Introduction to Living with Cancer
Achieving Wellness
When you live through a serious illness you are likely to develop a new perspective on life. You may see things differently than you did before you were diagnosed with cancer. But no matter how cancer changes you, you need to pay special attention to your physical and mental well-being. Anxiety about cancer returning or recurring is common. But it will decrease as time passes.
Your doctor and nurse will give you tips on how to maintain your health. Your doctor will also tell you how often you will need check-ups. The frequency will depend on the kind of cancer she you’ve been treated for. It will also depend on your her age and general health.
Your health needs may not be the same as those of other cancer survivors. Needs differ from person to person. There are some things, though, that all cancer survivors can do to foster good health. These include:
- Eat a nutritious diet. Eating a nutritious diet is recommended for any person living with cancer. A healthy diet is one that includes foods from the four food groups. Those groups are fruits and vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy foods. If you have special dietary needs because of your cancer, a registered dietician help. He or she can teach you how to design a nutritious menu. Eating well will keep 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. They also find it’s good for relaxation. Your health care team can approve exercise plans. Or they may suggest ones that are better suited for you as you regain your strength. If cancer limits our ability to exercise, you doctor or physical therapist can suggest new ways to exercise.
- Rest. It’s also important to rest. If you are feeling back to normal physically, you might not want to dive into everything you did before your diagnosis. Easing back into the life you lived before cancer will make your transition easier and less stressful. Be sure to 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 need to continue to communicate with your health care team and 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. And talk about them with your family and friends. There is a network of help available to you. You can find help through support groups, counselors, clergy members, and other spiritual leaders.
Remember that the journey with cancer does not end when the cancer is gone. For more information about quality of life in cancer survivors, click here.
