Fighting Breast Cancer: The Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
It seems there are various side effects when undergoing radiation therapy,
and for me, the day after my first session,
my lips became chapped and dry.
I thought, 'Huh, I had this happen when I was young,'
but I hadn't experienced it since getting older.
That's what I thought, but
I absolutely hate doing anything troublesome,
so I never, ever wear lip balm.
However, the skin on my lips kept peeling.
When I asked AI about it, it said it was a side effect.
Well, look at that, it really showed up, didn't it? (laughs)
So, when I asked for a way to deal with it,
it said radiation draws out moisture, so applying a moisturizing cream is good.
So, I applied it just as I was told.
Even if it's a hassle, it's better than being chapped.
And sure enough, it makes a big difference.
Oh wow, it's healing, isn't it? (laughs)
Just as I was thinking that, my hair started getting dry and frizzy.
When I look in the mirror, I look like a mountain witch living deep in the woods.
My graying hair is dry and unmanageable,
and if I were holding a kitchen knife and sharpening it on a whetstone,
I'd look exactly like one. (laughs)
Oh no, I'm such an actress.
That's what I thought.
But I can't just leave it like this, can I?
So I asked the doctor during my check-up.
Doctor: 'I'm not sure if it's because of the radiation. (laughs)'
He said with a laugh.
Is that so... what an irresponsible thing to say,
I thought, but he's a very handsome doctor,
and his salt-and-pepper hair suits him well.
Since I have a weakness for good-looking people,
just seeing his honorable face and smile
was enough for me.
So, I'll let it slide. (laughs)
But when I got home and asked AI,
it turns out it's a common occurrence.
The doctor couldn't say it was the radiation because it's not written in the textbooks,
but apparently, it happens quite often.
And the remedy is:
Apply baby oil to your wet hair after shampooing.
Put a very small amount on your hands and work it into the ends of your hair.
Not the scalp, but the ends of the hair, apparently.
But does it actually work if you only put it on the ends?
No, as a problem before that,
when I said I hadn't bought any baby oil,
it said olive oil would work too.
I guess salad oil is a no-go, though. (laughs)
The doctor was more concerned about whether my skin was getting red than about my hair.
If anything, that seems to be the more common symptom.
I didn't have the cream recommended by the hospital,
so I'm using a moisturizing cream called Curel,
and I'm doing just fine.
It was a bit expensive, but the reviews said it was effective for radiation.
It certainly seems to be working so far!