Can Optune Be Done by Yourself?

Trying Optune Alone: My Solo Journey Begins

Living with Glioblastoma means facing a range of treatments, fears, and decisions on your own terms. Among those treatments is Optune, a device that delivers Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy directly to the scalp to help slow or stop tumor progression. It’s a breakthrough in brain cancer care, but using Optune comes with some challenges, especially for those who don’t have help. Today, I want to share what it’s like to use Optune without assistance—because not everyone has a caregiver or a spouse nearby.

For context, I’ve never used Optune alone before. My husband, who is incredibly supportive, has always applied it for me. From the moment I was prescribed Optune, he took charge of shaving, cleaning, and applying the arrays. And truthfully, he’s much better at it than I am. His steady hands and patience made the process smoother and less stressful. But this week, I decided to take on the challenge myself—for the first time.

Step-by-Step Prep Before Applying Optune

Preparation is everything. Before I even touched the device, I needed to prepare my scalp. I started by shaving my head, a step that has become surprisingly routine for me. Keeping your head shaved is essential for proper contact and adhesion. I followed that with a hot shower and scrubbed thoroughly with antibacterial soap to remove any residue or oils.

After drying off, I used 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe my scalp clean. It burns a bit, especially if there are any microcuts from shaving, but it's crucial to avoid infections and help the arrays stick. This part is especially important for people using Optune solo because it reduces complications later. Then I applied a light amount of Neosporin Pain Relief Cream—NOT the ointment. The cream absorbs faster and won’t interfere with adhesion. The ointment, on the other hand, is oil-based and slippery, which can cause the Optune arrays to peel off prematurely.

Tools and Tricks I Learned Along the Way

Doing Optune by yourself is very different from having someone help. One thing I quickly realized is that mirrors are essential. I set up a main mirror in front of me and two smaller ones angled behind me. Even with all three mirrors, I struggled to align the arrays perfectly. I recommend using adjustable vanity mirrors or even investing in a mirrored cabinet if you’ll be doing this regularly.

Another game changer? Medical tape. I used generous strips of breathable, skin-friendly medical tape to secure the wires and arrays. Not only does this prevent them from shifting throughout the day, but it also reduced the number of alarm beeps I usually hear. And believe me—those alarms get annoying fast!

For those wondering whether Optune is too complicated to handle alone, let me say this: it’s doable. It’s not ideal, but it is possible. It took me just under an hour, including prep and setup, and I only had to redo one array. Not bad for my first try.

Challenges of Using Optune Solo

While I am proud of the outcome, using Optune solo is not without its difficulties. The process requires dexterity, patience, and the ability to manage frustration. Aligning the arrays exactly as shown in the manual took several attempts. A few of them beeped and needed repositioning, which made me second-guess myself. And yes, I was sweating—not from heat, but from nerves. I didn’t want to mess up and waste a set of arrays.

The biggest issue was reaching the back of my head. That part is tough even with mirrors, and if you're dealing with any joint pain, balance issues, or fatigue from chemotherapy, it might be unsafe. I would absolutely recommend having a friend, nurse, or even a telehealth session with an Optune representative to help guide your first attempt.

Being prepared and understanding the placement grid is key. Thankfully, Optune's official site offers tutorials and guidance, and you can always call their 24/7 tech support for troubleshooting. I cannot stress this enough—have your tech support number handy when trying it alone.

Takeaways and Final Thoughts on Going Solo with Optune

So, is it worth trying Optune on your own? Yes, if you are confident and capable—but be aware of your physical limitations. It may take longer than you expect, and it might be stressful at first, but with practice, it gets easier. I plan on doing it by myself occasionally now that I know I can.

Still, I remain incredibly grateful for my husband’s help. If you have someone in your life who helps with your treatment, never forget to show your appreciation. It’s exhausting being a caregiver, and sometimes we forget how much they carry emotionally and physically. This experience gave me a whole new respect for what he does for me daily. It also deepened my respect for others who don’t have support and are doing everything alone.

More than anything, trying Optune solo reminded me of one simple truth: we are stronger than we think. Sometimes, the best way to prove that to yourself is by taking a leap into something unfamiliar. Whether it’s applying a medical device, advocating for your health, or even sharing your story—it all counts.

If you are considering Optune, or if you’re already using it and wondering if you could manage alone, I encourage you to try at least once. You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Just take it slow, plan ahead, and be kind to yourself through the learning curve.

Official Optune Website
Cancer.org on Medical Devices
Optune Patient Resources

Tags: Optune, Glioblastoma, Brain Cancer, TTFields, Solo Treatment, JohnVsGBM

Disclaimer: This blog shares personal experiences and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.