How to Enjoy Summer

Summer is a time to enjoy the sunshine, let loose, and have fun. Having breast cancer should not deter you from experiencing vacations or getting much-needed relaxation time on the beach or elsewhere. Getting too much sun is dangerous for anyone, but those who are going through radiation therapy should take extra precaution. A bathing suit or other clothing should cover the skin, since there is a chance it could already be burned as a result of the treatments. It is recommended to get ten minutes of outdoor light every day, which helps the body process vitamin D. If you are to be outside for more than ten minutes at a time there are a few guidelines to ensure you remain as healthy as possible to fight the cancer.

•  Sun time should be early or late in the day if possible. Wearing a wide brimmed hat and clothing that covers most of the body reduces risk even more.
• Using a 45 SPF sunscreen containing a waterproof formula is the best sunblock to reflect UV rays.
•  Sunscreen should be applied at least thirty full minutes before going outside, because it needs time to absorb to protect the skin. You must reapply sunscreen every time you swim, sweat, or towel off to ensure you receive the full effects.
• If you have a recent scar from surgery, keep the area covered the entire time you are in the sun. Sun can cause the new skin to get darker if left uncovered (Summer Skin Care).

Below are some additional resources on the topic:

Websites:

·      http://www.oncolink.org/experts/article.cfm?id=1611

·      http://copingmag.com/cwc/index.php/feature_article/sit_back_relax_and_enjoy_the_summer

Diagram:

Guide to Sunscreens:

(Epic Vs Toxic: A Teen Sunscreen Guide)

References:

"Coping with Cancer - Today's Feature Story." Coping with Cancer - Today's Feature Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 July 2015.

"Epic Vs Toxic: A Teen Sunscreen Guide - Non Toxic Revolution." Non Toxic Revolution. N.p., 27 July 2015. Web. 30 July 2015.

"Summer Skin Care." Breastcancer.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 July 2015.

"Sun Exposure after Radiation Treatment to the Breast." Sun Exposure after Radiation Treatment to the Breast. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 July 2015.

Staying Calm and Relaxed

Breast cancer can be an extremely stressful and frustrating time for anyone. A build up of stress is not conducive to good health, which in turn is not useful for fighting cancer. One must be sure to keep their health in as good of shape as possible so that they have the strength to withstand treatment procedures. There are a few key steps to help lower stress levels and keep you calm during such a hard time.

1. Set Your Own Intentions

Every day you should wake up and set a daily intention for how you want your day to play out. You can decide how you want to act, interact with others, and react to situations. Once you set your intentions, you must keep them. This can be difficult whilst battling cancer and juggling various obstacles in life. Keeping a journal of positive affirmations, writing messages of support on a mirror, and crafting a collage of images and objects that bring you peace can help keep your intentions throughout the day.

2. Meditate

Meditation is one of the most beneficial practices you can adopt to lower stress levels. Using meditation on a daily basis will clear your mind of all the fears and distractions of breast cancer. Clearing the mind can allow you to truly feel the present moment and focus on the most important thing—living life to the fullest.

3. Make Plans

When you initially receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you most likely have new fears and numerous unanswered questions. Your future becomes uncertain and can bring many unexpected obstacles. While all of these things begin to take over your present life, you do not have to let them take over your future. Planning positive activities that you look forward to and writing them down in a calendar serves as a good reminder that there is still a great deal of good in your life. While cancer is very difficult to deal with, it is important to remember there are still great things ahead.

4. Have a Buddy

Having a strong support system alleviates some of the burden of having breast cancer. When you are having difficult moments reach out to a close friend or family member. Also having someone accompany you at all of your doctors’ appointments can be very reassuring. Do not try to take on the battle by yourself. A great support system can help keep you calm, relaxed, and bring you back to reality (5 Tips to Stay Calm for Breast Cancer Patients).

Below are some additional resources related to the topic above:

Websites:

Waiting for Breast Cancer Results: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-results

Diagrams:

Mindfulness Exercise:

(Silver Threading)

Stress Relief Activities:

       

(Reduce Stress with Your Senses)
          

        
       References:
      "Reduce Stress with Your Senses - Bite Size Wellness." Bite Size Wellness. N.p., 26 June                         2012. Web. 27 July 2015.

