Living With Cancer
Achieving Wellness
Women who have lived through a serious illness often develop a new perspective on life. They may see things differently than they did before they were diagnosed with cancer. Regardless of how cancer may change you, it’s important to continue to pay attention to your physical and mental well-being. Anxiety about cancer returning or recurring is common. But it will decrease as the time passes.
Your doctor and nurse will give you specific tips on maintaining your health. Your doctor will also tell you how often you need check-ups. How often you do will depend on the kind of cancer you’ve been treated for, your age, and your general health.
Health needs of cancer survivors differ from person to person. There are, though, some things all cancer survivors can do to foster good health. These include:
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is recommended for any patient living with cancer. A healthy diet includes foods from the four food groups: fruits and vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy foods. If you have special dietary needs because of your cancer, a registered dietician can teach you how to design a nutritious menu. Eating well keeps your body strong and full of energy. That way, you can do the things you need to do.
- Exercise. The doctor will advise you to exercise or be as active as you can. Some cancer survivors find that walking is a good form of exercise. It also helps them relax. Your health care team can approve exercise plans. They can also suggest plans that might be better suited for you as you regain your strength. If cancer has limited your ability to exercise, your doctor or physical therapist can suggest new ways to exercise.
- Rest. In addition to being active, it’s important to rest. If you feel back to normal physically, you might not want to do everything you did before your diagnosis. Easing back into the life you lived before cancer will make this time of transition easier and less stressful. Get plenty of sleep and pace yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, set short-term goals for yourself. Take one day at a time until you are ready for more.
- Communicate. You should continue to communicate with your health care team. And you should let people help you. Even though your treatments are over, you may still feel emotionally and physically exhausted. Talk about these feelings with your doctor, nurse, or social worker. It will also help to talk about them with your family and friends. You can tap into a network of help through support groups, counselors, clergy, and other spiritual leaders.
Remember that the journey with cancer does not end when the cancer is gone.