How many of us have been touched by cancer? In 2020, there were an estimated 1,805,590 people in the United States diagnosed with cancer. You may have known friends or colleagues affected by cancer before becoming a victim yourself.
This increasingly common disease will reshape your life in unthinkable ways. But surprisingly, from the remnants of your former life, you can find a better, more fulfilling way to live. NuEdge Alliance hopes the following guidance will help as you travel uncharted territory.
A cancer diagnosis causes untold emotions in the recipient, not unlike the grief felt when losing a loved one. And, in a sense, you are losing a loved one because no matter what the outcome, the old you will be irrevocably changed. So along with the tests and treatment plans and specialists, you may have to deal with denial, anger, stress and worry and all the feelings that accompany grief. All of these emotions will swirl through you as you try to navigate this new and unknown reality. Self-care is now a critical factor for your well-being. It is a way to recover a measure of control over your life and become an active partner in your treatment.
Becoming an active participant in your recovery means taking control of the factors in your life that impact your overall health. The things you took for granted before your diagnosis are easily overlooked in the maelstrom of appointments and treatments.
Good nutrition is an essential part of healing. Patients have to deal with nausea, sore mouths and strange tastes. Some foods won’t always be palatable, but guidelines for healthy eating, as you progress through treatment, can be found here. If your insurance provides coverage, consider talking to a nutritionist or dietitian to set up an appropriate diet plan so that you get all the nutrients you need right now. For seniors, Medicare Part B will cover visits to a nutritionist, while certain Medicare Advantage plans cover wellness programs.
Sleep is vital and sometimes hard to get. Days spent resting on the couch can make it hard to fall asleep at night. Calming bedtime rituals and sleep promoting essential oils will help you to relax. If you haven’t already, look for ways to make your bedroom more conducive to rest and recovery.
Exercise may be the last thing on your mind, but gentle movements without straining yourself are beneficial and can add to your sense of well-being. Look for ways to add movement throughout your day when it’s possible and when you have the energy. Some gentle stretches like calf raises, neck rolls, and leg stretches can lower stress. To help track your vitals and maybe even get some motivation, consider investing in a fitness tracker or smart watch. Just be sure to get an adjustable band so you can wear your tracker comfortably.
There will be days when the couch becomes your new best friend. This is okay. Don’t let guilt creep in; rest is an essential tool for healing. Embrace it and accept it for all the benefits it brings. During this time, it’s also beneficial to start a diary for this journey, as the practice of keeping a cancer journal will give you an outlet for worry and anxiety and reduce stress.
Other ways to manage your stress are to connect with your spirituality through meditation or prayer. Many people have found that practicing mindfulness through meditation works to increase immune function, relieve stress and increase well-being. Spiritual beliefs are one way cancer patients can find meaning and peace in their journey. Many survivors relate how renewing their spirituality helped them cope and come to terms with their illness.
Standard pain control is accomplished in many ways, but if you experience breakthrough pain, your doctor may feel the need to prescribe an opioid for quick relief. Opioids are safe to use as long as your doctor monitors and adjusts your medication according to your needs. If opioid use isn’t monitored, it can lead to addiction, so make sure you use these medications only as prescribed.
There are interactions that can occur when taking opioids concurrently with other medications. If you are taking medicines such as tranquilizers or antihistamines or use alcohol, talk to your doctor.
For any cancer patient, self-care is a vital element of well-being and a pivotal factor for recovery and healing. Within the limitations of your treatment, find the things that bring you joy and ask for help when you need it. Managing a cancer diagnosis requires you to put yourself first. For some people, this is not so easily done but it is essential. Your health and happiness is fundamental to the healing process.
