how to be the best me after treatment for breast cancer

by Rogers Rowe Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Exercise. Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery.
Eat a balanced diet. Vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. ...
Maintain a healthy weight. You may have gained or lost weight during treatment. Try to get your weight to a healthy level. ...
Rest well. Sleep problems are more common in people with cancer, even survivors. This can be due to physical changes, side effects of treatment, stress or other reasons.
Reduce stress. As a cancer survivor, you may find that the physical, emotional and social effects have taken a toll on your psyche.

Stop using tobacco. Kick the habit once and for all. Smoking or using chewing tobacco puts you at risk of several types of cancer.

Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. ...

Do what you can. While you may worry that it will take an entire overhaul of your lifestyle to achieve all these goals, do what you can and make changes ...

Full Answer

What do you do after a breast cancer diagnosis?

What’s Next After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis? 1 Accept your feelings. When you first get your diagnosis, you might feel a mix of shock and worry to anger and sadness. You may just feel numb. 2 Get the facts. Knowledge is power. ... 3 Create a support system. You may feel better talking to other people who have cancer. ...

What is the quality of life after breast cancer treatment?

Most people report a good quality of life after they complete breast cancer treatment [ 8-10 ]. However, you may have some late effects of treatment. You may have some long-term side effects or new side effects may occur months or even years after treatment ends.

What follow-up should I expect after breast cancer treatment?

You can call your doctor immediately. Your follow-up schedule can depend on many factors, including the type of breast cancer, how advanced it was when it was found, and how it was (or is being) treated. Doctor visits: If you have finished treatment, your follow-up doctor visits will probably be scheduled for every few months at first.

Can You recover from breast cancer right away?

"Your body has just been through an enormous assault, and recovery is a huge thing. You're not going to just bounce back right away," says oncologist Marisa Weiss, MD, founder of Breastcancer.org and the author of Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

How do I feel better after breast cancer treatment?

Many people feel very tired during their cancer treatment, even after getting sleep. Your treatments go on for a long time without a break, and a deep fatigue can build up. Tip: Get moving. Getting regular exercise during treatment can help you feel better and have more energy.

How do I regain strength after cancer treatment?

With your doctor's approval, start slowly and work your way up. The American Cancer Society recommends adult cancer survivors exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, including strength training at least two days a week. As you recover and adjust, you might find that more exercise makes you feel even better.

Can life return to normal after breast cancer?

You may expect your life to go back to the way it was before, but instead of returning to your old normal, you may have to adjust to a new one. With today's advanced treatment and early detection, breast cancer survivors can live a long and full life after breast cancer treatment.

How long after breast cancer treatment do you feel better?

Most people report a good quality of life after they complete breast cancer treatment [8-10]. However, you may have some late effects of treatment. You may have some long-term side effects or new side effects may occur months or even years after treatment ends.

How do you build muscle after cancer treatment?

Physical Activity and ExerciseActivities that make you breathe harder, such as: Brisk walking (such as power walking or speed walking) Running. Dancing. Swimming. Playing basketball.Strength training exercises that make your muscles stronger, such as: Push-ups. Sit-ups. Squats and lunges. Lifting weights.

What is the best exercise for breast cancer patients?

Cardiovascular exercise, sometimes called “cardio”, is the type of exercise which increases your heart rate, and may cause you to break a sweat. This type of workout is recommended 30 minutes, five times a week (or 150 minutes per week), and includes exercises like walking, running, rowing, bike riding, or swimming.

Can I live 30 years after breast cancer?

Many people survive for years or even decades after getting a breast cancer diagnosis and receiving treatment. Typically, the earlier a doctor diagnoses and treats the condition, the better a person's outlook. Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring a person's health after breast cancer treatment.

Can you be cancer free after breast cancer?

Women who've had breast cancer can still get other cancers. Although most breast cancer survivors don't get cancer again, they are at higher risk for getting some types of cancer. The most common second cancer in breast cancer survivors is another breast cancer. (This is different from the first cancer coming back.)

Can breast cancer be fully cured?

There is no “natural” cure for breast cancer. Medical treatments are necessary to remove, shrink, or slow the growth of tumors. That said, you may use certain complementary therapies and lifestyle changes alongside standard medical treatments to help: control symptoms of breast cancer.

What happens after breast cancer treatment finishes?

Your health care team will continue to check that the cancer has not come back, manage any side effects, and monitor your overall health. This is called follow-up care. Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both.

What is the quality of life for a person with breast cancer?

Breast cancer patients experience physical symptoms and psychosocial distress that adversely affect their quality of life (QOL). QOL generally consists of a number of domains including physical functioning, psychological well-being (such as levels of anxiety and depression), and social support.

Can cancer survivors live a normal life after treatment of cancer?