      "Silver Threading." Silver Threading. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2015.

      
      "Waiting For Results :: The National Breast Cancer Foundation."                                                               Www.nationalbreastcancer.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2015.
      
      "5 Tips to Stay Calm for Breast Cancer Patients." 5 Tips to Stay Calm for Breast Cancer                        Patients. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2015.

Tips for Family Members of Patients

Breast cancer patients are not the only people who are affected by the diagnosis. Family members and loved ones are also impacted tremendously by the onset of cancer. It is important for them to learn how to cope with the situation, just as much as the patient.

It is natural for people to take some time to process how they are feeling before they can express themselves in a healthy manner. This often leads to family and loved ones bearing the brunt of angry, vented feelings from the patient. Be aware that if you are on the receiving end of this anger, it is not stemming from feelings about you personally; it is just a way for the person to vent without having to openly share what they are going through just yet. It is also normal for you to feel anger and frustration as well; it is all part of the coping process. 

Additionally, family and loved ones might also be dealing with issues evolving from increased responsibilities while attempting to sort out their own emotions. When emotions seem to be getting the best of everyone involved, it is always good to keep the lines of communication open. Simply offering to lend a listening ear could help the patient feel more comfortable and keep tensions to a minimum. Your presence is often the best form of support you can offer to a person who is not yet ready to open up. It is also okay to let the patient know how you are feeling about the whole process, sharing your fears and worries as well. If everyone is honest about his or her thoughts and feelings it allows everyone to work through a very difficult time together (For Spouses, Families, and Friends).

Here are some additional resources on the above mentioned topic:

Websites:
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002813-pdf.pdf

http://bcresourcedirectory.org/directory/09-family_partner_caregiver.htm

Video:
Caregiver Advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onDkmTJgc7s


References:
After Diagnosis: A Guide for Patients and Families. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 1999.               Web.

"Caregiver Advice: Breast Cancer Patient's Psychological Signs to Look out For." YouTube.                        YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 July 2015.

"Family, Partner And Caregiver Issues." Family, Partner And Caregiver Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 04              Aug. 2015.

"For Spouses, Families, and Friends." For Spouses, Families, and Friends. N.p., 26 June 2014.              Web. 21 July 2015.

Day to Day Management

After the initial distress of receiving the diagnosis, it can become quite difficult to keep everything organized once life intervenes. Demands of everyday life and dealing with treatments do not have to be a hassle if you organize and prioritize your time, as well as keep your body in as good shape as possible.

It is imperative to keep on track with treatments in order to keep breast cancer under control. Treatment is a long-term commitment. Initially, you may be required to make frequent hospital or doctor visits. There could even be a need to continue with medications for up to 5 or 10 years to lower the risk of cancer returning. It may seem strenuous; however, you will receive the best results from treatment when you follow your plan completely and on schedule.

During the treatment period, the main focus should stay on getting rid of the cancer. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential to giving your body the energy and nutrients it needs. It is best to create a flexible, healthy eating plan to help work with your body’s changing wants and needs.  A diet filled with a variety of foods, including a great deal of fruits, vegetables, and protein provides a reserve of nutrients that you will need to keep your strength up while being treated for breast cancer.

Exercise is another important component of keeping your body in prime condition during treatment. Proper exercise can actually lower the risk of breast cancer returning once it is cured, as well as help in maintaining a healthy weight, ease treatment side effects, and keep energy levels up. Research has suggested that exercise can decrease nausea during chemotherapy, lower risk of blood clots by improving blood flow to the legs, stimulate digestion and elimination systems, and reduce fatigue triggered by radiation and/or chemotherapy (Day-to-Day Matters).

Listed below are links that provide a deeper understand of the above mentioned topics:

Websites:

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/nutritionforpeoplewithcancer/nutrition-and-physical-activity-during-and-after-cancer-treatment-answers-to-common-questions

http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/breast-cancer-treatment-workout-plan-cancer-recovery

Video:

Claire’s Story – Living with Breast Cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixwetro2xB0

References:

"Day-to-Day Matters." Breastcancer.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2015.

    "How To Exercise When You Have Breast Cancer." Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2015.

    "Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: Answers to Common                          Questions." Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: Answers                 to Common Questions. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Aug. 2015.