Don’t Give Up Without a Fight: Taking Care of Yourself When You Have Cancer

happy cancer patient

Are you afflicted with cancer? It’s a sad disease that has people, including their families, feeling scared and hopeless. This doesn’t have to be the case, though.

A lot of research studies are being made to further help people stricken with diseases. There is progress, of course. There are even cancer camps for adults where they can take on adventure trips. There are also ways to care for yourself during these trying times:

Have a balanced diet

As many people know, one of the causes of cancer is by consuming food rich in preservatives. You must avoid those at all cost and stick to eating healthy. Choose fruits, lean proteins, whole-grain foods, and vegetables over junk foods.

Healthy food can help you feel better; it can speed up your recovery process and even boost your immune system. Remember: don’t consume raw food. Also, make sure to always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.

It’s also important to always drink water. Water is the safest fluid to drink because it helps your cells function better. You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. For the side effects of cancer treatments, you may need to drink more.

Get moving then rest

cancer patient

The first thing you should do is to consult your doctor before beginning any form of workout. If all is good, then start with a 30-minute a day exercise. You may feel tempted to skip or you may not want to start exercising at all, but you have to try. Exercising elevates the mood and it can keep your body healthy.

After some workout, it’s time to take some rest. Though you need activity, having cancer can make you feel twice as tired at times. You need to rest when you’re feeling weak. Don’t wait to feel weak. Schedule a time for rest because you need it. You can make a schedule of activities which you can follow.

Besides these two, you also must be aware of the side effects of your treatment. This means there are times when you’re restricted to stay on your bed. Know what the side effects are so you can prepare physically and mentally. This puts you in control even if you’re feeling the effects.

Just relax

While it is hard to relax when you have cancer, you still have to find your center in one way or another. Talk to a counselor if everything is too much for you. The last thing you need is more stress. You can also talk to family members and friends. Tell them how you’re feeling and allow them to help you.

On the other hand, you can undergo meditation, tai chi, hypnosis, or aromatherapy. You can also try acupuncture. These are proven stress busters. These can help you relax better from what you’re going through. Getting a massage may also be helpful if you’re feeling pain, both physically and mentally. In addition, music can often do wonders for the troubled soul.

Lastly, know your finances. Cancer is a costly disease. You must have a backup plan or any plan to handle your treatments and other costs that go with it. Try looking for a sponsor or find a financial counselor who can help you. Don’t let cancer cripple you. You are more than your disease.

Don’t let cancer take away your spirit. It may be a scary disease, but you can still fight it. There are treatments and self-care methods you might help you get better. Why not start with these self-help tips as you battle cancer.

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