When you learn you have cancer, you know you need to start treatments. Your level of treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have. You may have been advised that you need chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or some other type of treatment. One thing all cancer patients can do is take some steps to improve their health. Doing some intuitive care for yourself will not only help you feel better but may also make your treatment easier. Here are some things you should consider doing if you receive a cancer diagnosis:
Change Your Diet
One thing all cancer patients should do is eat a healthy diet. There is no one food that has been proven to cure cancer, but many foods can help you feel better. When your nutrition is good, you can retain more of your muscle mass, improve your immune system, and help you feel healthier. The things you eat can help you feel better and have an overall better quality of life. Eating foods rich in vitamins and nutrients will keep you strong and as healthy as possible. If you are not sure what you should eat, ask to speak to a dietician to learn about foods that can specifically help you.
Stay Active
Another way to help yourself feel better is to keep yourself as active as you can. Cancer treatments can often cause your energy to deplete. You may feel tired and very unmotivated to do any sort of exercise. Try to keep your body moving as much as you can. A simple walk can help fight off fatigue. Your mood will improve, and your weight will remain steady. You may even build some extra muscle mass that will only help you as you go through your cancer care journey.
Sleep Well
Sleep is essential to everyone but is especially important for those going through cancer treatments. Proper sleep will help rejuvenate your body and help you feel refreshed. You also need enough sleep to help your immune system. If you find that you are unable to sleep, ask your doctor about some different options that may help you sleep. You may need to take sleeping medication at least temporarily to help you get into a better sleep pattern.
Find a Tribe
More than anything, you need support from friends and loved ones. Cancer is a journey, and you need people around you. You may need physical help around the house if you are not able to do certain tasks. You might need people you can talk to about your journey. Meeting other cancer patients can also help you feel better about your situation. Surround yourself with uplifting and positive people who are willing to help you in any way you need.
To learn more about cancer care, contact a cancer medical center in your area such as South Shore Health.
Share6 February 2023
My name is Katie Langer. For a long time, I was bed ridden and I felt like I had no control over my life. I simply went along with what was instructed by my doctor and I didn't ask questions. It wasn't that my doctor wasn't willing to work with me, but I preferred to simply not think about the illness I was suffering from. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I was suffering from were side effects of my medication and were not normal. After communicating more with my doctor, I was able to alleviate my symptoms. Since then, I've taken an interest in patient-doctor relationships and how to improve them.
