how to stay strong through cancer treatment

How to stay strong mentally and physically during cancer treatment

• Take Care of Your Body. It’s important to take good care of your body during your cancer treatment. One of the hardest...
• Visit a Therapist. It’s also important to try to work through your feelings surrounding your cancer. Visiting a...
• Encourage Spirituality. Some people who develop cancer are already...

Full Answer

How to stay positive when you have cancer?

Protecting your skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and avoiding tanning beds. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Keeping a healthy weight. Being physically active. Staying Mentally and Emotionally Healthy During Cancer Treatment Three-time survivor George Hilliard shares his personal prescription for surviving cancer.

How can I stay healthy during chemo treatment?

Ideas to try: Practice relaxation techniques. Share your feelings honestly with family, friends, a spiritual adviser or a counselor. Keep a journal to help organize your thoughts. When faced with a difficult decision, list the pros and cons for each choice. Find a source of spiritual support. Set ...

How do you keep busy when you’re going through cancer?

“I stay positive by realizing that cancer is too big to handle myself. I stay around positive people.” - Pamela1957. via blog.cancersupportcommunity.org. 7. I ride out the storm with someone I love. “When I feel too negative, I reach out to someone who cares about me and that I trust. They listen and validate me and ride out the storm with me.”

How can I lower my risk of getting cancer again?

Nov 19, 2019 · A dietitian can help you eat well and stay as strong as you can, or guide you if you have special dietary needs. Also: don’t eat your favorite foods on the day of your treatment — your mind will tend to associate everything that day with the chemotherapy. Keep your body on a …

How can I stay strong during chemo?

Six ways to stay strong during chemoBoost your nutrition. Eating a healthy diet helps you deal with side effects and fight infections. ... Stay well hydrated. Chemotherapy can be dehydrating. ... Tackle physical changes. ... Avoid germs. ... Keep exercising. ... Get your R&R.Aug 17, 2020

How can a cancer patient overcome weakness?

8 Ways to Cope With Cancer-Related FatigueGet treated for medical conditions or causes that make fatigue worse. Tell your doctor if you're experiencing fatigue. ... Get moving. ... Take time to relax. ... Eat well. ... Practice good sleep habits. ... Engage in mind-body strategies. ... Consider therapy and counseling. ... Get a massage.Jan 8, 2017

How do you survive cancer emotionally?

Here are 7 tips to maintain or improve emotional well-being for cancer patients and caregivers:Talk to someone who is not a family member. ... Continue with daily activities, but modify if necessary. ... Plan ahead. ... Find support that works for you. ... Balance in-person and online support. ... Tap your community. ... Reach out.Sep 11, 2020

How do people cope with cancer treatment?

Let your health care team know what you'd prefer.Keep the lines of communication open. Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. ... Maintain a healthy lifestyle. ... Let friends and family help you. ... Review your goals and priorities. ... Fight stigmas.

How do I get my energy back?

Advancements for Improving Health OutcomesLighten your load. One of the main reasons for fatigue is overwork. ... Exercise. Exercise almost guarantees that you'll sleep more soundly. ... Avoid smoking. ... Restrict your sleep. ... Eat for energy. ... Use caffeine to your advantage. ... Limit alcohol. ... Drink water.

What is the best vitamin for cancer patients?

Vitamin D is one of the most studied supplements for cancer prevention and treatment right now. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E , and beta-carotene contain antioxidants once thought to help prevent cancer.

Why do cancer patients give up?

After treatment, patients may feel they should be doing better than they are, so they try to protect others from how they're really feeling. In some cases, once treatment has ended, friends and family assume that life should instantly return to normal, so they end the support they once offered.Apr 15, 2019

Why do cancer patients push you away?

As Renata has already mentioned, it is common for people who receive a cancer diagnosis to push loved ones away. There are several reasons for this. Initially there is a mixture of shock, anger, denial and fear, especially fear of death. There are a host of other emotions that we can feel at this time too.Jan 21, 2018

How can I be happy after cancer?

Tips: Coping with fear of cancer returningBe informed. ... Express feelings of fear, anger, or sadness. ... Work toward having a positive attitude, which can help you feel better about life now. ... Find ways to help yourself relax.Be as active as you can. ... Control what you can.

What are cancer fighting foods?

"Cancer-fighting foods" The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.

What are the emotional stages of cancer?

The Five Stages of Dealing with a Cancer DiagnosisState 1: Denial. ... Stage 2: Anger. ... Stage 3: Bargaining. ... Stage 4: Sadness and depression. ... Stage 5: Acceptance.Sep 25, 2018

Why does cancer spread after surgery?

