Table of Contents
- What is Phototherapy?
- Research and Decision to Try Phototherapy
- My Phototherapy Experience
- Starting Phototherapy
- Incorporating Phototherapy into My Daily Routine
- Benefits and Observations
- Physical Benefits
- Emotional and Mental Benefits
- Challenges and Adjustments
- Adjusting Treatment Based on Feedback
- Reflecting on the Phototherapy Journey
- Key Takeaways from the Experience
- Advice for Others
- Phototherapy for Cancer Care
- References
Do not index
Do not index
The phototherapy procedure, also known as light therapy, has become a valuable tool in the management of various health conditions, including cancer. This non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of light emit help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In my journey with stage IV rectal cancer, phototherapy has played a critical role in managing pain, reducing inflammation, increasing melatonin, improving my energy levels, and speeding up wound healing.
What is Phototherapy?
Phototherapy helps treat various health conditions through natural or artificial light. It's commonly used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and it has also shown potential benefits in managing cancer symptoms. Different types of phototherapy use various light sources, such as UV, red, and infrared, each targeting different conditions and offering unique benefits. By stimulating cellular processes, phototherapy helps improve overall health and well-being.
It works by exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Apart from skin conditions, phototherapy treat newborn jaundice, a condition where a baby's skin and eyes turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. This condition occurs because newborns often have immature livers that cannot process bilirubin as efficiently.
- Red Light Therapy: Uses red low-level wavelengths to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
- Infrared Light Therapy: Uses infrared light emitted wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin to relieve pain and improve circulation.
- UV Light Therapy: UVB therapy and UVA phototherapy treatment through UV rays are included to slow skin cell growth and treat conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
- Photodynamic Therapy: Uses a combination of light and photosensitizing agents to treat skin cancer and other conditions.
Research and Decision to Try Phototherapy
When I started exploring complementary treatments to manage the side effects of my cancer therapy, phototherapy stood out as a promising option. My research involved consulting medical professionals, reading scientific studies, and joining support groups where other patients shared their experiences with light therapy.
- Motivation: My main motivation was to find a non-invasive way to manage pain and support my body's healing process.
- Sources: I relied on scientific journals, advice from my oncologist, and testimonials from fellow cancer patients who had positive experiences with phototherapy.
- Factors: The factors that led to my decision included the treatment's safety, non-invasive nature, and the potential for pain relief and faster wound healing.
Phototherapy offered a complementary approach to my conventional cancer treatments, providing an additional layer of care that helped me manage my symptoms more effectively.
My Phototherapy Experience
Phototherapy became a vital part of my journey in managing stage IV rectal cancer. It provided substantial physical and emotional benefits, helping me cope better with the challenges of my treatment. Here's a detailed look at my experience with phototherapy.
Starting Phototherapy
When I first considered phototherapy, I wanted to ensure it was safe and beneficial for my condition. The initial steps involved thorough research and consultations.
- Consulting My Oncologist: My first step was discussing phototherapy with my oncologist to understand its compatibility with my ongoing treatments.
- Researching Providers: I looked for certified providers or a treatment center with experience administering phototherapy to cancer patients.
- Initial Consultation: During my initial consultation, the provider explained the types of phototherapy available and recommended a suitable treatment plan for me.
- Understanding Equipment: I learned about the different devices used in phototherapy, such as light panels and handheld devices, and how to use them safely.
- Scheduling Sessions: We established a consistent treatment schedule for my sessions to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
Starting phototherapy was a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. The treatment sessions were straightforward, involving exposure to light while sitting or lying down comfortably. After the first few sessions, I felt a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation, encouraging me to continue.
Incorporating Phototherapy into My Daily Routine
Integrating phototherapy into my daily routine required discipline and consistency. I made it a part of my day-to-day activities to maximize its benefits.
- Setting a Schedule: I allocated specific times each day for my phototherapy sessions, usually in the morning or evening.
- Consistency: Sticking to the same time daily helped me maintain a routine and ensured I didn't miss any sessions.
- Protective Measures: Protective eyewear and following safety guidelines were essential to avoid potential side effects.
- Session Duration: To ensure optimal exposure, each session lasted for a prescribed duration, typically 20 to 30 minutes.
- Monitoring Progress: Keeping a journal to track my symptoms and improvements helped me adjust the treatment as needed.
Incorporating phototherapy into my daily life was smooth once I established a routine. It became a part of my self-care regimen, much like taking medication or following a diet plan.
Benefits and Observations
Phototherapy brought about numerous benefits, both physical and emotional, which remarkably improved my quality of life.
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of repeated treatments were quite evident and profoundly impacted my health.
- Reduced Inflammation: Regular sessions helped decrease inflammation, which reduced pain and swelling.
- Improved Mitochondrial Function: Enhanced mitochondrial function led to better energy production and overall vitality.
- Faster Wound Healing: Post-surgery, the healing process of my wounds was notably quicker.
- Skin Health: My skin appeared healthier and more resilient, a bonus benefit I hadn't anticipated.
- Pain Relief: There was a notable reduction in the pain associated with my cancer and its multiple treatments.
- Relief Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): Chemotherapy-caused numbness in my hands and feet can be reduced by infrared light therapy.
- Help sleep: Sleep and melatonin are crucial for cancer patients. Good sleep quality and stable melatonin secretion are closely related to mental and physical strength and the body's ability to fight cancer. Using infrared light at night can help the body produce melatonin and aid sleep quality.
Studies have shown that exposure to specific wavelengths, like 670 nm red light, can improve mitochondrial function, which is necessary for energy production and cellular repair. This was evident in my experience, as I felt more energetic and noticed faster healing of my surgical wounds.
