Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

3 Tips For Making Cancer Treatments More Comfortable

by Joann Dunn

When you have cancer, the treatments can be incredibly challenging. Oftentimes, people who are faced with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation must do a lot of waiting and recovering, which is why staying comfortable is key. Here are three tips for staying comfortable during treatment. 

1.    Wear Comfortable Clothes

Avoid the urge to dress to impress when you head in for cancer treatments. Because the treatments themselves can be uncomfortable, try to wear clothing that lets you relax and breathe. Yoga pants, a t-shirt, a hoodie, and some slippers might be perfect for a long day of chemotherapy. 

Consider wearing layers so you can adjust your level of coverage during the procedure. Think about picking up some clothing specifically designed for cancer patients, which could make it easier for nurses to manage IV ports during the treatment. 

2.    Bring Entertainment

Nothing is worse than sitting still for hours, especially when you are already consumed by your own thoughts. To make the treatment process more comfortable, bring along your own entertainment. A cell phone or tablet with some downloaded movies might be perfect, or a great book or puzzle could keep you entertained while you wait for your treatment to finish. 

Oftentimes, cancer patients also find refuge in crafting or creating while they undergo treatment. Needlepoint, drawing, or carving are fun, easy ways to keep focused on something else during an already stressful time. 

3.    Have A Friend Tag Along

If you have someone who is willing to help, ask them to come along with you to your treatment. By having someone to talk to and pass the time with, you can make a big difference in the way your treatment day feels. As an added bonus, friends who accompany you to treatment may be able to watch out for signs that you aren't acting like yourself, helping to spot issues like stroke or other potentially fatal complications. 

Talk with your family and friends about when they could take you to chemotherapy or radiation. Don't be scared to talk with people about offering help on the days you need it. Keep in mind that you may need a ride to or from treatment anyway, so let people help when they volunteer. 

While it can be nerve-wracking to start cancer treatments, doing what you can to stay more comfortable is a great way to transition into better health. Stay in close communication with your medical team before, during, and after treatments, and let them know if you are experiencing anything your doctor hasn't mentioned to watch out for. To learn more about cancer treatments, contact a provider like the Silver Cancer Institute and ask them your questions.


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About Me

Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

During my first pregnancy, I spent a lot of time pushing pillows behind my back trying to find comfort. As the size of the baby grew, so did my discomfort. By the time she was born, I was more than ready to give birth. When I found out I was pregnant again, I was determined that I would not suffer through the same discomforts. I started researching ways to ease the symptoms of pregnancy, including back pain. I created this blog to help other expectant moms find remedies to deal with those symptoms that can be emotionally and physically draining.

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