Caring for Yourself with Cancer Begins with a Diagnosis… Over 12 million people discover they have cancer each year. The diagnosis has the power to shake a person to their very core. Those who have known others with cancer have seen firsthand how treatment side effects can be worse than the symptoms. Then there are the various costs — facility fees, treatments, insurance premiums, coinsurance, deductibles, out-of-network care, drugs and lost wages all add up.
Finally, there is the emotional stress of a cancer diagnoses. Realizing your mortality and having to tell family and friends about your illness is incredibly stressful. All of these difficulties and more are why it is so important to practice self-care when you are facing a cancer diagnoses.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is a succinct, little term we use to label any action we do that is beneficial to our overall well-being. It can be boring, for instance, making a dentist appointment, drinking enough water, and brushing your teeth. Self-care can also be enjoyable: bubble baths, massages and spending time with those we love come to mind. However, often self-care refers to the things we have to do for our health even if we don’t feel like it. Sometimes it can even be downright unpleasant or tiresome.
When you are fighting cancer, a lot of the self-care you have to do falls into that third category. Going to treatment, getting enough rest or missing out on social events because you are feeling nauseous. These are all things you will likely have to do even though you don’t want to. However, you do it because these actions contribute to your recovery.
Self-Care for Cancer Recovery
- Slow Down – People often live life at a million miles a minute, but when you are going through cancer treatment, it is important to slow your pace. All the stress and worry your diagnosis instigates isn’t going to get any better if you don’t slow down. Relaxation and healthy stress-management techniques help lower levels of depression and anxiety as well as symptoms related to the cancer and its treatment. Try to manifest serenity in your life and connect with who you are beyond your body.
- Proceed with Caution – People are often prescribed painkillers or opioids to help manage the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. If you are taking these drugs, it’s important to do so carefully and under close supervision provided by your doctor. Addiction is a serious problem that can haunt you for years after your recovery if you don’t work to prevent it.
- Nourish Your Body – Since you are already slowing your life down, go ahead and take the “fast” out of your food, as well. Your body needs clean fuel to run efficiently and fight this thing, so avoid feeding it cheap processed foods that do nothing but provide empty calories. Savor a diet full of nutrient- and antioxidant-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Of course, if your treatment makes you nauseous, it’s better to eat anything — even junk food — than nothing at all. Listen to your body’s cravings and give it what it can handle.
- Be With Those You Love – Nothing makes you appreciate the people in your life more than the threat of losing them. Spending time with loved ones isn’t just enjoyable. The support they provide is essential in your overall recovery process. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for help, either. Cancer is scarier when you go through it alone. Let those you love be there to take you to the doctor, go grocery shopping, pick up your medication, walk your dog — whatever it is you need assistance with!
A cancer diagnoses is frightening. It’s not just the illness; everything that comes along with it can drive anxiety through the roof. That’s why it is so important to care for yourself while going through treatment. Slow down and allow yourself time to heal. Be careful with the medications you are given, and take action to prevent addiction. Nourish yourself with foods that support your recovery, but don’t deny yourself an indulgence if that is what your body wants. Also spend time with those you love. The support you get from friends and family is beneficial to your spiritual and physical health. Finally, be kind and practice self-love in order to care for your body and spirit so you can come out of this better and brighter than you were before.
By Scott Sanders
