Radiation Therapy

For those who have not gone through cancer treatments before, many aspects of experience may be unknown. This can mean that new cancer patients feel surprised and caught off guard by the processes and side effects of various cancer treatments, especially in the case of radiation therapy. So what should new radiation therapy patients be aware of to prepare them for their treatment?

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speakers talk about their experiences with radiation therapy to treat their cancer. Together our speakers reveal the less-commonly-discussed aspects and effects of what it is like to undergo radiation therapy for cancer and share their personal stories regarding their treatments. Listen in to hear first-hand experiences regarding the radiation therapy process for cancer, so new patients can learn what to expect from their treatments.

Listen to our guest speakers discuss the cancer treatment experience for patients going through radiation therapy:

Introducing Our Speakers (00:30)

We begin today’s podcast by letting the guest speakers introduce themselves and share a bit about their experiences with cancer and radiation treatments. 

Unknown Aspects of the Radiation Experience (3:19)

Going into radiation therapy for the first time can be scary and nerve-wracking and may involve unexpected experiences and previously unknown aspects. The podcast guests describe some of the aspects of radiation treatments that intimidated them when they began their treatments and break down some of the physical effects and medical processes that they underwent as a part of their radiation and following their treatments.

Symptoms From Radiation (9:18)

People can have various symptoms from radiation treatments, including food sensitivity, hair loss, and even experiencing particular smells. The speakers in this part of the episode discuss the unique symptoms that they went through as a result of their radiation and describe the things they did to cope.

Taking Preventative Measures (14:56)

While radiation cancer treatments can be uncomfortable for patients, our speakers share tips and tricks for taking preventative measures to help them avoid the unfortunate effects of radiation. This includes physical protective actions and suggestions for keeping spirits high.

“Sleeping” Tumors and Radiation Cancer Timelines (16:57)

Treatments during and after radiation are individualized for the patient’s particular needs, with some radiation cancer treatments spanning more extended periods than others and affecting patients of different ages. Listen as our speakers discuss their timelines for their cancer treatments.

Anxiety and After Effects (23:58)

Even after radiation treatments have ended, it is normal for patients to experience some physical and psychological after-effects. Our speakers share their own stories about their radiation-induced effects, including pulmonary fibrosis, hypothyroidism, occasional short-term memory loss, anxiety, and more.

Memory Triggers (29:05)

Sometimes a particular sound, scent, or taste can bring us back to a time in our life when those triggers were present. Our speakers share the reminders they experience in their daily lives that remind them of their time undergoing radiation therapy, like the music they listened to, the smells they experienced, and the tastes they frequented throughout their treatments.

What I Wish I Knew (32:12)

To conclude today’s episode, our podcast guest speakers provide listeners with suggestions and final thoughts. They share what they want listeners to know about the cancer radiation experience and what they wished they knew before their own treatments.