When treatment ends, you may expect that life will soon return to normal. Or you may see the diagnosis as an opportunity to make changes to your life. Over time, cancer survivors often find a new way of living. This process is commonly called finding a new normal and it may take months or years.

How to help someone with breast cancer?

Regular physical activity has a host of benefits for anyone who’s had breast cancer, from reducing fatigue to helping regain a sense of control. But if you’re recovering from treatment or new to exercise, it’s important to start slowly and build up gradually.

Is it hard to adapt to life after breast cancer?

It can be hard adapting to life after breast cancer. Our free support app, Becca, offers hundreds of hints and tips for anyone moving forward after breast cancer treatment. Inspired by app’s most popular topics, here are 10 tips to help you when treatment comes to an end.

Can hair grow back after chemotherapy?

If your hair has recently regrown, there might be a salon near you that could give styling tips. It can be exciting when your hair starts to grow back after chemotherapy, but many women find that it regrows differently and are unsure how to cut and style it.

Can you feel pain after breast surgery?

If you’re experiencing pain months or even years after surgery, you’re not alone. But options are available to help. For example, long-term pain after breast surgery is often associated with nerve damage.

Can you eat after chemotherapy?

Knowing what to eat during treatment or after treatment can be hard. Treatments like chemotherapy can cause appetite and taste changes - some people gain weight during treatment and struggle to lose it again - and you may have read about special ‘cancer diets’.

Sex and intimacy

Many people experience vaginal dryness and a loss of libido after treatment. Find tips for coping with these, as well as managing changes in your intimate relationships and how you feel about your body.

Breast cancer recurrence

Find information on the signs and symptoms of a breast cancer breast recurrence, and support on managing anxiety or fears of your breast cancer coming back.

Coping with anxiety, stress and depression

Find support on managing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as relationships with family and friends.

Writing about your experience

Writing can be a therapeutic way of expressing your feelings about your breast cancer diagnosis. Find tips on getting started and speak to others who have written about their experience in our writing guide.

Talk to our breast care nurses

If you have a particular concern about breast cancer or just want to talk, our specialist nurses and trained staff are here for you on our free Helpline.

How to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence?

Discuss ways to help lower your risk of breast cancer recurrence, such as maintaining a healthy weight. Check for signs of lymphedema. Check for changes in your family history and refer you to genetic counseling or genetic testing, if appropriate. Provide medical updates that might change your follow-up care.

What tests are needed to check for breast cancer recurrence?

Depending on your signs and symptoms, follow-up tests may include: Blood tests (including tumor marker tests)

What tests are done to check for breast cancer?

Depending on your signs and symptoms, follow-up tests may include: Blood tests (including tumor marker tests) Imaging tests (such as bone scans, CT scans, PET scans and chest X-rays) A tissue biopsy (to check if a suspicious finding is a recurrence of breast cancer) Other tests may also be done.

What to ask for during bone health checkup?

Bone health tests. During follow-up visits, your health care provider will ask you about any symptoms or concerns you may have. These visits are a good time to discuss how you’re doing emotionally. If you feel anxious or depressed, tell your health care provider.

How long after a mammogram do you have to have radiation?

Mammogram (of the remaining breast tissue and/or opposite breast) People treated with lumpectomy plus radiation therapy. 6-12 months after radiation therapy ends, then every year. People treated with mastectomy. 1 year after mammogram that led to diagnosis, then every year.

How to manage health issues?

Monitor your general health, such as checking your blood pressure, cholesterol and risk factors for heart disease. Get other routine health screenings, such as bone density tests and screening for other cancers. Get gynecological care (for women), such as pelvic exams and Pap smears. Manage other medical problems.

Can breast cancer cause bone pain?

These are common problems for many people. Most often, they don’t mean the breast cancer has spread. For example, bone pain may be a sign of arthritis or muscle strain. And, many people have fatigue for a number of reasons.

What does it mean to return to your normal after breast cancer?

Here's how to return to your "new normal.". Life after breast cancer means returning to some familiar things and also making some new choices. The song says "It ain't over 'til it's over," but when you've had breast cancer, you discover that it's not even over when it's over.

How long does breast cancer treatment last?

After a marathon of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment that may last six months to a year, you can hardly wait to get back to a normal life again.

What are the challenges women face after breast cancer treatment?

Two of the biggest hurdles women with breast cancer face post-treatment are fatigue resulting from chemotherapy and/or the accumulated effects of other treatments, and a phenomenon some women have dubbed "chemobrain" -- mental changes such as memory deficits and the inability to focus.

How does breast cancer affect your life?

From your relationships with your family and your spouse to eating habits and exercise, breast cancer will change your life in ways that last well after treatment ends.

Is breast cancer a marathon?

It can feel like an endless process.". Breast cancer survivorship, Weiss observes, is a marathon, not a sprint. That means learning to handle the symptoms that stick around after treatment ends, says Sloan-Kettering's McCabe, by using those adaptive strategies you learned while on chemotherapy or recovering from surgery.