Surgery increases tumor cell dissemination, increased circulating tumor cells' survival by enhancing immune evasion, enhanced entrapment at metastatic site and increased invasion and migration capabilities to establish new metastatic foci.Mar 22, 2017

Get The Facts About Your Cancer Diagnosis

Try to obtain as much basic, useful information about your cancer diagnosis as you need in order to make decisions about your care.Write down your...

Keep The Lines of Communication Open

Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if...

Anticipate Possible Physical Changes

Now — after your cancer diagnosis and before you begin treatment — is the best time to plan for changes. Prepare yourself now so that you'll be bet...

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

This can improve your energy level. Choose a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods and get adequate rest in order to help you manage the st...

Let Friends and Family Help You

Often friends and family can run errands, provide transportation, prepare meals and help you with household chores. Learn to accept their help. Acc...

Review Your Goals and Priorities

Determine what's really important in your life. Find time for the activities that are most important to you and give you the most meaning.If needed...

Try to Maintain Your Normal Lifestyle

Maintain your normal lifestyle, but be open to modifying it as necessary. Take one day at a time. It's easy to overlook this simple strategy during...

Consider How Your Diagnosis Will Impact Your Finances

Many unexpected financial burdens can arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis. Your treatment may require time away from work or an extended time a...

Talk to Other People With Cancer

Sometimes it will feel as if people who haven't experienced a cancer diagnosis can't fully understand how you're feeling. It may help to talk to pe...

Develop Your Own Coping Strategy

Just as each person's cancer treatment is individualized, so is the coping strategy. Ideas to try: 1. Practice relaxation techniques. 2. Share your...

How to deal with chemo side effects?

Boost your nutrition. Eating a healthy diet helps you deal with side effects and fight infections. If you experience nausea, lack of appetite, or other eating problems, discuss solutions with your doctor or nurse navigator. Stay well hydrated. Chemotherapy can be dehydrating.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

You are probably aware that chemotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments, and that it may cause side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, swelling, and digestive problems.

How to get rid of a virus?

Avoid bacteria and viruses by washing hands frequently and keeping them away from your face. Also, stay out of crowds and only consume well-washed fresh foods and fully cooked meats. Keep exercising. Physical activity—even as little as three 10-minute walks a day—can improve your appetite and emotional state.

How to get rid of sores in mouth?

Minimize mouth sores by brushing, with a soft toothbrush, after every meal and rinsing your mouth several times a day, but avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol as these may be irritating. Soothe dry skin with body lotion and lip balm. Avoid germs.

How to get rid of cancer?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can improve your energy level. Choose a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods and get adequat e rest in order to help you manage the stress and fatigue of the cancer and its treatment. Exercise and participating in enjoyable activities also may help.

How to communicate with your loved ones after cancer?

Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if people try to protect you from bad news or if you try to put up a strong front. If you and others express emotions honestly, you can all gain strength from each other.

Why is accepting help important?

Accepting help gives those who care about you a sense of making a contribution at a difficult time. Also encourage your family to accept help if it's needed. A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family and adds stress, especially to the primary caregivers.

What to expect after cancer diagnosis?

After your cancer diagnosis, you may feel anxious, afraid or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead.

Can you talk to someone who has cancer?

Sometimes it will feel as if people who haven't experienced a cancer diagnosis can't fully understand how you're feeling. It may help to talk to people who have been in your situation. Other cancer survivors can share their experiences and give you insight into what you can expect during treatment.

How to manage stress during stressful times?

Maintain your normal lifestyle, but be open to modifying it as necessary. Take one day at a time. It's easy to overlook this simple strategy during stressful times. When the future is uncertain, organizing and planning may suddenly seem overwhelming.

Does insurance pay for wigs?

Insurance often helps pay for wigs , prostheses and other adaptive devices. Members of cancer support groups may be particularly helpful in this area and can provide tips that have helped them and others. Also consider how treatment will impact your daily activities.

How to stay positive during cancer treatment?

Discover how to train yourself to see the glass half-full despite a life-changing cancer diagnosis. 1. Surround Yourself with Positive People. When making a concerted effort to stay upbeat and happy through your treatment, ...

What made you happy before cancer treatment?

What made you happy before you started your cancer treatments? From your diagnosis to your doctor’s appointments, you might forget about the life you had before. Take a moment to disconnect from your life with cancer to focus on your actual life instead.

How to write gratitude journal?

