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Tolerating radiation well?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008
Question from Carol: I tolerated chemotherapy very well; does this mean I should tolerate the radiation treatment as well, or is that up for grabs?
Answers —Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: Most people tolerate radiation therapy very well and it really has no bearing on how well or not well chemotherapy was tolerated.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: These days, chemotherapy is generally given first, followed by radiation. By the time you get to radiation, many women are dealing with a cumulative or buildup of fatigue because they've been pushing and pushing through all the diagnostic steps, surgery, then multiple cycles of chemotherapy. They might already feel worn down by the time they start radiation.

In this situation, adding the demands of daily radiation can feel burdensome. It's important to keep well rested during your treatment. Don't expect too much of yourself. Hang out with people that make you feel good and give you energy. Leave the housekeeping to somebody else, or let the dust build up, and order out some good food rather than do all the shopping and cooking every day of the week.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy Updates. Lydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.Lydia Komarnicky, M.D. is a Philadelphia-trained physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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