NAWHO

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting women in the United States. About the only thing more difficult than the cancer, however, is the treatment. Chemotherapy is often used in combating this disease. It is a systemic treatment given through the bloodstream and distributed throughout the entire body.

There are a range of side-effects resulting from chemotherapeutic techniques and many of them vary in terms of severity and quantity depending on the types of medications and even the individual. Because of this, many doctors have decided to consult with individual patients and nurses to come up with a list of things patients should be aware of before starting chemo.

Below are a few things anyone undergoing the treatment should take into account:

1. The importance of exercise. You may not feel motivated to get up and move either before, during or after the treatments, but you have to exercise and move as much as possible. Exercise can help get the blood flowing through your body and it can also promote the production of chemicals called endorphins in your body. Endorphins are important for relaxation and stress relief.

2. You need to simplify your life. If you live with a spouse or family member, then it might be a good idea to start delegating chores to anyone who can help. The last thing you need to be thinking about during the treatments is the small things. Modern medicine still doesn’t understand the extent of the physical impact stress can have on your body, but you don’t need any extra during chemo.

3. Always keep a journal. And always write in that journal – every day. Even if you don’t feel like there is anything worth writing about, write down whatever you are thinking and feeling. Talk about the other patients you met during chemo, describe the dream you had when you fell asleep during treatment, whatever you want. It’s your journal for your thoughts.

4. Don’t go at it alone. If the hospital where you are being treated has the space and will allow it, bring someone with you. Occupy yourself with reading, games, television, conversation and any other activity you can enjoy with this person. Try not to give yourself the opportunity to dwell on your situation or the treatment – give yourself a break.

5. Trust in the treatment and the doctor. Going through chemotherapy can be a discouraging time but you must try to stay positive through the experience. Most of the activities mentioned earlier can help with that. You must also trust the doctor and the treatment. And you must stick with the program no matter how bleak or uncertain things seem. There CAN be more good days than bad days.

Breast cancer is often described by sufferers as a personalized disease, but there are things every woman can do to help make the process and the treatment a little more bearable. And remember that, despite how prevalent breast cancer can be, there are more than 2.5 million survivors in the United States – and the number is growing.