In addition to using a gratitude journal, you can also cultivate gratitude on a daily basis by: 1 Thanking someone mentally 2 Writing thank-you notes 3 Counting your blessings 4 Praying 5 Meditating

How many people with cancer experience emotional distress?

According to the National Cancer Institute, one in three people with cancer experience emotional or emotional distress. Learning how to stay positive can make a (you guessed it) positive difference in your treatment.

What is cognitive reframing?

Cognitive reframing allows you to change how you view a certain situation. While the situation can’t change, the way you view it can. Shifting your perspective will help you maintain your positive spirit.

How to stay upbeat during a syringe?

1. Surround Yourself with Positive People. When making a concerted effort to stay upbeat and happy through your treatment, the first step is to create a positive environment for yourself. Start by surrounding yourself with the friends and family members who bring a smile to your face.

How to talk about your feelings?

Focus on the people in your life that have supported you through tough moments in the past. Meanwhile, don’t shy away when it comes to talking about your feelings. Instead, talk it out with those you love. Loved ones can give you the gentle push you need to remain honest with yourself.

What does "admitting down moments" mean?

“Admitting our down moments, our fearful moments, our moments of despair help us keep them in context, they are just that. Moments. You also celebrate the good moments, they help you through the tough stuff. Always keep moving forward.” - kashubian

Who is Deborah Cohan?

The Huffington Post recently wrote a story on a woman, Deborah Cohan, who was facing a double mastectomy. Right before surgery her and her medical team broke out in a dance to Beyonce’s “Get Me Bodied.”. This video is truly inspiration and a great representation of someone choosing to be happy in the face of cancer.

How to help with fatigue from cancer?

Keep your body on a schedule. To help cope with the fatigue common with cancer treatment, keep your sleeping patterns consistent: Get up and go to bed around the same time, even on the weekends. Exercise can help too, she adds, even if it’s just 30 minutes of walking divided into 10-minute segments .

How to get rid of chemo meds?

Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water, and any non-alcoholic non-caffeinated beverages that you like. On the day before, it prepares your body for the dehydrating effects of treatment. On the day after, it helps to flush the chemo meds out of your system. Pack items that will keep you comfortable and busy.

What to bring to a treatment center?

Many treatment centers will allow you to bring your lunch and light snacks. You can bring books or an e-reader, electronic devices, needlework — whatever you like to do.

What to wear for vein surgery?

Wear layers and loose-fitting clothes that are easy to work with if you need to go to the bathroom. If your treatment requires that you use a port, a small device implanted under your skin that allows more direct access to your veins, wear clothing that permits easy access to it. Ask questions.

How to think about the future?

It’s easy to start to think about the future and to start to worry about it. Any serious illness can compel you to start to think about your future and what it might look like. Focusing too much of your energy on the future and not enough of it on the present is dangerous. Many people who start looking to the future become defeatist. They become depressed and angry about their prospects or the possibility of succumbing to the disease. You need to focus on what is happening right now in your life and in your treatment. Take each day at a time and each treatment at a time.

Is cancer a real enemy?

Cancer is a real enemy, but you will often hear cancer survivors personifying cancer. Talking about cancer like a beast that you have to fight and conquer in order to prevail gives you a very real mental image and provides you with something that you can trash talk or bully. It gives voice to your internal hatred of the disease and helps you to remove the disease from your self mentally. While it might not have any scientific basis, thinking of cancer as a tangible enemy that you have to defeat gives you something more concrete to rail against.

Can you give up or soldier onward?

You can choose to give up or you can choose to soldier onward. This is a phenomenon that has been well documented in cancer treatment. Those who choose to succeed are more likely to get to the finish line. It is the same concept that makes the human body do incredible things like run marathons. Endurance is much more of a mental game than a physical one. Even if you feel like you physically cannot go on, you have the ability to mentally rally your strength and keep going.

What is cancer in the medical field?

Cancer is an illness that not only creates complications for one person, but changes the lives of many over the course of the diagnosis, disease, and treatment. If someone you know is going through this, know that your support is valued.

Do cancer patients feel strong?

Cancer patients may not feel strong, and may, in fact, feel the exact opposite. Even if that’s true, it’s important to let them know how strong they truly are. You can also send a gift of a cozy blanket or slippers to provide some comfort as they continue their fight.

What is a caring bridge?

When you’re going through a health journey, you have a lot on your plate. CaringBridge replaces the time-consuming task of sharing your health news over and over. It’s a free, easy to use online journal for sharing health information with your family and friends.

Who said hope is like the sun?

Joseph Campbell. “Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.”. Samuel Smiles. “Cancer cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot conquer the spirit.”. Unknown.