Can breast cancer survivors survive?

Women with breast cancer, like other people with a cancer diagnosis, are now surviving for so much longer, and in such large numbers, that some hospitals are opening entire departments devoted to survivorship The National Cancer Institute has also launched a special research area dedicated to studying what it means to survive cancer. Â.

How does breast cancer affect you?

Whether you are newly diagnosed, are still in active treatment or completed treatment years ago, breast cancer, breast cancer can affect how you feel inside and out. You have to cope with the emotional strain of the diagnosis and the challenges of treatment, as well as the stresses of daily life. Even though your diagnosis may be similar ...

What are the health issues associated with breast cancer?

Mental and physical health. Ability to perform daily roles. Sexual function. Pain, fatigue and other side effects of treatment or symptoms of the breast cancer. Non-health issues (such as financial concerns) are also part of quality of life.

What are the health problems of breast reconstruction?

Changes in the look and feel of the breast after radiation therapy. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after reconstruction. Cognitive function (problems with memory and concentration) Early menopause. Emotional distress and depression.

Does breast cancer affect quality of life?

Positive effects on quality of life. Although breast cancer often has a negative impact on quality of life, it may also trigger a positive change in your outlook [ 16 ]. You may have a stronger sense of spirituality or faith and a more hopeful view that increases pleasure in life [ 17 ].

Can breast cancer cause long term side effects?

How to refer a patient to a breast cancer specialist?

Ask your doctor -- or another doctor you trust -- to refer you to a breast cancer specialist. Bring all your medical records so they can get a complete picture of your health. Call your insurance provider. Ask if they will pay for the second office visit. Many do, but see if there's anything special you have to do.

How to help someone with cancer?

Bring along a friend or family member you trust that can step in if they see you need help to catch up. Create a support system. You may feel better talking to other people who have cancer. They're going through the same things you are and share the same feelings.

How do you feel when you get a cancer diagnosis?

When you first get your diagnosis, you might feel a mix of shock and worry to anger and sadness. You may just feel numb. Just remember that there’s no “right” way to feel. Your emotions can change, sometimes frequently.

What happens if you tell someone about cancer?

If you tell people about your cancer, you give them a chance to help and share their support. Only you know who you feel comfortable telling and when is the right time. Some people may seem uneasy and won't know what to say. But most people will want to comfort you and know how they can help.

What to do when you are recovering from a syphilis?

During your treatment and while you recover, you may need to get help with daily tasks for a little while. Plan for someone to take the kids to school, walk the dog, or go grocery shopping. If you live alone, you may need to move in with someone while you're getting treatment.

Is it normal to have breast cancer in 2021?

Medically Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on February 08, 2021. You recently found out you have breast cancer. That's huge news, and no doubt there's a lot swirling around in your head. That’s normal. But you can take steps to move forward. It will help you feel more in control and ready for what's ahead.

Can breast cancer affect your life?

Many do, but see if there's anything special you have to do. A breast cancer diagnosis will have a big impact on your life. But be proactive now and it will be easier to handle the changes and challenges that may be coming your way. Pagination. 1.

What to do after cancer treatment?

Cancer survivors: Care for your body after treatment. Simple steps can improve your sense of well-being and your quality of life after cancer treatment. Find out what you can do. By Mayo Clinic Staff. After your cancer treatment, as a cancer survivor you're eager to return to good health. But beyond your initial recovery, ...

How to help cancer patients recover faster?

Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery. Cancer survivors who exercise may experience: Adding physical activity to your daily routine doesn't take a lot of extra work. Focus on small steps to make your life more active.

How to prevent cancer from recurring?

Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables. This combination of foods will ensure that you're eating plenty of the vitamins and nutrients you need to help make your body strong. It's not known if a certain diet or certain nutrients can keep cancer from recurring.

Why do people with cancer sleep so much?

Sleep problems are more common in people with cancer, even survivors. This can be due to physical changes, side effects of treatment, stress or other reasons. But getting enough sleep is an important part of your recovery.

How to get over cancer?

How to improve long term health after cancer?

The recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from the recommendations for anyone who wants to improve his or her health: Exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, get good sleep, ...

How to get good sleep?

To optimize your chances at getting good sleep, practice healthy sleep hygiene: Avoid caffeine for at least 8 hours before bedtime. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Avoid computer or television screens for 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Exercise no later than 2 to 3 hours before going to bed.

What type of treatment is used for breast cancer?

Depending on the type of breast cancer, different types of drug treatment might be used, including: Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer. Targeted Drug Therapy for Breast Cancer. Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

Why is communicating with your cancer team important?

Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life. Different types of programs and support services may be helpful, and can be an important part of your care.

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.

Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?

Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?

These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.