. I didn't want to ruin my regular shirts/bras, and thought they might from the lotions and the inks but didn't.

    I waited until my first appointment before purchasing the lotions because the RO would recommend what to get. I first bought Calendula which worked ok, but then bought Miaderm for the second half of the treatments and I'm still using it 3 1/2 weeks after finishing.

    I definitely kept up my exercise routine to be strong as possible. Other than that I was busy making lots of arrangements (for hotel, getting local app'ts done, etc.,) since my treatments were at a hospital 2 hours away and stayed away from home on weekdays.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2018

    Hi Chelsea,

    There's a great thread in the Radiation forum called List of what to do/get/pack to prep for Radiation Therapy that will surely be helpful in getting you prepared!

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mucki1991
    Mucki1991 Member Posts: 294
    edited May 2018

    moisturize a ton before it can't hurt to start with healthy skin. Also Miaderm L can help with the pain that may come towards the end of treatment and after. I made a mixture of vit E, coconut oil and raw shea butter that I used in between the Miaderm.


    Best Wishes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited May 2018

    My advice is to keep up with your post surgical stretching. Radiation will tighten up your scar tissue. Keep it stretched and moving!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited May 2018

    Chelsea I love that you are a planner! You will need extra protein during RADS, so you can also do a grocery run: KIND protein bars, NAKED protein drinks, and making high-protein lunches and dinners in advance are really helpful. I also echo the soft T-shirts and the Calendula cream. Best of luck to you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited May 2018

    Hydration couldn't hurt. I drank over 100 oz. a day all the way through treatment, plusI drank 8 oz of water before and after each radiation treatment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ChelseaSculler
    ChelseaSculler Member Posts: 73
    edited May 2018

    Thank you, all! I've been following all the tips on what to do during radiation, but I did feel like there had to be physical things to do in advance to prepare the body better (thus, prehabilitation). I'm building my exercise back up, picking up my hydration, and reducing my wine/sugar intake (which I should have done anyway!), but haven't been moisturizing. Georgia, the protein is a really good point even in advance, I think—I tend to not get as much as I should so learning how to address that now seems smart.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories