Cancer Self-Care

Fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole-grain foods give you more strength than junk food can. They can also help you manage treatment side effects, keep your weight up, and lower your risk of infection. A steady dose of good food may even speed up your recovery time. Do your immune system a favor though, and be careful with raw foods. Always wash fruits and veggies, skip the alfalfa sprouts, and stick with pasteurized products. 

When you don’t get enough fluids, your cells struggle to work the way they should. Drinking about eight 8-ounce glasses a day should help keep your body’s minerals in balance. You may need more than that to help fight side effects that can dry you out, like vomiting and diarrhea.

It boosts your mood and builds strength. If you’re new to exercise, check with your doctor before you begin. Start slow, and build up to 30 minutes a day. Regular workouts not only make you feel good, they can also help keep some cancers from coming back.

It’s important to get some activity when you have cancer, but don’t overdo it. Listen to your body. When you feel tired, take a break. Spend your energy wisely. Spread out items on your to-do list over time. Don’t try to tackle them all at once.

When you live with cancer, knowledge is power. Read up on the typical side effects you might expect during and after treatment. That can give you a sense of control over what’s happening with your body. You’ll feel ready for what’s ahead.

Whether it’s family, a good friend, or a trained counselor, talk to someone about what you’re feeling. Opening up can help you manage the wide range of feelings that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Zap your stress. It’s a must. The fewer worries you have, the better your body can battle cancer. Meditation, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, tai chi, and even aromatherapy can dial back tension and help you unwind.

Gentle or deep kneading on sore muscles can help ease pain and stress. Check with your doctor first. Massage isn’t for everyone. Then find a licensed massage therapist who knows how to work with people that have cancer. 

This traditional Chinese treatment dates back thousands of years. A practitioner will stick thin needles into specific spots in your skin. It sounds scary, but it may help ease nausea and even relieve some types of cancer-related pain. Be careful if you’re on blood thinners or have a low blood count.

Got nausea? Certain smells may ease your stomach. You can see someone trained in aromatherapy, drop scent-infused oils into your bath water, or diffuse them into the air in your home. Some massage therapists use scented oils as part of their treatment for a pain/nausea/stress combo relief.

The cost of cancer care can be more than you planned for. Learn as much as you can before you start treatment so you know what to expect. You may want to find a financial counselor or advocate who can help you figure out your options and come up with a plan.

It’s a fact: Music lifts your mood. But did you know it can help with cancer treatment side effects? Trained music therapists can guide you through listening to songs, writing lyrics, playing an instrument, or just listening to help control nausea, vomiting, and pain.

Cancer can really mess with your sleep. Getting good shut-eye plays a huge role in both your physical and emotional health. So if you can’t nod off, you need to do something about it. A doctor can help figure out what’s to blame and suggest some fixes. You might try relaxation techniques, working on your sleep habits, therapy, or even medication.

Shave. Take a bath. Put on some clean, comfy clothes. These simple things can all help you feel more like yourself. Keeping up with your hygiene is an important part of your health. It can help give you a sense of control and lift your spirits.

A cancer support group can ease worry and depression about your diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if you meet online or in person. Getting to know other people who have cancer gives you a safe place to share your stress and helps you feel less alone.