5 Helpful Tips for Cancer Patients During Treatment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to educate yourself with the latest information. Taking control of one’s life is supported by thoroughly understanding the disease, treatment, and recovery. This includes taking care of your emotional well-being to maintain positivity, which also impacts health outcomes and survivorship. Here are five tips for cancer patients during treatment:
1. Get the physical and emotional support you need
Cancer treatment can lead to physical side effects including discomfort, nausea, fatigue, or sleep issues. You may also still be suffering from cancer symptoms as well. To deal with these physical issues, you may seek the help of a caregiver who will help with your daily personal needs and household duties.
However, we encourage patients to also get support for emotional needs and the management of their mental health too. Find emotional support through your family, friends, support groups, and therapists. You can foster these emotionally supportive connections by meeting in person or even virtually through video calls.
2. Don’t ignore your nutritional needs
Eating the proper diet and managing nutritional balance gives your body the best possible chance to heal and recover. Consulting with a nutritionist to learn about what foods are beneficial to your needs could prove to be helpful. Fatigue and nausea could make it challenging for you to eat the traditional three main meals. The solution may be to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
3. Find a creative outlet and activities
Hobbies and creative activities can help you on your healing journey, giving you an outlet to take a physical and emotional break. You may also find a hobby you can enjoy and help pass the time during treatment or appointments, such as crocheting or even gaming on a portable console. If you can, consider some low-impact physical activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
4. Sleep well
Getting rest is essential for rejuvenation and recovery. However, you may have sleep issues or a hard time shutting off your mind for the night. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, consider strategies such as muscle relaxation and healing visualization. It also helps to stick to a daily routine so that when bedtime rolls around, your body knows it’s time to rest.
5. Maximize your time with your healthcare providers
There are plenty of resources available for you to self-educate and learn about treatment. However, to make the most informed decisions, you should talk to your healthcare providers. Between visits to your doctor and treatment sessions, you may have questions about your progress or test results. Keep a record of your questions and bring them on your visits with your oncologist; they are the best people to explain your diagnosis, treatment course, and medical care.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about cancer-fighting tips.