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.