Radiation Therapy Mindset: How I Chose Strength During Cancer Treatment

It’s impossible not to notice that I’m the youngest person in the radiation waiting room by a good couple of decades. Some days, that reality weighs on me. It’s a surreal reminder of the situation I’m in. Sometimes, I catch myself feeling sorry for myself, but there are some things that help me get out of that mindset.

I focus on what I can control. I research the best ways to protect my skin and prevent long-term damage. Nutrition, physical activity, I’ve also learned techniques to strengthen my lungs and improve my ability to hold my breath, an essential skill since holding my breath during treatment keeps my heart and lungs out of harm’s way. It’s not just preparation; it’s empowerment.

Before every session, I prepare my mindset. I listen to music or podcasts that shift my focus to gratitude. They remind me of what I have, rather than what I don’t.

When I walk into the treatment facility, I do so with my head up and a smile on my face. I greet as many people as I can with a gentle, knowing smile because I understand how far kindness and connection can go, especially here.

During treatment, I close my eyes and visualise the radiation doing exactly what it’s meant to do: destroying anything in its path that doesn’t belong. I imagine it as a powerful force working for me, not against me.

When the session is over, I thank the nurses. I acknowledge their time, their care, and their role in this process.

And then I leave exactly as I came in: head up, smile on my face, and grateful for the opportunity to be here, getting this treatment.

It’s not easy, but this approach helps me. It’s the same mindset that got me through chemotherapy.

Because here’s what I’ve learned: I can make myself miserable, or I can make myself strong. The amount of effort is the same. So, I choose strength. Every time.