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Your Feelings During Radiation Therapy
At some point during radiation therapy, you may feel:
- Anxious
- Depressed
- Afraid
- Angry
- Frustrated
- Helpless
- Alone
It is normal to have these kinds of feelings. Living with cancer
and going through treatment is stressful. You may also feel
fatigue, which can make it harder to cope with these feelings.
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Having cancer and
going through treatment
is stressful.
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How can I cope
with my feelings
during radiation
therapy?
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There are many things you can do to cope with your feelings
during treatment. Here are some things that have worked for
other people:
- Relax and meditate. You might try thinking of yourself in
a favorite place, breathing slowly while paying attention to
each breath, or listening to soothing music. These kinds of
activities can help you feel calmer and less stressed.
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Exercise. Many people find that light exercise (such as
walking, biking, yoga, or water aerobics) helps them feel
better. Talk with your doctor or nurse about types of
exercise that you can do.
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Talk with others. Talk about your feelings with someone
you trust. You may choose a close friend, family member,
chaplain, nurse, social worker, or psychologist. You may
also find it helpful to talk to someone else who is going
through radiation therapy.
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Join a support group. Cancer support groups are
meetings for people with cancer. These groups allow you to
meet others facing the same problems. You will have a
chance to talk about your feelings and listen to other people
talk about theirs. You can learn how others cope with
cancer, radiation therapy, and side effects. Your doctor,
nurse, or social worker can tell you about support groups
near where you live. Some support groups also meet over
the Internet, which can be helpful if you cannot travel or
find a meeting in your area.
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Talk to your doctor or nurse about things that worry or
upset you. You may want to ask about seeing a counselor.
Your doctor may also suggest that you take medicine if you
find it very hard to cope with these feelings.
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Ways to
Learn More
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To learn more about ways to cope with your feelings, read
Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer 1, a book from the
National Cancer Institute. You can get a free copy at
www.cancer.gov/publications or 1-800-4-CANCER.
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service
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CancerCare, Inc.
| Toll-free: |
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1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673) |
| E-mail: |
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info@cancercare.org |
| Online: |
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www.cancercare.org |
| Offers free support, information, financial assistance, and
practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. |
The Wellness Community
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