How To Enjoy The Festive Season While Receiving Radiotherapy
Christmas is a time of togetherness, joy and merriment, as friends, family and loved ones come together to celebrate, share moments and memories and look towards the promise of a new year.
However, this spirit of the season can also be a challenge for people undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other forms of cancer care.
Festive celebrations are often a further disruption to your schedule beyond the radiotherapy sessions, with the inadvertent pressure that can come from family gatherings.
You are not alone at Christmas, and people are here to help with whatever you need. But here are some tips and tricks to help cope with both the practical and emotional complexities of the season.
Why Is Christmas Difficult Whilst Being Treated For Cancer?
For some people undergoing cancer treatment, Christmas is a welcome break from the routine, provides a chance to rest and recover, whilst also celebrating their progress with the people who love them most.
However, at the same time, the very hope and magic that make Christmas what it is can also be more difficult. Whilst some people enjoy the occasion, others may feel more apprehensive about it:
- You might feel a subconscious pressure to avoid talking about negative feelings, anxieties or uncertainties so as not to upset other people.
- You could feel lonely or isolated at a time when healthcare and support tend to operate a more limited emergency service.
- You may be feeling additional fatigue or the effects of symptoms due to a more intense or stressful schedule than usual.
If you feel anything like this, know that it is natural, you are not alone, and with some planning and support, these challenges can be managed to ensure you have an enjoyable Christmas.
How Should You Prepare For Christmas Celebrations?
Preparation is a key part of Christmas, and if you are undergoing cancer treatments, there is an additional set of preparations you will need to make in order to enjoy yourself the most and give yourself the most peace of mind, whether you are hosting guests, going somewhere for the holidays or are taking some time for yourself.
Get Emergency Contact Details
Many clinics will have reduced hours or will close entirely over the festive period, so it is important to know your options.
Your cancer team and particularly your main points of contact within that team will likely talk to you about what to expect during the break, when your next appointment is and what you should do if you feel unwell.
Make sure to prompt them for contact details so you know what to expect ahead of time.
Check Your Prescriptions
If you are taking medications ahead of time or have medical equipment you need to use as part of your treatment, make sure you have enough to get you through the entire festive season. Get in touch with your doctor to make sure you have any prescriptions.
As well as this, ask your cancer team if you need any additional medications to help with symptoms over the holiday, such as nausea or fatigue, and jot down a list of medications you are likely to take.
Let Your Hosts Know Your Needs
If you are seeing family or friends, they will want to do everything they can to make your time more comfortable, so let them know what you need when it comes to dietary requirements, if you need a quiet room to get away or if you need to leave early.
How Can You Manage Symptoms During Christmas Festivities?
Cancer treatment can have better or worse days, and your cancer team will do what they can to ensure you are comfortable leading up to any Christmas gatherings. However, here are some steps you can take to help relieve common symptoms specific to festive parties.
Only Eat What You Feel Comfortable Eating
Let your host know ahead of time if your food needs to be a particular consistency or if you need a smaller portion. Christmas foods are often rich, filling and flavourful, and this can be overpowering if your mouth or stomach is more sensitive.
If you take anti-sickness tablets, check to see if you need to adjust your dosing schedule.
Set Reminders To Take Your Medicines
If you take pain medication, it is possible to be distracted or forget to take it due to the events of the day, so set reminders on your phone to make sure you take the medications you need at the right time.
Cushion Yourself
If you are sensitive to physical contact, putting a cushion on your lap can help soften any young children or pets giving overeager hugs.
Take Rests Whenever You Need Them
Most Christmas parties will have a quiet room or a place where you can escape the noise and the conversations. Let people know whenever you need to take a break, sit down or even have a lie down during the day.
