Insightful tips on how to best prepare and deal with cancer treatments.
So, you have cancer. No one wants this news. You have every right to cry, go numb, scream “Why me,” yell “Life sucks the big one!” All are perfectly normal and cathartic responses.
Once you’ve felt all the ranges of emotions, you’ll still have to deal with treatment of the dreaded C word. Depending on the type and stage of your diagnosis, you might need surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Every step is scary, but you don’t have to be helpless.
While cancer treatment is exhausting, there are sensible, easy steps you can take to help yourself endure it. You must first decide you want to make the best of the worst situation. No doctor can make cancer go away magically, but you can help achieve the best results by doing your part.
Get Healthy BEFORE Treatment
No matter the course of treatment, you can prepare by getting yourself in the best shape possible. This does not mean you should train for a marathon right before surgery, but it does mean following common health advices. You usually have one to two months from the diagnosis to the first treatment. This time is critical. Use it to shape up and to strengthen your mind to fight, fight, fight.
Do not binge
It’s common to reach for comfort foods in times of trouble. And no one will disagree with you that these are trying times. But before you devour a pint of ice cream, remind yourself that the more in-shape and health-conscious you are BEFORE surgery, the easier it will be for your body to recover.
Don’t diet
While some of us overeat, others go into shock and forget how to chew. You must eat sensible, balanced meals to upkeep your stamina. Or, if you were following some fad diet before diagnosis, stop. Just eat what you know is good for you: lots of leafy greens, salads, two servings of protein a day, moderate amount of fruit, nuts, cheese. Stay away from sugar and white flour products. We all know how and what to eat, we just don’t do it all the time. Now is the time.