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  • Preparing Yourself for Cancer Treatment 
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    Until your treatment actually starts, you won't know exactly what, if any, side effects you may have or how you'll feel. One way to prepare is to think of your treatment as a time for you to concentrate on yourself and on getting well. Here are some other ways to get ready:

    Think Positively
    • Many people have few or no eating-related side effects. Even if you do, they may be mild, and most go away after cancer treatment ends. Also, there are new drugs now that can work well to control side effects.
    • Having a positive attitude, talking out your feelings, becoming well-informed about your cancer and treatment, and planning ways to cope can all help reduce worry and anxiety, make you feel more in control, and help you keep your appetite.
    • Give food a chance. Even if you do have eating problems, you'll have days when eating is a pleasure.

    Eat a Healthy Diet
    • A healthy diet is vital for a person's body to work its best. This is even more important for cancer patients.
    • If you've been eating a healthy diet, you'll go into treatment with reserves to help keep up your strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain your defenses against infection.
    • People who eat well are better able to cope with side effects. You may even be able to handle higher doses of certain treatments. For example, we know that some cancer treatments are actually much more effective if the patient is well-nourished and getting enough calories and protein in his or her diet.
    • Don't be afraid to try new foods. Some things you may never have liked before may taste good to you during treatment.

    Plan Ahead
    • Stock the pantry and freezer with favorite foods so that you won't need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even when you are sick.
    • Keep foods handy that need little or no preparation, for example, pudding, peanut butter, tuna fish, cheese, and eggs.
    • Do some cooking in advance and freeze in meal-sized portions.
    • Talk to friends or family members about helping with shopping and cooking. Or, ask a friend or family member to manage that job for you.
    • Talk to a registered dietitian about your concerns and what you might expect. She or he can give you ideas and help you plan meals. Ask for help in developing a grocery list with foods that might help with potential side effects, such as constipation or nausea. Ask about what has worked for other patients.
  • Treatment Options 
    Medical Oncology
    Oncology is the study of cancer and an oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Certain oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment and finding the right oncology doctor and team is very important when it comes to winning the battle against cancer.

    Hematology
    Hematology is the study of blood. Physicians who specialize in hematology are also known as hematologists. Hematology is a vital part of treating cancer. By analyzing a patients blood a hematologist can tell how a patient is progressing and alter treatments if necessary or make no treatment changes depending on what they find with various blood tests.

    Chemotherapy
    Chemotherapy is a treatment with drugs that kills cancer cells. It can destroy cancer cells, stop cancer cells from spreading, and also slow the growth of cancer cells. You may need treatment every day, every week, or every month. You can discuss the frequency of your treatment with your doctor. The treatment period is followed by a period of rest. This rest period gives your body a chance to build healthy new cells. Each person and treatment is different, so it is not always possible to tell how you will feel. Some people feel well enough to keep their normal schedule at home or at work. Others may feel more tired. Today many side effects can be prevented or controlled. Talk with your doctor to learn what side effects you may have and how to manage them.

  • Questions About Radiation Treatment 
    What is radiation therapy? Answer >>

    Does radiation therapy hurt? Answer >>

    What percentage of cancer patients receive radiation therapy? Answer >>

    How long does a typical treatment take? Answer>>