Before my radiation for breast cancer, I heard horror stories about the treatment. I heard that I might be extremely tired and severely burned and that I might feel generally unwell for the time it would take to completely zap any and all traces of cancer surrounding my breast. But my own radiation wasn't all that bad -- and really, the worst part of the whole therapy for me was the drive to and from the cancer center every day for seven weeks. It was a hassle, a nuisance, a bother. There were other small annoyances throughout the course of my radiation, but they were minimal -- thanks to some secrets that were shared with me along the scorching path of radiation and beyond. And here are seven of them.

Take it easy. Rest. Take naps. Radiation does seem to cause fatigue -- although it is unclear why this happens -- and while my fatigue was not extreme, I did encounter some sluggish moments. My radiation appointments were in the morning and by the time evening snuck up on me, I was often fighting to stay awake. So plan some down time into your days, snuggle up on your couch when you can, and get a good night's sleep.

Soon after radiation begins, skin can become red and irritated and possibly blistery -- and wearing a bra can become uncomfortable. I tried bigger bras -- so they were not so tight against my skin -- and jog bras and athletic shirts with built-in bras and then I settled on a bikini top with ties behind my neck and back. This option allowed me to tighten or loosen the ties as necessary -- and the fabric touching my tender skin was minimal.

Consider purchasing soft, light-weight shirts that only delicately graze the skin to minimize discomfort on sore spots. A local store in my city carries camisole shirts made specifically for women receiving radiation for breast cancer. While they are costly, insurance pays a portion of the cost.

The only three items I was permitted to use on my skin were 100 percent Aloe, Dove soap, and calendula ointment -- this ointment is a homeopathic concoction made from a flower. I bought it at a health food store and used it to soothe and protect my skin. Do not use lotions, powders, deodorants, perfumes, sunscreen -- anything really -- on the affected skin. They can cause further irritation and may interfere with the radiation process. For sun protection, cover all affected skin with clothing and try to avoid any sun exposure. You might try to avoid the heat too -- as it can cause itching and discomfort. Extreme cold may bother your skin too.

If your underarm is in the treatment field, do not shave this area. This may injure the skin or make skin reactions worse -- and it will hurt too. Consider it a treat that you can go without shaving for a while. I sometimes still avoid shaving under my affected arm -- where I still have scars and some numbness which makes shaving a bit uncomfortable.

I was referred for physical therapy during my radiation treatment once I noticed my arm did not stretch and move as well as my other arm. I thought this was due to my lumpectomy that took four lymph nodes and left me with scar tissue. And while this may contribute to the limited movement, I learned from my physical therapist that radiation affects range of motion. So for months, I saw my therapist for massage and for lessons in strengthening and stretching this arm. Now that my physical therapy has concluded, I am working with a personal trainer to make strength training a way of life.

And finally, try to eat small healthy meals during radiation and drink a lot of water too. Some people experience nausuea, loss of appetite, and other eating issues throughout this treatment -- although I did not -- so maintaining a healthy diet is important. Patients are weighed prior to each treatement and in my case, a loss of two pounds or more in one week would have resulted in my referral to a dietician.

My radiation therapy ended one year ago. And while I am left with tiny blue tattoos -- they were used for lining up the machines that zapped me -- and some restricted movement in my arm, I do believe radiation was not overwhelmingly bad. It was okay. It was manageable. And now it's over.