Emotional and Mental Benefits
Phototherapy also positively influenced my emotional and mental well-being, which was essential during my cancer treatment.
- Improved Mood: Regular light exposure greatly lifted my spirits and improved my overall mood.
- Reduced Anxiety: The therapy helped in reducing anxiety levels, making me feel more relaxed and less stressed.
- Better Sleep: I experienced improved sleep patterns, contributing to better mental health.
- Enhanced Well-being: Overall, there was a noticeable improvement in my sense of well-being and mental clarity.
- Increased Motivation: Feeling better physically and emotionally boosted my motivation to stay active and engaged in my treatment.
These emotional benefits were important, as maintaining a positive outlook significantly impacted my ability to cope with the rigors of cancer treatment.
Challenges and Adjustments
Starting and maintaining phototherapy came with its own challenges, but overcoming them was key to maximizing the benefits.
The beginning of my phototherapy journey was not without hurdles. Finding the right balance and setup was critical.
- Finding Equipment: Locate certified phototherapy devices and ensure they are suitable for home use.
- Understanding Protocols: Learning the correct usage protocols of the phototherapy device to maximize effectiveness and safety.
- Scheduling Conflicts: Adjust my daily schedule to accommodate regular phototherapy sessions.
- Initial Reactions: Dealing with minor side effects like mild skin redness or dryness initially.
- Consistency: Ensuring I attended all sessions was challenging but necessary for effectiveness.
To overcome these challenges, I relied on the guidance of my healthcare providers and support from patient communities. Regular consultations and staying informed about best practices helped me smoothly integrate phototherapy into my treatment plan.
Adjusting Treatment Based on Feedback
Adjusting phototherapy based on my experiences and feedback was essential to optimize its benefits.
- Tracking Symptoms: Keeping a detailed journal of symptoms and improvements helped fine-tune the treatment.
- Modifying Session Lengths: Adjusting the duration of each session based on how my body responded.
- Changing Frequency: Increasing or decreasing the frequency of sessions as needed to find the optimal balance.
- Adjusting Equipment: Tweaking the settings and distance of the light source for better results.
- Consulting Providers: Regularly discuss my progress with healthcare providers to make informed adjustments.
These adjustments were crucial in ensuring that phototherapy was as effective as possible, allowing me to maximize its benefits based on my body's responses.
Reflecting on the Phototherapy Journey
My journey with phototherapy has been enlightening and rewarding. It taught me important lessons about being proactive and exploring all possible avenues for managing cancer.
Key Takeaways from the Experience
Reflecting on my phototherapy journey, I've gained several important lessons and insights. One of the most valuable lessons was understanding the importance of exploring complementary treatments. Phototherapy, as a non-invasive option, provided significant physical and emotional benefits that complemented my conventional treatments. It highlighted the value of being proactive and open to integrating various therapies to manage cancer symptoms effectively.
Phototherapy had a profound impact on my overall cancer journey. It played a crucial role in managing pain and inflammation, which allowed me better to tolerate primary treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, the emotional and mental benefits, such as improved mood and reduced anxiety, made the overall treatment experience more bearable. This holistic approach significantly enhanced my quality of life during one of the most challenging times in my life.
Advice for Others
My advice for anyone considering phototherapy is to be thorough in your research and consult your healthcare provider. It is crucial to understand the different types of phototherapy and how they can benefit your specific condition. Consistency is vital; regular sessions are necessary to see the best results. Joining support groups can also provide valuable insights and emotional support, as hearing from others who have undergone phototherapy can be encouraging and informative.
It is essential to be informed and proactive in exploring new treatments. Stay updated with the latest research and developments in cancer care, and don't hesitate to ask questions or seek second opinions. Phototherapy can offer significant benefits, but it's important to approach it with a well-researched and informed mindset. By actively participating in your treatment and exploring all available options, you can make empowered decisions that significantly improve your quality of life.
Phototherapy for Cancer Care
Phototherapy can offer substantial physical and emotional benefits as a complementary treatment for cancer care. My journey with phototherapy helped me manage pain and inflammation and improved my overall well-being and quality of life. Being proactive and informed about new treatment options will lead you to effective ways to alleviate symptoms and enhance your treatment experience.
If you're considering phototherapy, consult your healthcare provider, stay consistent with your sessions, and join support groups for additional insights and support. Phototherapy may become a valuable part of your cancer care regimen, just as it did for me.
References
- Argenta, P. A., Ballman, K. V., Geller, M. A., Carson, L. F., Ghebre, R., Mullany, S. A., Teoh, D. G., Winterhoff, B. J., Rivard, C. L., & Erickson, B. K. (2017). The effect of photobiomodulation on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Gynecologic oncology, 144(1), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.11.013
- Ishiguro, M., Ikeda, K., & Tomita, K. (2010). Effect of near-infrared light-emitting diodes on nerve regeneration. Journal of orthopaedic science : official journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, 15(2), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-009-1438-4
- Joy, L., Jolien, R., Marithé, C., Stijn, E., Laura, S., Hilde, L., Sandra, B., Wendy, N., Ruth, H., Liesbeth, R., Sylvana, S., Sylvia, H., & Jeroen, M. (2022). The use of photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER trial). Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 30(6), 5509–5517. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-06975-x
- Teng, C., Egger, S., Blinman, P. L., & Vardy, J. L. (2022). Evaluating laser photobiomodulation for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomised phase II trial. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07463-y
Written by
.jpeg?table=block&id=00236ac5-09ff-46c2-9409-55351e5a7d51&cache=v2)
